posted
On 8/3, I posted that Levaquin causes tendon problems and I have seen commercials from attorneys claiming same. This morning while reading my local pennysaver I spotted an advertisment again, but from different attorneys claiming the same. So I called the 800 number to get more information. I was told that tendon ruptures can be caused by Levaquin and is listed as a side effect on the pamphlet which comes with the prescription. They did not get into any hard medical facts with me. (TerryK asked for links to specifics) Was referred to ask personal pharmacist for more detail medical information. So I still do not have the medical facts why this happens but apparently it does. I was also told that tendon ruptures usually happens within the first few weeks of taking Levaquin, mostly to the achilles tendon ( other tendons are affected as well, just not as frequently). What usually happens is this, You take Levaquin, you begin to have tendon problems, then a simple act like stepping out of a car and putting weight on the affected tendon will cause tendon to rupture. No real twisting or turning is involved. So, please be warned, if you are on Levaquin and have any feelings of tendon tenderness or swelling please get off the medicine. Some people can take Levaquin without problems and some people can not. Like I mentioned earlier, I had tendon problems as soon as I started taking it. Enough problems for me to report this to my doctor, which he then told me I was allergic to Levaquin. This is not an allergic reaction or a herx, it is a documented side effect. I still have problems with my tendons now but I have not ruptured any. I hope this information helps.
Posts: 16 | From Buffalo, New York | Registered: Jul 2004
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I haven't taken Levaquin, but my worst symptoms involve my tendons, and the FIRST question every doc has asked me is if I have taken Levaquin or Cipro.
I am now terrified to go on any of the fluoroquinolones. Luckily, my LLMD is happy to treat bart with Bactrim and Biaxin.
Posts: 503 | From Alberta, Canada | Registered: Jun 2009
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TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
I think most people are terrified of levaquin because of the warnings such as arcyone has posted.
That said, I'm glad the warnings are posted so that people are aware of possible dangers.
I would really like to see some concrete info on the science behind the problems but I know that the problems do exist. Do a search here if you want more info. Dr. Mercola has an article on his website about it for those who are interested in his view.
As I've said before, I've been told that very few people have problems with levaquin and that it is supposedly very effective for bart. If you are one that has the ruptured tendon though, I'm sure that is little comfort.
I was on it for a long time, so far so good. I have heard that a person can have problems even after going off but I don't know that there is proof that the problem is caused by levaquin. Interesting to hear what Nicole said about doc's asking if she has taken levaqin or cipro when she tells them about tendon problems.
I think maybe the reason that I tolerated it so well is because I had been on magnesium for years and increased my magnesium even more when I went on levaquin.
Thanks again for posting arcyone. Knowledge is power.
It seems that there is risk in all of these abx, some more than others. Having my gallbladder out seems just as bad to me as a ruptured tendon but thank goodness I've had neither one of these side effects to date. I feel bad for anyone who has and wish them the best recovery possible.
Terry
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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AliG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9734
posted
Breaking up for Betty & others to read:
quote:Originally posted by arcyone:
On 8/3, I posted that Levaquin causes tendon problems and I have seen commercials from attorneys claiming same.
This morning while reading my local pennysaver I spotted an advertisment again, but from different attorneys claiming the same. So I called the 800 number to get more information.
I was told that tendon ruptures can be caused by Levaquin and is listed as a side effect on the pamphlet which comes with the prescription. They did not get into any hard medical facts with me. (TerryK asked for links to specifics)
Was referred to ask personal pharmacist for more detail medical information. So I still do not have the medical facts why this happens but apparently it does.
I was also told that tendon ruptures usually happens within the first few weeks of taking Levaquin, mostly to the achilles tendon ( other tendons are affected as well, just not as frequently).
What usually happens is this, You take Levaquin, you begin to have tendon problems, then a simple act like stepping out of a car and putting weight on the affected tendon will cause tendon to rupture. No real twisting or turning is involved.
So, please be warned, if you are on Levaquin and have any feelings of tendon tenderness or swelling please get off the medicine.
Some people can take Levaquin without problems and some people can not.
Like I mentioned earlier, I had tendon problems as soon as I started taking it. Enough problems for me to report this to my doctor, which he then told me I was allergic to Levaquin.
This is not an allergic reaction or a herx, it is a documented side effect. I still have problems with my tendons now but I have not ruptured any. I hope this information helps.
Have you tried taking Magnesium? Some find it helpful with the Levaquin tendinitis.
I took 500mg daily without a problem for one month. At another point in time, I was given 750mg/day for a month & the tendinitis occurred.
Perhaps the dosage may also be a factor.
I took increasing dosages, working up to one day taking 1800mg Magnesium. I woke up the next morning with no tendinitis but barely made it to the bathroom. That wasn't curative though because it returned.
I'm not sure how much you'd need to take or for how long.
I think Dr.B's guidelines mention Magnesium & Vitamin C(possibly by injection(?)). You might want to check that out & see if your LLMD might be willing to try it for you.
-------------------- Note: I'm NOT a medical professional. The information I share is from my own personal research and experience. Please do not construe anything I share as medical advice, which should only be obtained from a licensed medical practitioner. Posts: 4881 | From Middlesex County, NJ | Registered: Jul 2006
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That wasn't curative though because it returned.
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