Tendon Ruptures from Cipro and Levaquin
Many factors can lead to the rupture of a tendon, from weak muscles to substandard footwear. In addition, certain medications, namely corticosteroids and fluoroquinolone antibacterial drugs such as Cipro and Levaquin, can weaken the tendons and lead to serious injuries. Hundreds of people have experienced tendinitis, tendon rupture and other side effects of these drugs.
When a drug is found to be a contributing factor to injury or disease, the companies involved in the manufacture and/or distribution of the drug may be held liable in a civil suit. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of taking Cipro, Levaquin or another fluoroquinolone, contact a lawyer specializing in personal injuries who can help evaluate your situation and determine whether you may be eligible for compensation.
Side Effects of Fluoroquinolones – Cipro and Levaquin
When used properly, Cipro and Levaquin can be very effective. As with any drug, however, they also have side effects. The chart below shows some of the side effects associated with these drugs.
| Levaquin | Cipro | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Common | Other | Most Common (Occasional) | Other (Rare) |
|
Nausea Headache Diarrhea Insomnia Constipation Dizziness |
Tendinitis Tendon rupture Allergic reactions Central nervous system disorders Anxiety Abnormal heart rhythm Photosensitivity (sun sensitivity) Blood glucose issues Hepatotoxicity (liver damage) Changes in sensation Nerve damage |
Headache Nausea Malaise Restlessness Dizziness Diarrhea Insomnia Candida vaginitis Associated colitis |
Allergic reactions (some severe) QTc prolongation Liver failure Peripheral neuropathy Crystalluria Photosensitivity (sun sensitivity) Seizure Interstitial nephritis |
Sources: U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA); Johns Hopkins Point of Care Information Technology Center
Tendon Rupture
Over the past decade, hundreds if not thousands of people have sustained tendon injuries — most notably ruptures of the Achilles tendon — as a result of taking Cipro and Levaquin.
The Achilles tendon is a large, strong, fibrous tendon linking the muscles of the calf to the heel bone. Rupturing this tendon can be extremely painful and often requires rehabilitation, surgery or both.
Those who have ruptured the Achilles tendon usually hear a snap or pop sound, followed by intense pain in the heel and difficulty walking. If you are experiencing swelling or pain around the heel and suspect you have suffered a rupture or other injury to the Achilles tendon, it is important that you see a doctor as soon as possible.
Patients over 60 years old, in addition to those who have had a heart, lung or kidney transplant, are at highest risk of suffering a tendon rupture from fluoroquinolone use.
When a medication is found to pose a substantial risk of harming patients, increased warnings and/or a recall is warranted. Actual harm caused by the drug may be grounds for bad drugs lawsuits.
Cipro and Levaquin Lawsuits
Fluoroquinolones such as Cipro and Levaquin can be quite effective for certain conditions. They are among the mostly commonly prescribed drugs for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and certain other conditions. However, consumer advocates claim that in many cases fluoroquinolones have been promoted and prescribed as a first-line treatment for conditions that are more properly treated with other medications.
In addition, they have been linked to several tendon conditions, including tendon rupture, which can be extremely painful — sometimes requiring surgery and/or rehabilitation.
Consumer advocacy groups and other concerned citizens and agencies spent years attempting to convince the FDA to issue stronger warnings of these risks to doctors and their patients. Finally, under threat of lawsuit, in 2008 the FDA developed Medical Guides and required the manufacturers of these drugs and other fluoroquinolones to add "black box warnings" to the packaging of their drugs.
Bayer Pharmaceuticals and Ortho-McNeil-Janssen — the manufacturers of Cipro and Levaquin, respectively — may be liable for the harm caused by their drugs. To learn more about compensation for injuries related to Cipro, Levaquin and other fluoroquinolones, contact a personal injury attorney today. 