Post Marketing Reports for October 2000

Doc 69
2467From: glm47@g...
Date: Tue Oct 3, 2000 5:17pm
Subject: Adverse reaction to Levaquin

I took Levaquin last November, 1999 and had an adverse reaction
(within 3-4 days) affecting the nerves and tendons in both my legs
and right arm. I called the manufacturer and they really could have
cared less. I notified my doctor and got the same reaction. I
eventually ended up with a rheumatologist who gave me shots of
cortisone, and sugar/water shots which seems to have eleviated it;
but now am suffering with fluid build up in both legs. My
rheumatologist told me that the patient information sheet on this
drug indicates "joint pain", but it really affects the nerves and
tendons - not the joint (a bit of misrepresentation I would think).
I was in tremendous pain and could barely walk. I had trouble
getting out of my car, climbing up onto a curb - stairs were out
completely (I had to crawl up stairs and do one step at a time,
holding on to the rail to get down stairs).

Anyway, I checked with an attorney and he suggested I find out if
anyone has filed legal action against the drug manufacturer. Please
let me know if anyone on this forum has, when, and under what
conditions.

I have spoken to three other people, just in my area, that have had
similar reactions. What can we as a group do about this drug?



Doc 68
2464From: Cheryl King Whitlock <cwhitlock@m...>
Date: Sun Oct 1, 2000 6:25pm
Subject: Re: 10 Days after 1 Levaquin

I took Levaquin for about 2 days of the 14 day prescription last
year. The main sympton I had was insomnia which I suffer with anyway,
the pills just made it much worse.

I also had a reaction I have not seen mentioned and that is rapid
heartbeat. I felt like is was pounding out of my chest. Needless to
say I flushed the remainder down the toilet and after reading some of
these nightmare stories, I am so thankful I did.

I suffer from regular sinusitis attacks and that is what the
prescription for Levaquin was for. I have taken Biaxin in the past
and will probably go back to it. I hate the bitter taste it leaves
but at least it won't kill me.

My heartfelt prayers and support are with you suffering from this
horrible drug. It is just an example that the FDA is not doing their
homework in evaluating these drugs.

Very Sincerely,

Cheryl Whitlock


Doc 67
2457From: Beadit42@a...
Date: Sun Oct 1, 2000 6:38am
Subject: Re: Re: cardiac symptoms

When I was in the hospital being IV'd with floxin in June of 97, I started
getting really bad heart palps. I told the doctor and they sent in a "heart
dr" who said nothing was wrong. It continued, and they continued to feed me
the floxin and flagyl alternately. I got really bad panic attacks and when I
got up for the first time to walk, my knees wouldn't let me. After that it
was all down hill from there and it's been that way since. It's now year
2000 and I still feel crummy, but I stopped eating all poultry in Feb. and I
feel "different". Not better, but "different". My son, if all of you
remember me and my posts took the Levaquin last Aug.99 and is still really
sick. His stomach is what bothers him mostly and other things he won't
discuss with me because he knows it gets me too upset.
So that r2d2 person, whomever you are, take a Levaquin and a Cipro and a
Floxin and then write in our forum!
Sherry

Doc 66
2456From: Beadit42@a...
Date: Sun Oct 1, 2000 5:50am
Subject: Re: Statistical numbers analyzed

doctors are not informed of ADRs because the drug salesmen come into their
office, bring lunch for everyone, bring pens and pads and all sorts of
"goodies" and NEVER see the doctor regarding the samples they drop off. I
have seen it happen with my own eyes and get really angry!
Sherry


Doc 79
2507From: Paul Keels <ggpak@f...>
Date: Tue Oct 10, 2000 3:41am
Subject: Re: another new member

hi. my name is paul and i'm another new member.

almost two weeks ago, my doctor gave me six sample daily doses of 500mg
Levaquin for a cyst on my leg.

before i took the first dose, i asked my doctor if there were any
potential interaction with the only other medication i'm currently
taking. he assured me there wasn't. there were no warnings or advisories
on the sample packages, nor inside the box. though i also checked the
manufacturers' websites of both drugs for interactions and side-effects,
the Levaquin website only warned of hives and skin rashes... which i did
not experience.

Levaquin was immediately effective in reducing the infection. but i also
began to experience a wide range of symptoms, including sleeplessness
and general unrest, cardiac arrhythmia, elevated blood pressure, severe
headaches, indigestion, depression, altered senses of smell and taste,
joint pain, and an assortment of throbs and needles everywhere from my
feet to my face. whether it's related or not, i've also had daily mild
hiccups and occasional eye twitches.

the most immediate symptoms were sleeplessness and rapid heartbeat. i
hardly slept at all for four days. and on nights two, three and four,
when i finally fell asleep briefly, i awakened abruptly each night in
extreme cardiac distress. i rationalized that these were not the classic
heart attack symptoms i had experienced four years ago. but i fear that
they each were potentially life-threatening episodes.

during those few days, my other symptoms rapidly manifested themselves.
i felt so sick that i described my feelings to a friend as similar to
what it must be like to receive aggressive chemotheraphy... or to being
gradually poisoned to death.

suspecting an adverse reaction to the Levaquin, i checked the
manufacturer's website again for information on these symptoms. i found nothing.

because i was scheduled to have the cyst removed last thursday, i
reluctantly completed the course of antibiotics, taking my last dose a
week ago today. but when i told the doctor of my symptoms, he delayed
the office surgery. i see the doctor again this coming thursday, and
plan to ask him to file an FDA Medwatch Report.

since yesterday, my blood pressure seems to be returning to normal. the
depression has also subsided. but i still have the fatigue, joint pain,
and other shooters, hiccups and twitches. i still have to take a
sleeping aid to get any rest. and though it seems odd, while my sense of
taste seems diminished, my sense of smell seems extremely heightened.
many formerly pleasant aromas now smell sickening to me.

i guess my biggest concerns at this point are... whether any further
permanent damage has been done to my heart? whether the cardiac symptoms
may return spontaneously? how common are the cardiac symptoms in
quinolone reactions? and how long am i likely to have to deal with the
joint problems and other pains?

please forgive me for going on and on, but this is all still very new to
me, and i'm still a bit stunned by it all. thanks to each of you for any
information or advice you can share. and my thoughts are with you all in
dealing with your own individual situations.

best regards.
paul


Doc 77
2499From: JTuttle962@a...
Date: Tue Oct 10, 2000 4:02am
Subject: New Member Question

Hi everyone,

I am just learning about quinolones' negative side effects. I have
been on and off Cipro for years (chronic sinus/dental problems).
It has been determined after seeing about ten docs in all different
specialities that I have ruptured tendons around all major joints due
to the use of quinolones which as bad as this is--this is actually
good news to me because at first the medical profession thought I was
having mini-strokes in all bones resulting in bone death (which is
what went on in my jaws/teeth..another story).

Anyway, what I would like to know is there any time frame for the
body to stop blowing tendons? I have not taken any quinolones (Cipro
or Levaquin) for about ten months now and my joint pain is no
better. My sense of smell is beginning to come back (lost in
December '98 while on Levaquin). I have tried to navigate thru the
various sites but I cannot download the Acrobat Reader (operator
error I am sure)so I would appreicate any insight possible.

FYI, I am taking 15 mg of Mobic which is helping as well as just
started an antidepressant called "Dysrel" or generic trazodone for
sleep. The doc said it would take a month for it to help...well, it
took effect immediately. For the first time in 7 years I am sleeping
what I consider to be normal, i.e., no waking with drenching hot
flashes or severe pain...just the normal bathroom trips. If anyone
knows anything negative about trazodone I'd appreciate their input.

Thanks in advance. I am still stunned that I have seen so many docs
in so many specialties trying to get to the root of the joint
pain...and only the most recent one (a rheummy)
mentioned "spontaneous tendon rupture from quinolones" which
certainly describes my past two years.

Judie

Doc 76
2496From: JTuttle962@a...
Date: Mon Oct 9, 2000 10:11am
Subject: Re: New person--old story?

Hi,
My name is Judie and I am brand new to this group. I have had severe
joint pain for over a year and seen every type of doc known to mankind. Had
just about every test too! Started with an abcessed tooth in '97, lots of
antibiotics, mostly Cipro; in '98 tooth was finally extracted and the pain
never left. In December 1998 was put on Levaquin for yet another sinus
infection.
Long, long story really short: had 7 oral surgeries in 1999 losing 21
teeth and bone (all were biopsied; all were dead, dying or mummified). I am
54, not 54,000! Biopsy showed NICO (neuralgia induced cavitational
osteonecrosis) in 3 areas of the jaw. Also had alot of blood testing and DNA
work done: I carry the main gene for osteonecrosis and have 3 clotting
disorders which undoubtedly contributed to the teeth dying (lots of root
canals, lots of anesthesia).
Within 30 days (February 1999) of my first jaw surgery right elbow
blew....took months of physical therapy, different tests by different docs
etc and finally in Feb. 2000 an ortho orders an MRI of the elbow which shows
blown tendons in two places. He offers no help. By now, bone scans show
"hot spots" in ankles, knees, hips, pelvic, spine, shoulders, elbows and
wrists. Am told I have developed moderate to severe OA....and they think
that either my bones are still stroking out (mini clots in bones, not
vessels) OR I have tendon ruptures from the long-time use of quinolones.
Have just learned of this site and will contribute what I can; what is
helping me with pain now is 15 mg. of Mobic a day (the new kid on the block
anti-inflammatory), an anti-depressant "Dsyrel" for sleep (and it is
helping), and fiorinal w/codeine #3 for when I can't stand the pain anymore.
I also take Tylenol (1300 mg 1-3 times a day). I take warm whirlpool baths
often, use moist heat and cold packs, practice deep breathing and relaxation
techniques, and strap magnets (the cheap kind from Walgreen's) everywhere. I
wear carpal tunnel braces for my wrists and tennis elbow supports for my
elbows.
I am freaking sick of all this.....it has been a nightmare lasting two
years and I can't wait for the day when I feel GREAT! Thanks for listening
to me rant!

Judie


Doc 75
2494From: ktverch@h...
Date: Mon Oct 9, 2000 6:49am
Subject: Does this sound about right?

Hi everyone,

I have been sick with an ear infection for almost a year almost
constantly, and my doctor had tried many different antibiotics. This
past week, I was given Levaquin 500's to take once a day. The truly
odd thing is that my doctor did not tell me about any side effects
and she advised me to not search the prescribing information out on
the internet as there is a lot of "junk" out there. I,
unfortunately, listened to my doctor.
My side effects are a lot milder than some of you guys, but still I'm
extremely angry that I was given a drug like this and that my doctor
didn't inform me.
To make this long story short, I have experienced increased pulse
rate, increased anxiety, and most alarmingly to me, stiffening and
pain in several joints that include both ankles, my left knee, both
hips, and left shoulder and elbow. I wish that I would have looked
this up before I took it. Now my doc wants to prescribe zoloft
(since this is all in my head of course).
This sucks--My heart goes out to each of you.


Doc 74
2490From: Marcia McCormack <nutrasnoop@g...>
Date: Sun Oct 8, 2000 7:54am
Subject: I need advice

Hi gang, I was given the drug Levaquin last week for a stubborn URI. I had tried Amoxicillan but my chest still felt full and I was coughing a bit. I took 3 days worth, 500mg each day, of the Levaquin. I experienced a metallic taste in my mouth and funny smells. I looked at your site because these possible side-effects were not mentioned to me by the MD. I immediately stopped the drug based on what I saw on your site. Very alarming. I tend to be drug sensitive and also I am on a beta-blocker for skipped heart beats. My chest is filling up again. The drug was working and my MD wants me to go back on the drug but I am refusing to do so. Help! Can I expect this taste to go away? The MD says it is a common side-effect. My feeling is that I should stay in bed and ride out this infection. Thanks in advance for any input. "M"


Doc 73
Message: 2
Date: Wed, 04 Oct 2000 00:17:15 -0000
From: glm47@g...
Subject: Adverse reaction to Levaquin

I took Levaquin last November, 1999 and had an adverse reaction
(within 3-4 days) affecting the nerves and tendons in both my legs
and right arm. I called the manufacturer and they really could have
cared less. I notified my doctor and got the same reaction. I
eventually ended up with a rheumatologist who gave me shots of
cortisone, and sugar/water shots which seems to have eleviated it;
but now am suffering with fluid build up in both legs. My
rheumatologist told me that the patient information sheet on this
drug indicates "joint pain", but it really affects the nerves and
tendons - not the joint (a bit of misrepresentation I would think).
I was in tremendous pain and could barely walk. I had trouble
getting out of my car, climbing up onto a curb - stairs were out
completely (I had to crawl up stairs and do one step at a time,
holding on to the rail to get down stairs).

Anyway, I checked with an attorney and he suggested I find out if
anyone has filed legal action against the drug manufacturer. Please
let me know if anyone on this forum has, when, and under what
conditions.

I have spoken to three other people, just in my area, that have had
similar reactions. What can we as a group do about this drug?


Doc 72
Message: 1
Date: Tue, 03 Oct 2000 17:52:38 -0000
From: aaron@s...
Subject: Nightmare

I am so glad to have found this website. I started to take Levaquin
for a sinus infection and after 20 pills (500mg) I stopped just
yesterday - when I finally realized that the soreness over my entire
body was due to the drug. I have difficulty walking now, every joint
in my body and many muscles cause me severe pain. Does this ever go
away? I opened an envelope yesterday, and the pain in my finger and
wrist are is still throbbing. I would love to hear from someone that
has experienced this and how long it took to go away or if it ever
does.

Doc 71
2480From: lorayne1@a...
Date: Wed Oct 4, 2000 4:12pm
Subject: Re: Adverse reaction to Levaquin attorney

I have taken Floxins and Leviquin and have had searious reactions to both
medicines.I have also had some of the top Physician's at a teaching hospital
tell me it was the medicine's.
Can I sue the Doctor who prescribed them and continued to prescribe them
under names I did not know were floxins. No. Now you tell me why not. If a
person states they are allergic or have a reaction to a med and is given that
med and has to be hospitalized because of it why can't they be sues.


Doc 70
2466From: aaron@s...
Date: Tue Oct 3, 2000 10:52am
Subject: Nightmare

I am so glad to have found this website. I started to take Levaquin
for a sinus infection and after 20 pills (500mg) I stopped just
yesterday - when I finally realized that the soreness over my entire
body was due to the drug. I have difficulty walking now, every joint
in my body and many muscles cause me severe pain. Does this ever go
away? I opened an envelope yesterday, and the pain in my finger and
wrist are is still throbbing. I would love to hear from someone that
has experienced this and how long it took to go away or if it ever
does.



Doc 77
2499From: JTuttle962@a...
Date: Tue Oct 10, 2000 4:02am
Subject: New Member Question

Hi everyone,

I am just learning about quinolones' negative side effects. I have
been on and off Cipro for years (chronic sinus/dental problems).
It has been determined after seeing about ten docs in all different
specialities that I have ruptured tendons around all major joints due
to the use of quinolones which as bad as this is--this is actually
good news to me because at first the medical profession thought I was
having mini-strokes in all bones resulting in bone death (which is
what went on in my jaws/teeth..another story).

Anyway, what I would like to know is there any time frame for the
body to stop blowing tendons? I have not taken any quinolones (Cipro
or Levaquin) for about ten months now and my joint pain is no
better. My sense of smell is beginning to come back (lost in
December '98 while on Levaquin). I have tried to navigate thru the
various sites but I cannot download the Acrobat Reader (operator
error I am sure)so I would appreicate any insight possible.

FYI, I am taking 15 mg of Mobic which is helping as well as just
started an antidepressant called "Dysrel" or generic trazodone for
sleep. The doc said it would take a month for it to help...well, it
took effect immediately. For the first time in 7 years I am sleeping
what I consider to be normal, i.e., no waking with drenching hot
flashes or severe pain...just the normal bathroom trips. If anyone
knows anything negative about trazodone I'd appreciate their input.

Thanks in advance. I am still stunned that I have seen so many docs
in so many specialties trying to get to the root of the joint
pain...and only the most recent one (a rheummy)
mentioned "spontaneous tendon rupture from quinolones" which
certainly describes my past two years.

Judie

Doc 76
2496From: JTuttle962@a...
Date: Mon Oct 9, 2000 10:11am
Subject: Re: New person--old story?

Hi,
My name is Judie and I am brand new to this group. I have had severe
joint pain for over a year and seen every type of doc known to mankind. Had
just about every test too! Started with an abcessed tooth in '97, lots of
antibiotics, mostly Cipro; in '98 tooth was finally extracted and the pain
never left. In December 1998 was put on Levaquin for yet another sinus
infection.
Long, long story really short: had 7 oral surgeries in 1999 losing 21
teeth and bone (all were biopsied; all were dead, dying or mummified). I am
54, not 54,000! Biopsy showed NICO (neuralgia induced cavitational
osteonecrosis) in 3 areas of the jaw. Also had alot of blood testing and DNA
work done: I carry the main gene for osteonecrosis and have 3 clotting
disorders which undoubtedly contributed to the teeth dying (lots of root
canals, lots of anesthesia).
Within 30 days (February 1999) of my first jaw surgery right elbow
blew....took months of physical therapy, different tests by different docs
etc and finally in Feb. 2000 an ortho orders an MRI of the elbow which shows
blown tendons in two places. He offers no help. By now, bone scans show
"hot spots" in ankles, knees, hips, pelvic, spine, shoulders, elbows and
wrists. Am told I have developed moderate to severe OA....and they think
that either my bones are still stroking out (mini clots in bones, not
vessels) OR I have tendon ruptures from the long-time use of quinolones.
Have just learned of this site and will contribute what I can; what is
helping me with pain now is 15 mg. of Mobic a day (the new kid on the block
anti-inflammatory), an anti-depressant "Dsyrel" for sleep (and it is
helping), and fiorinal w/codeine #3 for when I can't stand the pain anymore.
I also take Tylenol (1300 mg 1-3 times a day). I take warm whirlpool baths
often, use moist heat and cold packs, practice deep breathing and relaxation
techniques, and strap magnets (the cheap kind from Walgreen's) everywhere. I
wear carpal tunnel braces for my wrists and tennis elbow supports for my
elbows.
I am freaking sick of all this.....it has been a nightmare lasting two
years and I can't wait for the day when I feel GREAT! Thanks for listening
to me rant!

Judie


Doc 75
2494From: ktverch@h...
Date: Mon Oct 9, 2000 6:49am
Subject: Does this sound about right?

Hi everyone,

I have been sick with an ear infection for almost a year almost
constantly, and my doctor had tried many different antibiotics. This
past week, I was given Levaquin 500's to take once a day. The truly
odd thing is that my doctor did not tell me about any side effects
and she advised me to not search the prescribing information out on
the internet as there is a lot of "junk" out there. I,
unfortunately, listened to my doctor.
My side effects are a lot milder than some of you guys, but still I'm
extremely angry that I was given a drug like this and that my doctor
didn't inform me.
To make this long story short, I have experienced increased pulse
rate, increased anxiety, and most alarmingly to me, stiffening and
pain in several joints that include both ankles, my left knee, both
hips, and left shoulder and elbow. I wish that I would have looked
this up before I took it. Now my doc wants to prescribe zoloft
(since this is all in my head of course).
This sucks--My heart goes out to each of you.


Doc 74
2490From: Marcia McCormack nutrasnoop@g...
Date: Sun Oct 8, 2000 7:54am
Subject: I need advice

Hi gang, I was given the drug Levaquin last week for a stubborn URI. I had tried Amoxicillan but my chest still felt full and I was coughing a bit. I took 3 days worth, 500mg each day, of the Levaquin. I experienced a metallic taste in my mouth and funny smells. I looked at your site because these possible side-effects were not mentioned to me by the MD. I immediately stopped the drug based on what I saw on your site. Very alarming. I tend to be drug sensitive and also I am on a beta-blocker for skipped heart beats. My chest is filling up again. The drug was working and my MD wants me to go back on the drug but I am refusing to do so. Help! Can I expect this taste to go away? The MD says it is a common side-effect. My feeling is that I should stay in bed and ride out this infection. Thanks in advance for any input. "M"


Doc 73
Message: 2
Date: Wed, 04 Oct 2000 00:17:15 -0000
From: glm47@g...
Subject: Adverse reaction to Levaquin

I took Levaquin last November, 1999 and had an adverse reaction
(within 3-4 days) affecting the nerves and tendons in both my legs
and right arm. I called the manufacturer and they really could have
cared less. I notified my doctor and got the same reaction. I
eventually ended up with a rheumatologist who gave me shots of
cortisone, and sugar/water shots which seems to have eleviated it;
but now am suffering with fluid build up in both legs. My
rheumatologist told me that the patient information sheet on this
drug indicates "joint pain", but it really affects the nerves and
tendons - not the joint (a bit of misrepresentation I would think).
I was in tremendous pain and could barely walk. I had trouble
getting out of my car, climbing up onto a curb - stairs were out
completely (I had to crawl up stairs and do one step at a time,
holding on to the rail to get down stairs).

Anyway, I checked with an attorney and he suggested I find out if
anyone has filed legal action against the drug manufacturer. Please
let me know if anyone on this forum has, when, and under what
conditions.

I have spoken to three other people, just in my area, that have had
similar reactions. What can we as a group do about this drug?


Doc 72
Message: 1
Date: Tue, 03 Oct 2000 17:52:38 -0000
From: aaron@s...
Subject: Nightmare

I am so glad to have found this website. I started to take Levaquin
for a sinus infection and after 20 pills (500mg) I stopped just
yesterday - when I finally realized that the soreness over my entire
body was due to the drug. I have difficulty walking now, every joint
in my body and many muscles cause me severe pain. Does this ever go
away? I opened an envelope yesterday, and the pain in my finger and
wrist are is still throbbing. I would love to hear from someone that
has experienced this and how long it took to go away or if it ever
does.

Doc 71
2480From: lorayne1@a...
Date: Wed Oct 4, 2000 4:12pm
Subject: Re: Adverse reaction to Levaquin attorney

I have taken Floxins and Leviquin and have had searious reactions to both
medicines.I have also had some of the top Physician's at a teaching hospital
tell me it was the medicine's.
Can I sue the Doctor who prescribed them and continued to prescribe them
under names I did not know were floxins. No. Now you tell me why not. If a
person states they are allergic or have a reaction to a med and is given that
med and has to be hospitalized because of it why can't they be sues.


Doc 70
2466From: aaron@s...
Date: Tue Oct 3, 2000 10:52am
Subject: Nightmare

I am so glad to have found this website. I started to take Levaquin
for a sinus infection and after 20 pills (500mg) I stopped just
yesterday - when I finally realized that the soreness over my entire
body was due to the drug. I have difficulty walking now, every joint
in my body and many muscles cause me severe pain. Does this ever go
away? I opened an envelope yesterday, and the pain in my finger and
wrist are is still throbbing. I would love to hear from someone that
has experienced this and how long it took to go away or if it ever
does.

Doc 91

2647From: Mike W mikewitt1@e...
Date: Tue Oct 31, 2000 10:23pm
Subject: Avelox: ADRs how common?

Hello, I'm trying to get some idea of how often and severe are
adverse
reations to Avelox? Why do I ask? I'm sitting here staring at a
thirty days supply of Avelox prescribed by my ENT and I'm wondering
what this stuff might do to me? The ENT prescribed it as a last
ditch
effort to rid me of the chronic sinus infection I've been plagued
with
for months and that other lesser antibiotics haven't killed. The
doctor's plan was to try the Avelox and if this doesn't work then my
only alternative left is the roto-rooter sinus surgery. However,
after reading some of the Quilone stories here on this forum, I'm
actually feeling like I'd almost rather just have the surgery now and
skip the Avelox.

Any advise, links, and especially statistics on Avelox ADR's would be
VERY appreciated!
Thanks, Mike


Doc 90
2584From: JTuttle962@a...
Date: Mon Oct 23, 2000 7:25am
Subject: Re: Arthiritis and bad lumbars

I had mild arthritis in two joints prior to a two week trial of Levaquin in
December 1998 and an almost year-long trial of Cipro (7 oral surgeries) in
1999.

In January 1999 I developed an ungodly sore right elbow which was diagnosed
by MRI February 2000 as having "moderate to severe" tears in the tendon and
ligaments in the right elbow. Since January 1999 I have developed "hot
spots" (or areas of increased activity) but no one is quite sure what the
activity is...they think it is osteoarthritis....in fingers, wrists, elbows,
shoulders, hips, knees and ankles...yes sir, every freaking major joint is
killing me.

Is this do to quinolones? Don't know...in fact, just found out about this
controversy about a month ago. Hope this is of help.

Judie PS I had major lumbar surgery in '95 (fused L5, 4, 3) and instrumented
from S2-L2. Thankfully, I have no increased back pain at this time.


Doc 89
2583From: Miller Rhodes mrhodes@e...
Date: Mon Oct 23, 2000 8:44am
Subject: RE: Arthiritis and bad lumbars

I've had some problems with tendonitis / arthritis after taking on Floxin.

Doc 88

2579From: luffagus@a...
Date: Sun Oct 22, 2000 0:09pm
Subject: Re: Arthiritis and bad lumbars

Can someone tell me if they had any experience with arthiritis and lumbar
problems since Leviquin,Floxin?

Doc 87
2572From: No1DOSMOM@a...
Date: Sun Oct 22, 2000 2:07am
Subject: Re: Re:young girl

Hi everyone, this is Pat, Cheri's mom. I have not written in a while because
Cheri has been going through a very difficult time. She was in the
wheelchair for the first 5 1/2 months. The right Achilles Tendon was on the
verge of rupturing, both rotator cuffs were also at the point of rupturing,
and she had a tear in a right tendon. Dr. Flockhart has been wonderful with
his encouragement and help. We are also very fortunate that we have an
orthopedic doctor who is wonderful, understanding and constantly reading up
on anything that will help Cheri.

Cheri had one week of being out of either the right or left boot casts, but
then everything flared up again. She had to go back into a boot cast for the
left leg, then the rotator cuff on the right side flared up, then the right
leg flared. She is now in two surgical boot casts again and has been in the
wheelchair for the past three weeks. This past week her orthopedic doctor
said the tendons on the bottoms of her feet are now enflamed on top of the
other tendons in her ankles. On top of that, either from the levaquin
leeching the calcium out of her bones or because she has been in the boot
cast so long, she has a stress fracture in her left foot. The left leg has
been in boot casts so long, that the muscles are now so weakened that Cheri's
leg is turned out like a duck's foot. The doctor said at some point she will
have to have gait therapy to teach her how to walk again, but he said that is
far down the road. She has been in aquatic therapy, and that has helped her
physically and emotionally. Massage therapy helps with the pain management.
It also seems that the levaquin is attacking the muscles in her left eye.
She has a spotted loss of peripheral vision and double vision. That has
REALLY BEEN SCARY. Tuesday is her 17th birthday and she will spend it in a
wheelchair all because of an idiot doctor and five miserable pills.

Her therapists said they have never seen anything like this before. They are
horrified how it just keeps attacking different parts of her body every
couple of weeks. We think and our orthopedic doctor believes it is because
she is a kid and her body is having a very difficult time dealing with this
miserable poison.

I haven't been on line for awhile because our whole family is having a very
difficult time seeing Cheri suffer so much. The depression for all of us can
be very hard to deal with at times. We all keep telling her we will beat
this, but sometimes it is so hard to see her suffer . . .She is amazing,
though, with an inner strength that is amazing.

Know that you are all in our prayers. We know the nightmare you are going
through--it is constant and horrible.

~Pat

Doc 86
2555From: Matt Ewing aoksys@m...
Date: Sat Oct 21, 2000 0:03am
Subject: FQs affecting blood test results?

Does anyone know if Cipro or other FQs can alter white blood cell counts?

Thanks
ME

Doc 85
2532From: JTuttle962@a...
Date: Fri Oct 13, 2000 6:25am
Subject: Re: reply to HOTSTOCKPICKS

Well said. I must have blown tendons et.all in ankles, knees, hips, wrists,
elbows and shoulders....bone scan confirms "abnormalities" in all these
joints; had an MRI of the right elbow 12 months after it first started
hurting and it showed two tendons were still "moderately torn."....I used to
be very active, not quit as much as you but I was at your age. I am 54.

What is helping me with pain is, of course, 1300 mg of Tylenol at a time (up
to 3 times a day), Mobic, 15 mg a day (anti-inflammatory because it is
"probably just" arthritis)...I think I'll puke on someone the next time I
hear that; fiorinal with codeine #3 or Lortab for when I can't stand the
pain; and now an anti-depressant not for depression but for sleep...and it is
helping me sleep.

I hope we get some answers soon...I've even had to give up most Yoga
positions. I walk around with magnets strapped everywhere and aircast braces
on elbows and carpal tunnel splints on wrists...you are right. I, too, am
sick of the pain and inconvenience and wonder when will it be better!

Judie

Doc 84
2530From: hotstockpicks@u...
Date: Fri Oct 13, 2000 10:31am
Subject: The Great Dr. Flockhart and others

Not to sound too cynical, but for over a year I haven't been able to
excercise at all. I tried twice 6 months ago. Just doing a few
pushups made my arms ache and tingle and my elbows creak and hurt for
months. I tried to rollerblade leisurely around the block ( I used
to go miles easily) and the next day I could barely walk. It is 5
months and my left knee is still on fire most of the time. So I ask
you, why on earth would I want to take the time and expense to travel
to see Dr. Flockhart or any other so called expert when all they are
going to do is say, "well its only been a year, most people will get
better slowly after a couple years, but some people don't and there
is no medicine or anything we can do for you." I just don't get it,
if no one can help us and we just have to suffer and hope to be
better one day, then why even go see them. I don't care whether
anyone believes my problem or not. All I know is a year ago I
excercised 4 days a week, weightlifted, rollerbladed, jogged. 33
years old and never had an ache in any joint or muscle at all. After
2 months of levaquin all my elbows and knees make noise, get stuck,
hurt, and feel like they are on fire as well as losing strength and
motor skills for months after I attempt the slightest excercise. I
KNOW what happened to me. Now can someone tell me what the hell I
should or can do about it? Does any medicines help these
tendon/joint/nerve problems? Will this ever get better?


Doc 83
2529From: jwk jwk@t...
Date: Fri Oct 13, 2000 4:01am
Subject: Re: Doctors!

Pre-existing conditions are one of the very reasons we are suppose to be
able to rely on physicians to screen the information from the drug companies
so make sure that we aren't prescribed medication which we shouldn't be
given. I was told by several physicians and even Ortho-NcNeil that had the
insert been read, it would have been obvious that I wasn't a candidate to
take levaquin. Doctors aren't reading the medication inserts. Just because
the patient has a pre-existing condition is no excuse for the reason they
had an adverse reaction to the drug. We can't even sue them for not doing
their job. Also drug reps certainly aren't reminding physicians to read the
inserts, alerting them to problems regarding certain medical conditions or
interactions with other drugs because that would reduce sales and wouldn't
be in the drug companies best financial interests. I know from listening
to a ton of them over the past 35 years.
----- Original Message -----
From: Jeanne M Welling jeannemwelling@n...
To: quinolones@egroups.com
Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2000 6:15 PM
Subject: [quinolones] Doctors!



Doc 82
2526From: Jeanne M Welling jeannemwelling@n...
Date: Thu Oct 12, 2000 2:15pm
Subject: Doctors!

As I reported before our family Dr. has been very supportive of Kens run in
with Levaquin. I seen him today for something else and asked him if he ever
talked to the Levaquin drug rep. about all of the adverse effects. The Dr.
said that the drug rep had checked out the forum site but did not believe
all of you. That maybe many already had pre exsisting problems. I tell
everyone and anyone who will listen to me about the side effects. People
need to be informed so they can make their own decisions. Thanks for
listening.
Jeanne



Doc 81
2522From: michael & lynn snowber-marini as4603domsno@i...
Date: Thu Oct 12, 2000 0:20am
Subject: Re: My Doctor would like your input

Marcia,

I did not begin to have sympptoms until about a week into my second round of Levaquin. Some came and went quickly metallic taste in my mouth, rapid heartbeat and panic attacks. But, the joint and tendon pain have persisted and can be debilitating at times. I never thought I would be involved in a forum like this, but it has been life saving. I really thought I was going crazy for a while.

Michael