What is Levaquin?

Levaquin, which has the generic name levofloxacin, is an antibiotic belonging to the group of antibiotics called

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fluoroquinolones. Manufactured by Ortho McNeil Pharmaceuticals Inc., Levaquin is used to treat bacterial infections that cause bronchitis, pneumonia, Chlamydia, gonorrhea, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and prostate infections. Levaquin may also be used to prevent or slow anthrax after exposure.

Important Information about Levaquin

Patients should not take Levaquin if they are allergic to levofloxacin or similar antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), or lomefloxacin (Maxaquin).

Before taking Levaquin, patients should tell their doctors if they have kidney disease, seizures or epilepsy, diabetes, low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia), or a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

Levaquin should be taken with a full glass of water (8 ounces), and Levaquin patients should drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent crystals from forming in the urine. To prevent the bacterial infection from coming back, Levaquin should be taken for the full prescribed length of time.

Levaquin Health Risks

Levaquin has been linked to various serious side effects, some of which may be life threatening. For example, toxic epidermal necrosis (TEN), a potentially fatal skin condition, is a possible side effect of Levaquin. Additionally, Levaquin may cause tendon ruptures, an extremely painful side effect that requires surgery and months of rehabilitation. Levaquin patients who experience any of the following symptoms should contact a doctor immediately:

watery diarrhea, seizure
unusual thoughts or behavior
fast or pounding heartbeats
fainting
sudden pain or swelling near the joints
urinating less than usual
dark colored urine
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Levaquin Injury Lawyers

Adverse reactions to antibiotics that treat bacterial infections, such as Levaquin, are responsible for more than 140,000 emergency rooms visits each year. If you or a loved one took Levaquin and experienced an adverse side effect, such as a tendon rupture, contact us today as you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.