MRSA Discussion Forum USA and Canada |
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Antibiotic Cipro / Leviquin Class Action
Started by ladyk |
Posted: November 3, 2008 at 17:17 | |
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Not sure if you’ve heard about the class action concerning antibiotic Cipro / Leviquin? Side effects could increase risk of sudden tendon problems, such as ruptured tendons, tendon damage, tendonitis. Cipro / Levaquin - are antibiotics in a group called fluoroquinolones. USA & *Canadian Brand Names: Avelox (moxifloxacin), Avelox I.V., Ciloxan, Cipro, *Ciprofloxacin, Cipro IV, *Cipro Minibags, Cipro XR, Factive (gemifloxacin), Floxin (generic ofloxacin), Levaquin, Levofloxacin, Maxaquin, Noroxin (norfloxacin), Ocuflox, Proquin XR, Quixin, Tequin, Tequin Teq-Paqs, *Trovan, Zagam This medication may rarely cause tendon damage (e.g., tendonitis, tendon rupture) during or after treatment. Your risk for tendon problems is greater if you are over 60 years of age, if you are taking corticosteroids (such as prednisone), or if you have a kidney, heart or lung transplant. Stop exercising, rest, and seek immediate medical attention if you develop joint/muscle/tendon pain or swelling. Bayer, the manufacturer of Cipro, failed to adequately warn about the potential risk of problems which could develop and this has left many users with a permanent injury. If complete information had been provided with each prescription about the possibility of a tendon rupture, doctors and patients could have been on the look out for early signs of pain or inflammation. CIPRO TENDON RUPTURE SIDE EFFECTS Cipro (generic ciprofloxacin) is prescribed to help prevent infections caused by the rapid reproduction of bacteria. All fluoroquinolone antibiotics have been associated with reports of tendon rupture and inflammation which can develop suddenly after using the medications. In July 2008, the FDA announced that they required the drug makers to place a prominent "Black Box" warning about the risk of tendon ruptures and tendonitis. They are also requiring a Medication Guide to be given to users when the prescription is filled. This requires the manufacturers to adequately describe the risk and urges users to contact their doctor if they develop signs of a tendon rupture, such as pain, swelling or inflammation. Although the black box warning applies to all fluoroquinolone antimicrobial drugs, Cipro and Levaquin account for many of the reports of tendon damage associated with the class of drugs. The most frequently ruptured tendon involves the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf to the heel. Other tendon ruptures have been reported involving the shoulder, hand, bicep and thumb. CIPRO CLASS ACTION SUITS AND INDIVIDUAL LAWSUITS Request a free consultation to review a potential claim with a Cipro attorney and determine if compensation may be available. Many people who are prescribed fluoroquinolones remain unaware that a tendon rupture could be caused by the antibiotic. http://www.youhavealawyer.com/side-effects/cipro-lawsuits.html http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR601913 ladyk 13707
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Re: Antibiotic Cipro / Leviquin Class Action
Reply #1 by Mike Ewers |
Posted: January 4, 2009 at 05:08 | |
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Is there one for Avelox? Suffering reaction from Avelox; Last two times taken - ended up in ICU 14012
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Re: Antibiotic Cipro / Leviquin Class Action
Reply #2 by ladyk |
Posted: January 4, 2009 at 16:41 | |
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Mike Ewers - What reaction did you experience? Did you pick up this med at your local pharmacy? If so there should have been a 'drug insert' accompanying this particular med, yes? If you do have drug insert, read down to see if it contains 'black box' warning. If you do not have insert, you might go back to your pharmacy and request another insert. This med requires a black box warning! As shown above in initial post [ USA & *Canadian Brand Names: Avelox (moxifloxacin)] is mentioned first as part of this particular class action. Avelox is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called fluoroquinolones. It fights bacteria in the body. It kills sensitive bacteria by stopping the production of essential proteins needed by the bacteria to survive. Important information about Avelox You should not use Avelox if you are allergic to moxifloxacin or similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), and others. Before taking Avelox, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, joint problems, diabetes, a history of seizures, low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia), or a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome." Avoid taking antacids, vitamin or mineral supplements, sucralfate (Carafate), or didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets within 8 hours before or 4 hours after you take Avelox. These other medicines can make Avelox much less effective when taken at the same time. Taking Avelox can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid exposure to sunlight, sun lamps, or tanning beds. Avelox may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take an oral steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking Avelox and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions. Do not share Avelox with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you do. Before taking Avelox Do not use Avelox if you are allergic to moxifloxacin or similar medications such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), and others. Before taking Avelox, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder, especially if you are being treated with one of these medications: quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute), disopyramide (Norpace), bretylium (Bretylol), procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan SR), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), or sotalol (Betapace). con't 14013
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Re: Antibiotic Cipro / Leviquin Class Action
Reply #3 by ladyk |
Posted: January 4, 2009 at 16:48 | |
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If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you take Avelox, tell your doctor if you have: -a history of allergic reaction to an antibiotic; -myasthenia gravis; -joint problems; -kidney or liver disease; -epilepsy or a history of seizures; -diabetes; -low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia); or -a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome." Avelox may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take an oral steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking Avelox and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions. Do not share Avelox with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you do. Possible side effects include gastrointestinal tract disturbances (nausea, vomiting, anorexia, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and pseudomembranous colitis caused by Clostridium difficile), skin reactions (also Stevens-Johnson syndrome), rhabdomyolysis, and serious heart problems (prolonged QT interval and torsades de pointes). Development of resistance has been noticed as well as rare cases of hepatotoxicity and seizures. Tendon rupture (including rupture of the Achilles tendon) can also occur; people receiving corticosteroids, the elderly, and those who have received kidney, heart, or lung transplants are at particular risk. Moxifloxacin may have a much higher rate of causing Clostridium difficile infections than other fluoroquinolones, such as levofloxacin. In July 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requested that all systemic fluoroquinolones (those taken internally, not as eye drops or ear drops) available in the United States, including moxifloxacin, carry a black box warning warning of the risk of tendon damage. Additionally the The European Medicines Agency has recommended limiting the use of oral moxifloxacin-containing medicines after finalizing a review of the safety of the antibiotic. The European body (EMEA) said it had concluded that these drugs should only be prescribed for acute bacterial sinusitis, acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia when other antibiotics cannot be used or have failed. con't 14014
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Re: Antibiotic Cipro / Leviquin Class Action
Reply #4 by ladyk |
Posted: January 4, 2009 at 16:52 | |
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Furthermore the manufacturer has issued a Dear Doctor Letter (February 2008) concerning serious and life threatening adverse reactions. Within this letter they state that "Moxifloxacin is known to impair liver function, and the product information was updated to include Stevens-Johnson-Syndrome (SJS) in 2002. A review of worldwide serious, including fatal, cases of both hepatotoxicity and bullous skin reactions such as SJS and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) reported for moxifloxacin was recently performed...The liver injuries related to moxifloxacin were more frequently of cholestatic or mixed hepatocellular-cholestatic than of hepatocellular type. Onset of symptoms was usually between 3 and 10 days. Isolated cases of delayed hepatotoxic effects were also identified and usually occurred 5 to 30 days after cessation of moxifloxacin therapy. Eight reports of fatal hepatic injuries were considered as possibly related to moxifloxacin therapy...TEN was reported in several cases where a causal relationship was considered possible; this included two cases with fatal outcome. Additionally, a total of 35 individual cases of SJS were reported, including three cases where there was a fatal outcome and seven cases which were considered life-threatening. In these 10 cases of severe SJS, a progression to TEN was documented in three patients...We would like to further remind you to be vigilant for the early signs and symptoms of severe liver injury and bullous skin reactions like SJS or TEN. Patients should be advised to stop treatment immediately and to contact a physician if relevant signs or symptoms occur, including rapidly developing asthenia associated with jaundice, dark urine, bleeding tendency and hepatic encephalopathy." Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium ions inhibit the absorption of moxifloxacin. Drugs that prolong the QT interval (e.g. pimozide) may have an additive effect on QT prolongation and lead to increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias. The INR (International Normalised Ratio) may be increased or decreased in patients treated with warfarin. A precautionary measure would be to monitor the INR more closely and, if necessary, adjust the anticoagulant dose as necessary. Unlike ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin has no interactions with warfarin or theophylline. Hope this helps you. ladyk 14015
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Re: Antibiotic Cipro / Leviquin Class Action
Reply #5 by Alma Martinez |
Posted: January 31, 2009 at 03:29 | |
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Hi! I've been reading the information posted here and I certainly was not aware of this. I was given Cipro after my last pregnancy. I had a C-section and a week or so after I developed an infection in the insition area due to a blood puddle that never drained. The doctor gave me Cipro and I took the first dose a half hour later I could not breathe. I read the insert and it said that this was one of the severe side effects. I called my doctor after the symptoms had passed. He assured me that it could not be the drug because it was one of the oldest and safest drugs in the market. To continue taking it as prescribed. So I did, I took it like he said, 12 hours later I was in the emergency room my lungs were almost shut and because I had taken 10mls of zyrtec syrup that controlled the severe allergic reaction I was experiencing. Even after hearing me gasp for a breath the doctor was in disbelief. Later he found out that this does happen to 1 in 100,000,and I just happened to be the lucky one. To this day I cannot take anything remotely close to this medication because I run the risk of having a greater reaction and possibly death. This was back in 2004. These things do happen and they are not something we are imagining or because of other reasons. I now have severe astma attacks and it's all linked back to this medication. 14136
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Re: Antibiotic Cipro / Leviquin Class Action
Reply #6 by ladyk |
Posted: January 31, 2009 at 21:23 | |
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Alma - Your risk was anaphylactic shock; a serious consideration/clue in any emergency room would be what meds you are currently ingesting, followed by you expressing breathing difficulties. Another symptom of anaphylactic shock is intense itching between fingers, in my case also on palms to the point of itching bruises. IV antihistamine resolved breathing issues directly. Benadryl (antihistamine) OTC is an excellent preventative if this should ever happen to you again, it is a 'temporary' fix, allowing critical time to get to hospital. Go to hospital ASAP. Aveeno (anti-itch cream) was also a good temporary fix. I keep them both on hand, as you said there is risk of future reaction similar to what those allergic to bee stings experience. I'd personally consider another physician who 'listens' to his/her patients. Be sure to list this as 'allergic' to... on all future medical documents. Best wishes, ladyk 14138
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Re: Antibiotic Cipro / Leviquin Class Action
Reply #7 by Carol M. |
Posted: April 2, 2009 at 17:15 | |
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On March 29, 2009, I took one prescribed pill of Avelox. Within minutes, I developed an onset of hot body rash (my body felt like it was on fire), all body itching, swollen eyes (I couldn't see), swollen throat and tongue (I couldn't breath), nausea, and I collapsed. I was transported by ambulance to the ER where I was treated with steriods. I am continuing to take steriods to rid my body of this antibody (as I'm told). In the meantime, I have extreme headaches, insomnia, body/muscle aches and my mental acuity is off (I'm having a hard time concentrating). I have missed work this week. I have had a history of open heart surgery in January, 2008 as a result of a heart attack on 9/11/07 in which they discovered a hole in my heart the size of a 50 cent piece, and the surgery included a double bypass. I have since been reading up on the drug Avelox and I do not find any warnings for people with prior heart conditions other than for heart "arithmia." My medical records do include an allergy to the antibody Augmentum. 14410
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Re: Antibiotic Cipro / Leviquin Class Action
Reply #8 by Michele |
Posted: April 3, 2009 at 16:24 | |
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I have had diverticulitis attacks a few times - developed thrush while taking Flagyl. Dr prescribed Avelox. After 10 days I developed ache in archilles tendon, then broke out in hives last Sunday. Stopped taking Avelox and started taking Benadryl. Ache went away pretty quickly. Hives gone as of two days ago but last night couldn't sleep because severe itching at ankles, knee and wrists. Archilles tendon very sore and swollen. How long does this last? 14420
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Re: Antibiotic Cipro / Leviquin Class Action
Reply #9 by Angie |
Posted: April 8, 2009 at 14:37 | |
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I work in a daycare and get exposed to a lot of illnesses. In 2002, the only antibiotic that seemed to knock out strep throat and bronchitis is Leviquin. In May of 2003, I woke up with severe lower back pain. After lots of tests, and being referred to a Renal doctor, they discovered my kidneys are full of benign tumors. During the 7 months of different tests, I continuously battled bronchitis which I was perscribed the antibiotic a few times during that period. Towards the end of the 7 months I was under a lot of stress and began to expeience pain and aches in my joint areas and total muscle fatigue. For a month it was difficult for me to walk or do anything with my hands. I felt like I litterally had stones under my skin which made it very painful to do anything. I then was referred to another doctor which after more testing found that I had fybromyalgia and RA. I was only 34 years old at the time. Due to the kidney problems this limits me on what I can take for the constant inflamtion and bloating. Is there a chance that all of my health issues are actually steming from the years of being perscribed Leviquin? I used to be very active and pretty healthy. The only issues I would have was allergies that would occasionally lead to bronchitis, strep throat and occasional migraines. Now, it's all I can do to get out of bed to go to work. I am constantly hurting all over. Again; are all of my health issues possibly provoked by the use of Leviquin? 14439
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Re: Antibiotic Cipro / Leviquin Class Action
Reply #10 by Virginia Beach |
Posted: April 8, 2009 at 19:32 | |
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My husband was taking a steroid for headaches and then prescribed a fluroquinilone. Shortly after the antibiotic was prescribed, he ruptured both tendons. It has now been 3 years and my husband has yet to recover. This medicine has changed our life forever. 14441
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Re: Antibiotic Cipro / Leviquin Class Action
Reply #11 by cheryl |
Posted: April 29, 2009 at 20:55 | |
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I have recently finished a 3 month term of the Cipro 500mg 2x daily and from the start I have had a sore upper right arm which sometimes is a 10 + in pain... Now what do I do 'cause I was never told of the side effects and the pain is still here sometimes worse at night. 14591
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Re: Antibiotic Cipro / Leviquin Class Action
Reply #12 by ladyk |
Posted: April 30, 2009 at 15:14 | |
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cheryl - If you are in pain you should address it by seeking an appropriate physician for evaluation. During exam explain your Cipro use, and your concern learning there is a black box warning for Cipro tendon rupture. This would be first step. ladyk 14595
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Re: Antibiotic Cipro / Leviquin Class Action
Reply #13 by Dona Hale |
Posted: May 16, 2009 at 16:25 | |
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I was prescribed Cipro (500 mg a day plus given by injection) and developed joint immobility, severe back pain...went to emergency and my blood pressure (normally in the low range of normal w/o meds) had skyrocketed to 220/120...then following, took about a week to get things undercontrol but I have been treated for high blood pressure since (this occurrence was in 1990-1991). My late internist indicated these severe reactions sometimes effect kidneys is why blood presssure never returned to what was normal for me. Since then, I've been on blood pressure medication and was advised to wear a Medical Alert bracelet indicating nothing in that quinolone family of drugs EVER be used.....That was my unfortunate experience with Cipro.. 14654
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Re: Antibiotic Cipro / Leviquin Class Action
Reply #14 by themom51 |
Posted: July 7, 2009 at 03:00 | |
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I was prescribed Moxifloxacin several times over the last two years for chronic sinus infections. I had a septoplasty and turbinate reduction just over a year ago and given a two week dose that started two days before surgery. About a month later, I woke up with horrible pain in my right shoulder. I was positive I had torn my rotator cuff. My doctor literally scoffed at my self-diagnosis and sent me to physical therapy (nothing helped, not even ice packs, heat or pain killers). After months of this torture, I was sent to an Orthopedist who gave me a steroid injection in my shoulder. That has cut the pain in half and is now manageable. Twice since the injection, I've been prescribed Moxifloxacin and it wasn't until the very last time that there was an insert with the prescription warning of tendonitis or tendon rupture. My ENT said I shouldn't have tendon problems unless I had been taking steroids (injections count, don't they?). When I mentioned the injection, she said she would switch to a different antibiotic. Time has not helped the pain in my shoulder; it still hurts to do a lot of everyday things that we all take for granted like getting dressed, cleaning the house, and even shifting gears in my vehicle. My Kaiser primary care, ENT, and Orthopedist all claim they can't say one way or another if the antibiotic caused the tendon problem...right! 14828
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Re: Antibiotic Cipro / Leviquin Class Action
Reply #15 by Theodora Csabon |
Posted: August 3, 2009 at 03:53 | |
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I have had pain in my achilles tendon for over four years. When the pain first started, orthopaedists wanted only to charge me $300 to make orthodics for me without any tests made to determine the cause of pain. The first two MRI's (one each year)indicated no tendon tears but the pain endured for two years. The third MRI (2008)showed a definite tendon tear because the procedure was stopped and the foot was repositioned. Tendon repaired surgically last year with pain ever since. Now I'm told I have two more tendon tears under the ankle in the same foot which require additional surgery to correct.The last 4 yrs of my life have been horrid and I have suffered greatly. I will be extremely upset and livid when I check what drugs I was prescribed in the last four years. I plan to see my primary care physician tomorrow. 14935
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Re: Antibiotic Cipro / Leviquin Class Action
Reply #16 by Peggy VanHoy |
Posted: August 7, 2009 at 21:48 | |
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I was reescribed Leviqin twice for an upper respriatory, I took it but had body aches and pains the whole time i was taking it I ached in all my joints and My neck shoulder and hips are still aching every day, i did not see a warning box an the drug store folder. I did not know this stuff could be so serious untill I saw the thing on tv , iI will never accept this medicine again , or cepro either after reading all this on the web . I have had open heart surgery for myxoma four years ago. also have existing liver problems, I remember taking Leviquin several years ago with a sinus inf. and had similar reaction but didn't relate it to the meds at the time. 14954
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Re: Antibiotic Cipro / Leviquin Class Action
Reply #17 by Althea |
Posted: August 31, 2009 at 19:15 | |
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I had a sinus infection, went to urgent care. When asked by the doctor, of my past medical history, told him that I have Myastenia Gravis amd Diabetes. I was prescribed Avelox. After the second or third day of taking it I had a bad allergic reaction to it and had to be rushed to the ER. Would you have thouhgt the Doctor would have cought that at urgent care, and prescribed something else. 15057
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Re: Antibiotic Cipro / Leviquin Class Action
Reply #18 by Willian H |
Posted: September 12, 2009 at 16:20 | |
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I have taken Cipro after gum surgery, and also during TERP surgery (Prostate). I had a complete tear of my achilles tendon, and had to have surgery April 2008, they had to repair it with a cadavor tendon, I was in a cast for 3 1/2 months, I still limp. I called the number (800 522 0102) www.youhavealawyer.com and I was told they aren't doing cipro cases.Please advise where to call. Also saw commerical on TV with this number. They said they were only doing Levaquin cases. Thank you 15087
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Re: Antibiotic Cipro / Leviquin Class Action
Reply #19 by Melody Kozicki |
Posted: October 28, 2009 at 08:24 | |
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I only took leviquin for three days it made me so sick i stopped taking it now my stomach burns and has been burning ever since i took this medicine 15363
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