Frequently Asked Questions

What is Levaquin?
Levaquin is a broad-spectrum quinolone antibiotic, meaning it is effective against a wide range of disease-causing bacteria.  Levaquin is used to treat lung, sinus, skin and urinary tract infections that are caused by bacteria, but it does not kill viruses that may also infect the lungs and sinuses, such as the common cold.

Levaquin comes in 250 mg tablets (terra cotta pink), 500 mg tablets (peach colored), and 750 mg tablets (white).  An oral solution is also available in either clear yellow or a clear greenish-yellow.

More specifically, Levaquin is used to treat adults with the following:
1.  Respiratory Infections, including acute bacterial sinusitis, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and pneumonia (hospital-acquired (nosocomial) and community-acquired);
2.  Skin Infections, both complicated and uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections;
3.  Kidney & Urinary Tract Infections, including chronic bacterial prostatitis, complicated urinary tract infections, acute pyelonephritis and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

How does Levaquin work?
Levaquin is a quinolone antibiotic, which is a subset of fluoroquinolones, a bactericidal drug that actively kills bacteria or prevents its growth by inhibiting the activity of DNA gyrase and topoisomerase, enzymes essential for bacterial DNA replication. 
Levaquin is concentration-dependent, so bacteria are killed most efficiently when the right amount of medicine is absorbed into your body.  A healthcare professional will prescribe both the tablet strength and the duration of therapy that is most appropriate to your condition.  Levaquin is taken once daily for a prescribed number of days and may be taken with or without food. The oral solution should be taken one hour before or two hours after eating. Always take the prescribed amount at the correct times and for the full number of days prescribed, even if you start to feel better, to ensure that the bacteria can no longer survive.  As with any medication, use only that which is prescribed to you for your condition, and do not take any medication used by another person or for another illness.

What are the side effects of taking Levaquin?
Common, mild side effects include nausea, diarrhea, itching, abdominal pain, dizziness, flatulence, rash and vaginitis in women.

Dizziness.  Until you are sure Levaquin will not cause you dizziness, you should be careful about driving or operating machinery. 

Allergic reactions.  Some allergic reactions have been reported in patients, even after just one dose.  If you develop hives, skin rash or other symptoms of an allergic reaction, you should stop taking this medication and call your healthcare professional.

Tendon ruptures.  Some patients have reported ruptures of shoulder, hand, or Achilles tendons.  For older patients usually over 60 years of age, patients taking corticosteroid drugs, and patients with kidney, heart, or lung transplants, the risk of tendonitis or tendon rupture is increased.  If you develop any pain, swelling, or rupture of a tendon, stop taking Levaquin and contact your doctor right away.

Phototoxicity.  While taking Levaquin, you should avoid excessive exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light.  Although Levaquin has not frequently been associated with phototoxicity, some quinolone antibiotics have been associated with the development of sunburns or blistering sunburns after exposure to sunlight or other ultraviolet light sources such as tanning salons.

Diabetes.  If you have diabetes and develop a hypoglycemic reaction while taking Levaquin, stop taking Levaquin and contact your doctor.  Patients have reported convulsions while on  quinolone antibiotics, including Levaquin. If you have a history of convulsions, tell your doctor.

Levaquin may also cause central nervous system stimulation, leading to tremors, restlessness, anxiety, lightheadedness, confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, depression, nightmares, insomnia, and in rare cases, suicidal thoughts or acts. 

As with any medication, if you notice any side effects or have concerns about the side effects you are experiencing, tell your healthcare professional right away.

What is tendonitis?
Tendons are cords of tough, fibrous connective tissue that attach muscles to bones and are found throughout the entire human body. Tendonitis is the inflammation and irritation of these tendons.  Tendinitis is most often caused by repetitive, minor impact on the affected area, or from a sudden more serious injury. 

There are many activities that can cause tendinitis, including tasks around the house such as gardening, raking, or shoveling, to sports activities such as tennis, golf, skiing, or throwing and pitching.  A person’s risk is increased if they have poor posture or fail to do the proper stretching and conditioning before exercise.  Other risks include an abnormal or poorly placed bone or joint that stresses soft-tissue structures.  Examples include arthritis in a joint or having a length difference in your extremities.  Stresses from other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthitis, psoriatic arthritis, or thyroid disorders, or unusual reactions to medication may also put your at risk.

What is a tendon rupture?
Tendons are strong - the forces applied to a tendon may be more than five (5) times your body weight - but not very flexible, so they can only go so far before they get inflamed and rupture (break or tear).   A tendon rupture can be a serious problem and may result in excruciating pain and permanent disability, if left untreated.  Although fairly uncommon, conditions that make a rupture more likely include the injection of steroids into a tendon, certain diseases such as gout or hyperparathyroidism, and having type O blood.

Each type of tendon rupture has its own signs and symptoms and can be treated either surgically or medically depending on the severity of the rupture.  The four most common areas of tendon rupture include the Achilles, quadriceps, rotator cuff, and biceps. 

What is the Achilles tendon?  What is Achilles tendon rupture?
The Achilles tendon, or heel cord, is the largest and most vulnerable tendon in the body.   It connects the powerful calf muscles to the heel bone. When the calf muscles contract, the tendon is tightened, pulling the heel and allowing you to point your foot, rise on your toes and push off your foot as you walk.  Therefore, it is vital to such activities such as walking, running and jumping. 

A tear through this tendon is called an Achilles tendon rupture and usually occurs about two inches above the heel bone.  A tear may be complete or partial and occurs when the tendon is stretched beyond its capacity.   Forceful jumping or pivoting, or sudden accelerations of running, can overstretch the tendon and cause a tear.  This is especially so if you are taking part in an activity that you are not conditioned for or for which you have not stretched properly, such as playing tennis, racquetball or basketball for the first time after a long break, although even highly conditioned athletes may rupture an Achilles tendon.  Sometimes, though, injuries can occur from simply putting too much stress on your Achilles tendon in the course of a simple activity, such as gardening.  An injury to the tendon can also result from falling or tripping.  The tendon can also just simply grow weak and thin with age and lack of use, causing it to become prone to injury or rupture.  Certain illnesses, such as arthritis and diabetes, and medications, such as corticosteroids and some antibiotics, can also increase the risk of rupture.  

Is there a Class Action Lawsuit Against the Manufacturer?
Many Levaquin users are wondering if there is a Class Action lawsuit against the manufacturer, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals.  Currently, Levaquin lawsuits are being filed by individuals and families throughout the United States.  No class actions have been filed, however that may change given the potential number of victims and the fact that the drug is still being prescribed.

Multidistrict litigation and class action litigation may ultimately be the answer in order to efficiently handle the growing number of cases. We believe the manufacturer, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals, should be held accountable for any harm that they have caused, and that people who have suffered injuries from taking Levaquin should be treated fairly and compensated for their losses (whether it be medical bills, lost wages, loss of quality of life and independence, or pain and suffering).




If you or a loved one has experienced Levaquin complications you may have a claim against the  manufacturer.  Please contact us today for a free consultation. Call toll free 1-866-777-2557 or click here to use our online contact form.