Antibiotic Nerve Problems from Levaquin, Cipro or Avelox May Result in Permanent Pain, Injury

Austin Kirk

By Austin Kirk
Posted October 29, 2014

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Although studies have found that side effects of a popular class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones may cause peripheral neuropathy, many individuals remain unaware that long-lasting pain and nerve problems they suffer may have been caused by use of Levaquin, Cipro or Avelox, since inadequate warnings were provided by the drug makers.

The product liability lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential nerve damage lawsuits against the makers of Levaquin, Cipro and Avelox as a result of their decision to withhold important information about the risk of painful and permanent problems that may be caused by the widely overused class of antibiotics.

Initial information and warnings provided by drug makers misleadingly suggested that peripheral neuropathy was a rare antibiotic side effect and falsely suggested that the nerve problems will resolve when the medication is no longer used. However, many former users of Levaquin, Cirpor and Avelox continue to suffer problems from the nerve damage years after their last use of the antibiotics.

Types of Nerve Problems from Antibiotics

Peripheral neuropathy is a serious form of nerve damage that attacks the peripheral nervous system. Most treatments are aimed at managing the symptoms of the nerve problems, and many individuals may suffer from the issues for the rest of their lives.

Three different types of nerve problems may be caused by peripheral neuropathy from Levaquin, Cipro and Avelox, including the sensory nerve problems, motor function problems, and the autonomic nerve issues.

Injury Lawyers

Antibiotic Nerve Damage Lawyers

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk are investigating potential lawsuits for individuals who have suffered nerve problems following use of Levaquin, Cipro, Avelox or another antibiotic that is part of a class of medications known as fluoroquinolones.

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Sensory nerve problems appear to be one of the most frequently reported, or at least most quickly noticed, symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Damage to those nerves can result in long-term numbness to limbs, as well as regular and debilitating nerve pain, tingling and burning sensations.

Long-term sensory nerve damage numbness poses a risk of other problems as well, because the reduced feeling may prevent individuals from recognizing injuries suffered to their feet, legs or other limbs. This may result in delayed treatment, infections and other complications.

Motor nerve problems from peripheral neuropathy can also result in long-term health risks and damage the overall quality of life. The motor nerves affect movement and muscle control, impacting nearly all aspects of an individuals life.

When the motor nerves are damaged, this can lead to permanent loss of fine motor skills, increasing the risk of falls and leading to difficulty with many everyday tasks, such as writing or continuing to work.

Falling is of a particular problem associated with motor nerve damage. When combined with sensory nerve problems, individuals may not immediately recognize potentially serious injuries suffered during a fall.

Autonomic nerve problems may also effect former users of Levaquin, Cipro, Avelox or other fluoroquinolones, affecting involuntary functions and fooling the body into feeling things or responding to things that are not actually happening.

One of the more common long-term side effects of peripheral neuropathy autonomic nerve damage is a feeling of fullness even when the person has only eaten a small amount of food. This often leads to significant and potentially unhealthy weight loss. This side effect can be compounded by motor nerve damage that affects the ability to swallow, further reducing the victim’s desire to eat and increasing weight loss.

Levaquin, Cipro and Avelox Nerve Damage Lawsuits

If proper warnings and information had been provided for consumers and the medical community about the risk of nerve problems from Levaquin, Cipro and Avelox, many individuals may have been able to avoid painful and debilitating injury by switching to a different antibiotic at the first sign of peripheral neuropathy.

It was not until August 2013 that the FDA required the drug makers to update warning labels about the risk of nerve problems (PDF), providing information for the first time about the fact that symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may surface at any time following treatment and could last for months or even years.

Although the medications have been on the market for years, the pharmaceutical companies turned a blind eye to these problems, ignoring evidence about the risk of permanent nerve damage.

An independent study published in the medical journal Neurology in August 2014 found evidence that use of Levaquin, Cipro, Avelox and other oral fluoroquinolones could double the risk of peripheral neuropathy.

The makers of Levaquin, Cipro and Avelox knew or should have known about the risk of nerve problems, yet decided to withhold warnings out of concern about the impact that it would have on sales and use of the popular antibiotics. As a result individuals throughout the United States are now left with permanent and long-lasting nerve problems that leave them with severe and debilitating pain, as well as other complications.

To review whether you, a friend or family member may be entitled to financial compensation for permanent nerve problems experienced following the use of Levaquin, Cipro, Avelox or another antibiotic that is part of the fluoroquinolone family of drugs, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

8 Comments • Add Your Comments

  • James says:

    In 2008 I had upper back surgery, the actual procedure took longer then normal, with in 7 days complications of an infection developed.
    I was admitted to hospital and was prescribed an antibiotic that was given in I.V. Form for approximately 5 to 6 days round the clock. I believe it was Levaquin, not 100% sure,
    Since the operation my nerve pain level has been thru the roof, so much so as I need to be on constant pain medication to handle day to day activities.
    Most Dr’s aren’t certain of cause.
    I’m not sure I fit but thought I would respond.

    Posted on November 9, 2014 at 6:17 pm

  • Billy says:

    I have alot of these side effects.I took the drug in 2013 and I noticed a change in my body.

    Posted on September 28, 2015 at 12:17 am

  • Lisa says:

    In 3/31/2015, I started a 10 day 750 prescription of levoquin, 3 days in I woke in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and I was hobbled with severe pain in both Achilles tendons. I did not know of this drug causing this problem and finished the entire prescription. I have been in pain ever since, in braces, with a scooter to get around my home, on pain medication, and severe depression. I have also had problems eating. I get full when I have only eaten a very small amount. I lost 20 pounds in one month, two months ago. This sent up red flags with all of my doctors but cannot find any reason why. This article is the first thing that has made sense to me. Thank you for posting this. I will talk to my doctors now. Thank you for posting. And now am praying that this is not permanent. What does one do if it is?

    Posted on December 14, 2015 at 1:58 pm

  • Robert says:

    I took a 3 week course of oral Levaquin years ago for a persistent sinus infection plus another course a couple of years after that for sinus infections. I had developed plantar fasciitis in both feet that resolves after a few weeks but always returns. I have developed peripheral neuropathy in my ankles to my toes bilaterally that started in 2009 & has progressed. I also have tendonitis in the right elbow & my left hand ( thumb & pointer finger) that is very painful & I am disabled with that hand now. Was it from the Med? I was always healthy & exercised regularly & kept myself on the thin side , No alcohol or smoking either. You have to wonder .

    Posted on February 4, 2016 at 9:50 am

  • wendy says:

    Hi my name is Wendy Lewis I took Levaquin and 2005 that I can find I know that I took it at other times much before and after 2005 but I can’t find that information yet I do have some nerve damage in my leg and in my upper thigh and I don’t know if that is what I should be looking for. doctors had been vague about what type of nerve pain it is

    Posted on April 8, 2016 at 11:04 am

  • Jennifer says:

    I took a 10day course about 2 months ago, I have had bad pain in my feet and legs(especially my shins for some reason) they go so numb I almost can’t feel the floor beneath me. I’m 25 years old, I should be running around the world! Now I can’t be on my feet for more than twenty minutes:(
    My doc doesn’t think it was the antibiotics- she diagnosed me with restless legs and pushed me out the door lol. Oh and the burning!!! Like WTH is that. That’s by far the most painful, irritating symptom ever. My feet and lower legs are on fire as I sit here. :/

    Posted on April 8, 2016 at 2:54 pm

  • Madeline says:

    After taking Cipro for 3 days I experienced extreme pain in my feet and ankles Achilles’ tendons . Here I am 14 months later still burdened with this terrible Peripheral Neuropothy nerve damage. Been to Primary care Dr, Rheumatology Dr many times I’m now seeking advice from a Neurologist. I have been put on a cancer drug and a anti seizure drug for the pain neither has helped. The burning aching constantly is unbearable all because of a pill. I am seriously looking into legal advice.

    Posted on May 19, 2016 at 6:50 pm

  • Roberta says:

    My case is old! 2007-2009 purscribed Cpro ,leviquin etc. for undiagnosed mera infection,got torn ligaments ,cracked knee cap,started burnning in right thigh at first,moved up to abdomen,spine etc. I notice it a lot with cold exposure and around bowel movements.They do not function properly and I got ear pain! I had upper left thigh pain,noone listens,stick labels on me etc, I get passed around a lot! I would like to make all the physicians pay for their mental abuse etc. and I want to add that I was mis diagnosed after the mersa infection.I had it still and it was removed! I have insurance,however Va. p will not pay for my librax after I turn 64,which seems to be the only thing helping me and I have been on lyrica{caused pain and depession and neurotin did not help burnnin,only,made me drunker with every increase and pain management will not treat me right iether! Neurologists never mentioned nerve damage.I know it is from these med.s ,it is not idiopathic ,like PMT told me!

    Posted on April 6, 2019 at 11:05 pm

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