Levaquin Tendon Injury Risk Higher in Patients over 60, Transplant Patients
By Jim Greene
Published on December 17, 2009
The antibiotic Levaquin®, which has been linked to serious tendon injury, especially to the vulnerable Achilles' tendon, presents the greatest risk of such injuries to patients over 60 and those who have had kidney, heart, or lung transplants.
The Food and Drug Administration worked with Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., to develop side effect warnings to be posted on the Web sites of both the agency and the company, and used for product labels. Bold print at the top of the company's Levaquin® page highlights an increased risk for tendinitis and tendon ruptures and the susceptibility of older and transplant patients.
Company Warning Includes Additional Symptoms
Further down the page, susceptibility of those taking corticosteroids is added to the list, along with several less serious or less common side effects, including liver damage, convulsions, nerve damage, photosensitivity, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, intestinal infection, fever, weakness, unusual or unexplained tiredness, loss of appetite, and anxiety.
Levaquin® is intended primarily for use in combating bacterial infections of the lungs, sinus, skin, and urinary tract in adult patients.
Johnson & Johnson Faces Levaquin Liability Lawsuits
A number of personal injury liability lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson by litigants claiming tendon injuries were caused by Levaquin®. Plaintiffs' attorneys claim their clients were not properly advised of the potential for tendon damage or of steps needed to avoid such damage.
In order to streamline the hearing of Levaquin lawsuits filed in various federal court jurisdictions, 15 suits have been selected for consolidation in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. Johnson & Johnson has objected to the move, claiming it would be better able to defend itself on the merits of individual cases.
If you have suffered tendon injury after taking Levaquin®, contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away. You deserve financial compensation to help with medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
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