Levaquin Lawsuit Attorney
Levaquin (levofloxacin) is a fluoroquinolone drug manufactured by the Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Ortho-McNeil. Fluoroquinolones and quinolones are antibiotics used to treat a variety of illnesses. Other brands of quinolone-containing drugs include Cipro and Avelox, both manufactured by Bayer.
These drugs are used to treat bacterial infections of the urinary tract, skin, ear, as well as inflammation of the prostate, bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and some sexually transmitted diseases to name a few examples.
Peripheral Neuropathy FDA Concerns
In August 2013, the FDA issued a safety announcement requiring label changes to antibacterial fluoroquinolone drugs taken by mouth or injection for an increased risk of potentially permanent nerve damage, or peripheral neuropathy. This safety announcement specifically listed the drugs Levaquin, Cipro, Avelox, Noroxin, Floxin, and Factive as having an increased risk for patients to develop peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy is defined as damage to the nerves that carry messages to the brain and spinal cord from other parts of the body such as the muscles, skin, and organs. Damage to the nervous system can make a patient experience severe pain, difficulty moving, and problems with involuntary functions such as breathing, digestion, and circulation. Specifically, peripheral neuropathy causes weakness, numbness, tingling, burning, and pain often to the hands, arms, legs, and feet.
The FDA stated in its safety warning that peripheral neuropathy can last for months, years, or be permanent even after the patient stops taking the drug that caused the damage.
Levaquin Lawsuits
Thousands of lawsuits have been filed in state and federal courts across the nation by patients who experienced severe nerve damage after taking Levaquin and other quinolone-containing drugs like Cipro and Avelox. If you or someone you know has taken Levaquin or another quinolone-containing antibiotic and experienced severe nerve damage, contact us. Our product liability attorneys have experience litigating personal injury claims against large drug manufacturers and can provide you with a free case evaluation.
