Levaquin and Cipro: What to Do if You Are Taking, or Have Taken, the Medication
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website says it is important to remember that the risk for injury is not necessarily gone when dangerous drug Levaquin or Cipro use is discontinued. Cases have been reported in which tendon problems occurred up to several months after individuals have stopped taking the medications.
Levaquin and Cipro are drugs prescribed by doctors to treat serious bacterial infections. Both medications just received a “black box” warning by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for issues of product liability. Although it is an FDA term, the “black box” warning is the strongest warning the FDA can give a drug short of an all out recall.
Both medications fall into a group of drugs known as quinolones that fight infections by targeting the infected area and eliminating or limiting the amount of bacteria present. By doing so the drugs assists the body in fighting off the infection. Levaquin is a third generation quinolone, which means that its antibacterial spectrum is wider than that of Cipro, yet both have been linked to tendon damage and ruptures with injuries particularly focusing on the Achilles tendon, the biceps, the rotator cuff (shoulder), as well as the hand and thumb.
If you are currently taking, or have taken, one of these drugs and experience pain, swelling, or the inflammation of a tendon or tendon rupture, immediately discontinue use of the medication and contact your health care professional right away. Then contact the top St. Louis personal injury lawyers at Page Cagle for a free consultation by calling 314.322.8515 or 1.800.500.4658.
