Levaquin (Levofloxacin) is a prescribed antibiotic that is commonly used to treat the symptoms of various bacterial infections. By 2010 Levaquin was the most commonly prescribed type of fluoroquinolone antibiotic in the United States. Sadly, there have now been many cases of consumers reporting nerve damage as a side effect of taking this drug. Below are some frequently asked questions surrounding the drug.
Here at The Law Place, our personal injury lawyers recognize how severe the side effects of Levaquin can be and can empathize with how the greed of drug companies has the capability to ruin your life. Our law firm operates across the State of Florida and has 75 years of experience in dealing with cases such as your own. Contact us today to organize a free case evaluation with a lawyer on our team using the toll-free number (941) 444-4444. Phone lines are open 24/7.
What Are Fluoroquinolone Drugs?
In 2013 the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) made sure that the American public was aware that a popular class of antibiotics (known as fluoroquinolone drugs) had the potential to lead to serious side effects, including potentially permanent nerve damage. This type of nerve damage is known as peripheral neuropathy.
Fluoroquinolones, including Levaquin, very commonly lead to severe side effects. These drugs were first made available to the general public in the 1980s. These types of drugs were utilized as a treatment for urinary tract and respiratory infections. In 2011 alone, just over 23 million people were found to have been prescribed one of these types of drugs, even if safer drugs were available.
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Who Produces Levaquin and Do People Know About its Dangers?
The drug ‘Levaquin’ is manufactured by a branch of Johnson & Johnson, known as Ortho-McNeill-Jansen Pharmaceuticals. Unfortunately, the company is very much aware of the dangers associated with taking Levaquin. Shockingly there are reports of nerve damage even before Levaquin received its FDA approval in 1996. Furthermore, peripheral neuropathy was identified as a possible adverse reaction of Levaquin Levofloxacin very early into its production, but manufacturers prioritized profit margins over the safety of consumers.
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What Are the Side Effects of Levaquin?
In most cases, the side effects of Levaquin will make themself apparent very quickly, usually within a few days of taking the drug. In 2013 a report by the FDA found that the risk of suffering from the side effects of Levaquin is not related to the duration of treatment or age of the consumer. This fact makes Levaquin particularly risky, as being young and healthy doesn’t offer you guaranteed protection from its side effects.
The symptoms of sensory nerve damage include:
- Pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in the arms and legs.
- Sudden pains or high temperature.
- Poor reflexes.
- Loss of coordination.
- Loss of sensation.
- Severe touch sensitivity.
Motor nerves can also be affected. When these nerves are disrupted, you may notice symptoms such as:
- Weakness
- Muscle twitching.
- Atrophy
- Muscle cramping.
If you or a loved one have experienced symptoms of peripheral neuropathy or permanent nerve damage, then you should consider contacting a personal injury lawyer at The Law Place today, as you could be owed compensation.
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What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
As previously mentioned, taking the drug Levaquin may cause peripheral neuropathy. This damages the nerves that send signals around the body. Therefore, peripheral neuropathy may cause tingling, numbness, burning, and shooting pains (commonly in your arms and legs). This symptom can be long-lasting or even permanent in some cases.
Sadly, despite peripheral neuropathy being recognized as a side effect of fluoroquinolone drugs since 2004, Levaquin was still commonly prescribed for bacterial infections until 2017. The effects of peripheral neuropathy can become apparent within days of taking the drug and can last for around a year or even become permanent in some unfortunate cases. Nerve damage is incredibly severe and can have a significant impact on your life. It is unjustifiable to still prescribe Levaquin considering how long-lasting and devastating the possible side effects can be. Because of this, it is highly advisable you contact a lawyer at our law firm to see if your case could result in compensation being paid out.
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Is Levaquin Still Prescribed by Pharmacists?
The production of Levaquin was discontinued in 2017 by Johnson & Johnson. However, it was still made available for prescriptions until 2020. Furthermore, several fluoroquinolone drugs are still prescribed, many of which have caused issues for the taker. There have been multiple reports of nerve damage and other severe effects after taking these drugs. Contact The Law Place today, if you have been victim to the effects of Levaquin, to organize a free case review.
How Do I Determine Liability in My Nerve Damage Case?
If a pharmaceutical company is found to be prioritizing profit over the health of its consumers, then they can be held liable. Multiple lawsuits (700 in 2016 alone) have been filed against the producers of Levaquin. These lawsuits tend to center on:
- The company knew of the drug possibly having adverse effects but failed to appropriately warn the general public and/or doctors of these effects.
- The company was aware of the dangers and proceeded to hide them and any reports of reactions, misleading their consumers and doctors.
- The company emphasized the benefits of the drug and made claims it would be a worthwhile means of treatment for minor bacterial infections, downplaying the severity of certain adverse reactions. This was despite awareness of potential dangers such as nerve damage, even when knowing there were safer options.
If Johnson & Johnson (and its subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals) can be found liable for any suffering you experienced, then you could be entitled to compensation to recover all lost and claimable costs. Such expenses include, but are not limited to, lost wages, medical bills, and appropriate reimbursement for your loss of quality of life after taking Levaquin. Here at The Law Place, we understand that no amount of compensation will be able to make up for your physical and emotional suffering, but it’s a step in the right direction when seeking justice. Contact our office today to organize a free consultation with a lawyer on our team.
Contact a Levaquin Nerve Damage Attorney at The Law Place Today!
If you or a loved one have suffered from severe reactions after consuming Levaquin, contact The Law Place today! Our law firm recognizes how potentially traumatic this situation can be and will prioritize your case and utilize our years of experience to get you the best chance at the best possible outcome. Contact our law firm using our toll-free number, (941) 444-4444. Phone lines are open 24/7.
Call or text 941-444-4444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form