Minnesota MDL To Contain Thousands of Levaquin Trials

There are 1,314 Levaquin lawsuits pending in a multidistrict litigation in federal court in Minnesota, where two cases have already gone to trial. The first resulted in a $1.82 million verdict for the plaintiff, while the second ended in favor of the defendant. Across the country, there are more than 2,600 lawsuits making similar claims about Levaquin. One of these cases involves Barbara Urynowicz, who seeks damages claiming that she has suffered from sever Levauin  tendon rupture in her left ankle. An active

and healthy 67-year old nurse, Urynowicz began taking Levaquin to help in fighting a bronchial infection. Within days she began to suffer from pain in her ankle and later an MRI confirmed that she had fallen victim to a Levaquin tendon rupture.

The risk of Levaquin tendon rupture side effects is said to be higher among those who are 60 years of age or older. The most frequently ruptured tendon with Levaquin is the Achilles tendon, in the heel. However, reports have also indicated Levaquin side effects could cause tendon ruptures of the shoulder, biceps, hand and thumb. A tendon rupture is a very painful injury that often requires surgery to repair the tendon damage. Symptoms associated with a Levaquin induced tendon rupture could include swelling, inflammation or pain. In July 2008, the FDA announced that they will require the makers of fluoroquinolone antibiotics to place a prominent "Black Box" warning about the risk of tendon ruptures and tendonitis. 

Levaquin (levofloxacin) is an antibiotic which is prescribed to prevent bacteria from rapidly reproducing, causing infection. Levaquin is prescribed for bacterial infections of the lungs, urinary tract, and skin. It is part of a class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones. At the time that a black-box warning was issued, the FDA database showed 262 reported cases of tendon ruptures, 259 cases of tendinitis, and 274 cases of other tendon disorders associated with these drugs. The majority of tendon ruptures – 61 percent – were tied to Levaquin. The agency said such injuries were more likely to occur in people who have undergone a kidney, heart, or lung transplant.