Cipro and Levaquin tendon ruptures continue to cause problems

Popular antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones, which include Cipro and Levaquin, have been associated with a potential increased risk of ruptured tendons. Although this risk has been known for some time, manufacturers of these antibiotics provide inadequate warnings to doctors and consumers. As a result, users continue to experience Cipro and Levaquin tendon ruptures because they are not aware that they should be concerned about development of tendon pain or inflammation.

>>PRIOR POST (1/7/08): Cipro and Levaquin lawsuit filed by consumer group
regarding risk of tendon ruptures

Fluoroquinolones are a class of antibiotics which are used to prevent bacteria from reproducing in the body, which could cause infection. Levaquin (levofloxacin) and Cipro (ciprofloxacin) are two of the more popular drugs in this class of antibiotics, but others which could also be associated with the risk of tendon damage include Tequin (gatifloxacin), Penetrex (enoxacin), Factive (gemifloxacin), Maxaquin (lomefloxacin), Avelox (moxifloxacin), Noroxin (norfloxacin), Floxin (Ofloxacin) and Trovan (trovafloxacin).

For over a decade, manufacturers of these antibiotics have received reports of people suffering inflamed or ruptured tendons, particularly in the shoulder, hand and Achilles tendon. The tendon problems have occured within a few days of taking the antibiotic or months after the course of therapy is finished.

Tendon ruptures are a serious and debilitating injury which can require extensive therapy, weeks of casting and possible surgery. An achilles tendon rupture is a complete tear of the tendon which connects the calf muscle and the heel of the foot. A tear of this tendon could cause the heel to lose stability, impairing a person’s ability to walk, run, jump or perform any activities which involve use of the foot.

Last month the consumer advocacy group, Public Citizen, filed a Cipro and Levaquin lawsuit against the FDA asking the court to require the drug regulators to act on a petition they filed over a year ago.  Although the current warning label does mention the risk of tendon damage, Public Citizen believes that stronger warnings should be added to the label and that a seperate information guide should be provided to those taking the drug so that they will know that the first signs of tendon problems should be reported to their doctors.

Education about the possible risks of Cipro and Levaquin tendon ruptures could help prevent inflamed tendons from actually rupturing. The adverse effects of the antibiotics could be compounded with prolonged exposure to the drugs, and if early symptoms of tendon problems are reported, a doctor may switch their patient to a different type of antibiotic.

CIPRO AND LEVAQUIN TENDON RUPTURE LAWSUITS

The lawyers at Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. are reviewing the potential for Cipro and Levaquin lawsuits on behalf of users of fluoroquinolone antibiotics who have suffered a ruptured tendon or permanent tendon damage. If you, a friend or family member have experienced tendon problems after using an antibiotic, request a free consultation.

11 Responses to:

“Cipro and Levaquin tendon ruptures continue to cause problems”

  1. Boyd Says:

    I have been taking Cipro every 8 weeks routinely as a preventative for respiratory infections. I have experienced pain in my Achilles tendon. At one point it hurt walking but now it just bothers me at night.

  2. Cipro and Levaquin Ruptured Tendons - Cipro and Levaquin Lawsuits | Legal News & Updates Blog - Saiontz, Kirk & Miles Says:

    [...] There have been hundreds of reports received by the FDA and the makers of Cipro and Levaquin involving ruptured tendons associated with use of the antibiotics. However, individuals who are prescribed the medications are still not being properly informed about the risk of Cipro and Levaquin ruptured tendons. [...]

  3. Chantale Perron Says:

    I cant possibly believe the way i was treated just now, as i called the pharmacist. I am a 35 y.o woman with a urinary infection. I have been given Cipro, 250 mgs twice a day. Since the second day i experience a fair pain in both ankles, tendons, and right arm and shoulder. I just gave a call to the pharmacist who said there was nothing to worry about.

    I suffer from the restless leg syndrome. I told my doctor about this. My legs are twitching all night already. Now i am in severe pain, and both doctor and pharmacist said this thing about Achile tendon’s rupture is NOT TRUE.
    Why was i not properly warned about this? I just wanted to heal from my infection and i am rarely sick.

    My family already lost a child, a baby, due to a medical mistake. We won our lawsuit, it’s been all over the newspaper here. But damn i still can’t believe the stupidity of the doctors AND pharmacists who keep prescribing these drugs without giving any proper warning and EVEN telling me that there’s nothing to worry about.

  4. Diane Says:

    After some blood tests, I was called and told that I might have a
    Urinary Tract Infection and should start a prescription of Ciprofloxacn Tab 250MG. 1 tablet by mouth, twice daily. I did receive a 2 page Patient Education sheet with this. About a week
    into the 10 day (20 pills) prescrip. I started noticing more pain in my wrists and hands. I had been told when taking antibiodics…, be
    sure to finish your prescriptions! I came upon this notice while on the Mayo Clinic Website.

  5. JoAnn Says:

    I took cipro and similar antibiotics throughout my 20’s and 30’s for chronic sinus infections and 2 bouts of pheumonia and bronchial infections. For years I have wondered why my muscles and tendons became painful with any type of activity and they never seemed to heal.

  6. MONICA Says:

    IN THE WINTER OF 2001 I WAS PUT OF LEVAQUIN
    ON FEBUARY 2 OF 2002 I HAD A SEVERE REACTION TO THE ANTIBIOTIC THAT CAUSED ME TO BE BED RIDDEN FOR NEARLY 4 MONTHS
    DURING MY WEB RESEARCH I FOUND OUT THAT WHEN MIXED WITH PAIN MEDS SUCH AS IBUPROPEN OR MOTRIN IT CAN CAUSE STROKES &/OR SEIZURES AND OTHER NUEROLIGICAL DAMAGE. I LOST MY HOME AND HAD TO RELOCATE MYSELF AND MY FOUR CHILDREN AS A RESULT. IT WAS THE WORST TIME IN MY LIFE ! I STILL HAVE VERTICO TODAY AND SUFFER TERRIBLE LEG CRAMPS FOOT TENDINITIS AND OTHER COMPLICATIONS ALL BECAUSE THE MAKERS OF LEVAQUIN HAVE THE NERVE TO PUT THIS POISON OUT ON THE SHELVES

    I ALSO HAVE A SISTER WHO JUST THIS SPRING HAD A BAD REACTION TO CIPROFLOXIN THAT HAS CAUSED HER TO BE SO BADLY DIBILATATED THAT SHE CAN HARDLY TALK , THE CIPRO ATTACKED HER CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM…SHE TOO WAS ON IBIPROFEN FOR HEADACHES AND WHILE BEING ON THE CIPRO THE COMBINATION CAUSED HER TO HAVE EITHER A STROKE OR SEIZURE IN HER SLEEP.IT’S TERRIBLE !!!

  7. Guina Says:

    I had surgery in April 2008 for a tendon tear in the elbow. The doctor says I definitely had golfer’s elbow. Before the tear occured in December of 2007, I had taken levaquin about 2 weeks earlier.

  8. KB Says:

    I took Cipro for the first time last summer for a recurrent UTI. About the same time, I began suffering tedonitis/plantar fasciitis in my left foot, and a year later, it hasn’t cleared up. I can’t help but wonder if the two aren’t related now. I’m overweight but I’ve never had any sort of tendon injury in that foot that didn’t clear up in due time.

  9. Debbie Says:

    I went to doctor for suspected U.T.I., was given Cipro and told to come back in 10 days. 2 days later I called to say I thought I might be having an adverse reaction.They told me to keep taking them. My leg swelled and was severely painfull That was the beginning of this year long nightmare. I just had surgery again for this and am back on crutches.

  10. Rose M A Says:

    I am 52 yrs I have been on both Levaquin and Cipro for over 2 yrs with a UTI very often. I have experienced cronic pain in my knees and fingers, and I continue to get these UTIs.

  11. Barbara Says:

    Taking Levaquin, only 5 pills in about 4 days, left my knees in constant pain, since the end of March ‘08. Over-the-counter pain pills do no good. It is very hard to bend my knees to sit or to stand back up. Lying down doesn’t help, either. Even though the pain is constant, at times it is more severe. Getting a good night’s sleep is impossible. At times it feels as if I’ve been shot in both knees! They feel as if they belong on a 100 yr. old, & I’m only 59! I’m scheduled to go to a pain center, so I’ll see what they can do for me. Very interesting!

Leave a Reply

  1. (required)
  2. (valid email required)
  3. I authorize the above comments to be posted on this page?
  1. If you wish to have an attorney review your comments and contact you to review a potential case, please provide additional contact information.
    The information below will not be published and will be kept 100% confidential.
 

cforms contact form by delicious:days

Additional Information and Lawsuit Resources

MRI Lawsuit
MRI Contrast Lawsuits

Gadolinium contrast used during MRI and MRA could cause Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) among those with kidney problems.

More MRI Lawsuit Info

Chantix Lawsuits
Chantix Suicide Problems

Anti-smoking drug Chantix side effects could increase the risk of suicide or suicidal thoughts which the manufacturer failed to adequately warn about.

More Chantrix Lawsuit Info

Yamaha Rhino Rollover Lawsuits
Yamaha Rhino Rollovers

The Yamaha Rhino is prone to rollover due to design defects. Lack of safety features and proper warnings have resulted in serious fractures and crush injuries for many riders.

More Yamaha Rhino Lawsuit Info

Shoulder Surgery Pump
Shoulder Pain Pump Lawsuits

Infusion pain pumps used following arthroscopic shoulder surgery have been linked to painful and debilitating cartilage loss.

More PAGCL Info