Levaquin Found to Cause Tendonitis

Texas resident, Kenneth Adams, has filed a Levaquin lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical Inc. claiming that he suffered permanent tendon injury in his elbow as a result of taking the company’s prescription antibiotic. Levaquin has been linked to serious tendon injuries including tendinitis and tendon rupture. The lawsuit claims that the Johnson & Johnson misrepresented, concealed, and failed to disclose important safety information related to the use of Levaquin.

Levaquin Cited as Cause for Tendon Rupture

In 1996 the FDA issued its first Report of Adverse Effects on the fluoroquinolones. Since then, however, it has been recorded that at least 200 reports of tendon rupture occurred through the class of drugs within a 10-year period and no recall or major investigation has occurred to increase warning labels on the drugs, especially Levaquin. Additionally, a report from the United Kingdom found that levofloxacin-induced tendonitis potentially affects approximately 3.2 out of every 1,000 patients who have taken Levaquin.

Levaquin Settlements and Jury Verdicts

Only one Levaquin lawsuit has reached court so far, but the jury verdict resulted in a massive win for the plaintiff – 82-year-old John Schedin walked away with over a million dollars in damages, which will help to cover medical costs and loss of quality of life associated with the side effects of the popular antibiotic. Schedin began taking Levaquin in 2005 while trying to treat an upper respiratory infection, and shortly thereafter the once-active senior ruptured both of his Achilles tendons. Schedin, who formerly plated golf several times a month and kept active, experienced impairment of his mobility so severe he was left unable to climb stairs.

Levaquin Tendon Rupture Lawsuits May See Court Soon

Patients who have suffered tendon ruptures as a result of the antibiotic Levaquin may soon see their day in court, although a trial scheduled for the 11th of April has been postponed. The trial was delayed in part due to the presiding judge, the Honorable Carol E. Higbee, also working on Accutane trials. The Accutane lawsuits are similar to Levaquin ones in that they involve serious side effects associated with a popular medication.

Levaquin Tendon Rupture Lawsuits Lead to Jury Verdict of Millions

Levaquin is an antibiotic in the class fluroquinolone, which has been linked to side effects such as tendon injuries and rotator cuff tearing. Over 60 percent of fluroquinolone-related tendon injuries can be linked to Levaquin specifically, leading thousands of plaintiffs to file against drugmaker Johnson & Johnson in state and federal courts across the country. In July of 2008, the Food and Drug Administration ordered manufacturers of the medication to place black box warnings on the packaging to outline the risks associated with the medication.