Levaquin (Levofloxacin) is a prescribed antibiotic that has been commonly used to treat the symptoms of a multitude of bacterial infections. By 2010 Levaquin was recognized as the most commonly prescribed type of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in the USA. Unfortunately, there have now been many cases of consumers reporting nerve damage as a side effect of consuming these drugs. This article includes some frequently asked questions surrounding taking Levaquin.
Here at The Law Place, our dedicated lawyers know how damaging the side effects of Levaquin can be and acknowledge how the selfishness of pharmaceutical companies can potentially ruin a life. Our law firm practices within the state of Florida and possesses 75 years of combined experience in fighting cases such as your own. If you or a loved one have suffered nerve damage after taking these drugs, then contact our team to organize a free case evaluation with a lawyer. Call today using the toll-free number (941) 444-4444. Phone lines are open 24/7.
What Are Fluoroquinolone Drugs?
In 2013 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensured that the general public was aware that the widely distributed class of antibiotics (known as fluoroquinolone drugs) could potentially lead to a plethora of adverse effects, this included permanent nerve damage. This type of nerve damage is medically referred to as peripheral neuropathy.
Fluoroquinolones, including Levaquin, very commonly lead to serious side effects. These types of drugs were first made available to the American public in the 1980s. They were commonly used as a treatment for urinary tract and respiratory infections. Just over 23 million people, in 2011 alone, were found to have been prescribed one of these types of drugs, even if safer drugs could’ve been used instead.
Who Produces Levaquin?
Levaquin was manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, more specifically the sub-branch Ortho-McNeill-Jansen Pharmaceuticals, up until 2017. Sadly, the company was very much aware of the serious side effects affiliated with the consumption of Levaquin. There are reports before Levaquin even received its FDA approval in 1996 of nerve damage in some users. In addition to this, peripheral neuropathy was identified as a potential side effect of Levaquin very early on, but those producing it prioritized profit over the health and safety of their customers.
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Is Levaquin Still Prescribed Today?
Levaquin was prescribed by doctors until 2020, but the actual production of the drug was discontinued in 2017 by Johnson &Johnson. In addition to this, plenty of fluoroquinolone drugs are still prescribed, many of which have caused severe reactions for some users. There have been a plethora of reports of nerve damage and other dangerous severe effects after taking fluoroquinolones. Contact The Law Place today to organize a free case review so our experienced lawyers can help you determine whether you are owed compensation.
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What Are the Side Effects of Levaquin?
More often than not, the side effects of Levaquin will become apparent very quickly, usually within a few days of consumption. In 2013 the FDA announced that the risk of suffering from the side effects of Levaquin is not related to the age of the consumer or the length of consumption. This does, unfortunately, make Levaquin increasingly dangerous in comparison to other drugs, as being young and healthy doesn’t offer you guaranteed immunity from its side effects.
The symptoms of sensory nerve damage include:
- Poor reflexes.
- Pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in the arms and legs.
- Sudden pains or high temperature.
- Loss of coordination.
- Severe touch sensitivity.
- Loss of sensation in body parts.
Motor nerves can also be affected. Symptoms of these nerves being disrupted include:
- Weakness.
- Muscle twitching.
- Atrophy.
- Muscle cramping.
If you or somebody you know have suffered symptoms of peripheral neuropathy or permanent nerve damage, then you should contact a personal injury lawyer at The Law Place today to organize a free consultation. You could be owed compensation.
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What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Taking Levaquin may cause peripheral neuropathy. This is something that damages the nerves that send signals around the body. Because of this, peripheral neuropathy can cause tingling, shooting pains in your arms and legs, numbness, and burning. This can sadly be long-lasting or even permanent.
Despite peripheral neuropathy being considered a side effect of taking fluoroquinolone drugs since 2004, Levaquin was widely prescribed for certain infections until 2017. The effects of peripheral neuropathy can become apparent within days of consumption and can last for around a year or even become permanent in some cases. Nerve damage is incredibly severe and can significantly affect how you live. It is unjustifiable to prescribe Levaquin considering how severe the side effects can be. Due to this, it is advisable you contact a personal injury attorney at our law firm as soon as possible to organize your free case evaluation.
How Is Liability Determined in My Nerve Damage Case?
If a pharmaceutical company is found to be prioritizing its profit margins over the health and safety of its customers, then the company can be held liable. A multitude of lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson. These lawsuits rely heavily on the following points:
- The company knew of the drug’s possible dangerous side effects but still failed to appropriately warn the general public and/or doctors of this.
- The company instead made a greater deal of the benefits of the drug and made claims it would be worthwhile for treating minor bacterial infections. This instead downplayed the severity of certain adverse reactions, despite knowledge of potential dangers like nerve damage.
- The company was aware of the dangers and proceeded to hide them and any reports of these reactions, misleading their customers and the doctors administering prescriptions.
If Johnson & Johnson are found to be liable for any suffering you experienced, then you could be owed compensation to recover all claimable costs. Such expenses include, but are not limited to, lost wages, medical bills, lost earning potential, and appropriate reimbursement for your reduction of quality of life after taking the drug. Here at our law firm, our team understands that no amount of compensation will be able to make right your physical and emotional suffering, but it is a step towards seeking and achieving the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free case review with an experienced lawyer from our team.
Contact a Levaquin Nerve Damage Attorney at The Law Place Today!
If you or somebody you know have suffered from a severe reaction, including nerve damage, after taking Levaquin, then contact The Law Place today! Our law firm knows how upsetting this situation can be and will utilize our years of experience in dealing with cases such as your own so that you can receive the justice you deserve. Contact our law firm using our toll-free number, (941) 444-4444. Phone lines are open 24/7.
