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Levaquin (Levofloxacin) is a prescribed antibiotic drug used to treat the symptoms of various bacterial infections. By 2010 it was the most common type of fluoroquinolone antibiotics prescribed in the United States. It is more than likely that if you experienced a bacterial infection between 1996 and 2017, then you would’ve been prescribed this drug. It is even possible to have been prescribed by a pharmacist until 2020. However, it has now become apparent that many people who took Levaquin are now suffering serious side effects, including permanent nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy may cause further impacts such as pain, impair muscle movement, and even prevent normal sensation in the arms and legs.
At The Law Place, our personal injury lawyers understand how difficult this situation is and can empathize with how the greed of drug companies has impacted your life, perhaps permanently. Our law firm, operating across Florida, has 75 years of combined experience when helping people receive the justice they deserve following an injury that was not their fault. If you or somebody you know have suffered nerve damage after taking Levaquin, our team is here to help. Contact us on our toll-free number, (941) 444-4444, to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
Fluoroquinolone Drugs
In 2013, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensured that the public understood the warning that a popular class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones may possibly lead to side effects, including permanent nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy.
Fluoroquinolones, including Levaquin, have all led to serious side effects. First made available to the public in the 1980s, these drugs were used as a treatment for respiratory and urinary tract infections. Over 23 million people in 2011 alone were found to have received a prescription for one of these types of drugs, even if safer options were available.
Side Effects of Levaquin
Commonly, the side effects of Levaquin will become evident very quickly, usually within a few days. A report in 2013 by the FDA found that the risk of suffering any side effects from Levaquin is not related to age or duration of treatment. This makes Levaquin particularly dangerous as even if you’re young and healthy, it can affect you. For this reason, immediate medical attention after showing side effects is salient.
The symptoms of sensory nerve damage include:
- Sudden pains or temperature.
- Poor reflexes.
- Loss of coordination.
- Severe touch sensitivity.
- Losses of sensation.
Motor nerves (these control movements) may also be affected. When these are disrupted, you may notice symptoms such as:
- Muscles cramps.
- Weakness.
- Muscle twitching.
- Atrophy.
If you have demonstrated symptoms of nerve damage or peripheral neuropathy, you must contact a personal injury attorney from The Law Place to see if you could be owed compensation.
Peripheral Neuropathy
As mentioned earlier, a side effect of Levaquin is peripheral neuropathy. This damages the nerves that send signals. This disruption can cause numbness, burning, tingling, and shooting pains commonly in the arms and legs. It can be long-lasting and, in some cases, be permanent.
Unfortunately, despite peripheral neuropathy being listed as a side effect of fluoroquinolone drugs since 2004, Levaquin was still being prescribed for respiratory and urinary tract infections until 2017. Levaquin induced peripheral neuropathy can lead to the taker being left in an immense amount of pain, even making walking difficult in some cases. Peripheral neuropathy may become apparent within mere days of taking the drug and can then last for around a year or even become permanent in the very worst cases. Damage to a person’s nerves is incredibly severe and can have a monumental impact on your quality of life, and it even has the potential to lead to further health issues such as depression.
It is unjustifiable that Levaquin has been prescribed given how devastating and long-lasting the possible effects can be once you have taken it. For this reason, it is important to employ a personal injury lawyer from The Law Place to fight for the justice you deserve.
Who Produces Levaquin and Is There an Awareness of the Danger?
Levaquin is manufactured by a Johnson & Johnson company known as Ortho-McNeill-Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Sadly, the company is undeniably aware of the dangers Levaquin possesses, and shockingly there were reports of nerve damage even before Levaquin received FDA approval in 1996. Additionally, peripheral neuropathy was recognized as a possible side reaction very early on, but manufacturers prioritized profit over the wellbeing of consumers and instead claimed this was a rare occurrence.
Is Levaquin Still Prescribed by Pharmacists?
Despite the production of Levaquin being discontinued by Johnson and Johnson in 2017, it was still made available in pharmacies until 2020. Additionally, multiple fluoroquinolone drugs are still prescribed, and many of these are still causing severe issues for people. These prescriptions are despite multiple reports of nerve damage and other serious side effects that accompany these drugs. Here at The Law Place, our team believes this is blatant negligence, and thus if you have suffered negative effects following the taking of antibacterial drugs such as Levaquin, then do not hesitate to call us.
Determining Liability in Your Nerve Damage Case
If a pharmaceutical company has been proven to be prioritizing their profit margins more over the health of its consumers and proceeds to sell a drug that they know has severe side effects, they can be held liable. Countless lawsuits (700 as of 2016 alone) have been filed against the manufacturers of Levaquin, and these lawsuits tend to claim:
- The company was aware of the drug possibly having dangerous side effects but failed to sufficiently warn the general public and/or doctors.
- The company knew of and then hid the dangers and reports of side reactions and thus misled the public and doctors.
- The company encouraged the benefits of the drug and then claimed it would be a worthwhile treatment for minor bacterial infections, therefore, downplaying the severity of certain side reactions. This being despite knowledge of potential dangers of nerve damage, even when knowing there were safer options.
If Johnson & Johnson is found liable for your suffering, you will be entitled to compensation to recover all lost and claimable expenses. Such costs can include any lost wages, medical bills, and sufficient reimbursement for your reduction in quality of life following the consumption of Levaquin. We understand at The Law Place that no amount of money will equate to your suffering, but it is a step in the direction of putting your life back together and receiving justice against such companies.
Talk to a Levaquin Nerve Damage Lawyer Today at The Law Place!
If you or a loved one have suffered nerve damage following the consumption of Levaquin, you should contact The Law Place today. Here at our law firm, your case is our team of dedicated personal injury lawyer’s top priority. We understand how upsetting this situation can be and will fight so that you receive the justice you deserve. Contact us today to organize a free case evaluation on (941) 444-4444.
