LevaquinŽ Tendon Rupture
LevaquinŽ is an antibiotic drug prescribed to treat infections of the sinuses, skin, lungs, and urinary tract. Levaquin is taken once daily for a duration recommended by a doctor. The antibiotic has been linked to serious complications including tendon ruptures and tendinitis in some users, and has drawn attention from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
FDA Adds Levaquin Black Box Warning
The FDA alerted doctors and healthcare professionals of Levaquin's link to tendon ruptures and tendinitis in July 2008, stating that the manufacturers of similar drugs must include a black box warning on drug packaging (1). A black box warning is the strongest warning possible and is used only when a drug may cause serious or even life-threatening effects.
Levaquin's black box warning reads:
WARNING: Fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUINŽ, are associated with an increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture in all ages. This risk is further increased in older patients usually over 60 years of age, in patients taking corticosteroid drugs, and in patients with kidney, heart or lung transplants (2).
Tendon Rupture and Tendinitis
Tendons are the tissues in the body that connect muscles and bones. Tendinitis describes the inflammation of tendons which results in pain and tenderness around a joint. This often occurs in the shoulders, elbows, hands, and wrists. Tendon ruptures and tendinitis can be excruciating and result in permanent disability.
Symptoms include the following around the joints (including the heels, shoulders, hands and wrists):
*Cases likely to be referred
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