Post Marketing Reports for January 2001

Doc 2
3014From: Beadit42@a...
Date: Wed Jan 3, 2001 10:14am
Subject: Re: levaquin reaction?

Come to think of it, I bruised also, and still do from time to time. I
remember getting all these black and blue marks, especially on my thighs and
didn't put two and two together. I don't know if anyone else had mentioned
the bruising a year ago when I first got on the forum.

By the way, it will be 4 years ago that I was "floxed" and I still feel
rotten!

Sherry


Doc 19
3198From: indiomary@a...
Date: Sun Jan 21, 2001 8:35pm
Subject: Cipro and mental health issues

Hi,

I sure am glad to find this group. I was Floxed about fifteen months
ago and only figured out the source of the problems in the last
couple of months.

I was prescribed Cipro in late 1999, to have with me in case of
intestinal problems during a trip to Asia. I got the problems - big
time - and started on a first course of Cipro immediately. That
involved 21 500mg. pills over 10 1/2 days. I was disoriented and
depersonalizing, but I attributed that to having been so horribly
sick and dehydrated from the sever diarrhea. When I finished the
first course, I was still sick, so took another course of two a day
for 10 days. I continued to be really spacy mentally, but was so out
of it that I didn't really know that. I do know that people were
accusing me of taking pain killers and being loaded when I wasn't. I
also should note that I was taking Ketoprophen ER (an anti-
inflamatory) during this period.

(continued)


3199From: indiomary@a...
Date: Sun Jan 21, 2001 8:44pm
Subject: More on Cipro and mental health

When I got back to the US, I learned my best friend was taking Cipro
for bronchitis. She complained about out-of-body experiences and
being disoriented. When I looked at her prescription bottle, it had a
warning label about not driving when taking it, etc. My bottle had no
labels at all. At that point I looked Cipro up in the PDR and learned
about the potential adverse reactions, toxic psychosis, etc. I
assumed that what had happened to me was toxic psychosis. However,
the mental problems continue, and continued, and continued. I have
been diagnosed with severe depression, severe attention deficit
disorder (I had mild ADD before), chronic insomnia, and anxiety
disorder, and have been in treatment with a psychiatrist and a
psychologist since December 1999. Antidepressant drugs work on me for
a while, then stop working and I'm back to square one. The insomnia
didn't respond to any of the regular medications, so I am taking
Seroquel, an antipsychotic that has a side effect of making one
incredibly sleepy. When I finally figured out that all of my mental
health problems may have been a result of the Cipro (and read Bitter
Pills), I brought the issue up with my psychiatrist. She said
antibiotics in general are known to cause psychiatric problems in
previously normal people. I asked her whether, as I had read, the
problems are more or less permanent, and she replied "I always have
hope." I have hope of winning the lottery some day, and I think the
chances of either of those things happening are very small.
(continued)


3200From: indiomary@a...
Date: Sun Jan 21, 2001 8:47pm
Subject: More Cipro and mental health

I would like to know other peoples' experiences with mental health
problems caused by Cipro and the quinolones. Do the problems get
better? What are the chances that doctors will eventually find the
right combination of drugs to keep me not suicidal and able to
function? Is there anything I should be doing besides taking
medication and seeing a psychologist? I'd appreciate anyone's input.
Thanks very much for your help! I look forward to learning a lot more
from this group.

Mary Franklin



Doc 18
3172From: No1DOSMOM@a...
Date: Sat Jan 20, 2001 8:33am
Subject: Another Idiot doctor

You will never believe what was told to me today by our church's choir
director. Cheri is and has been a soloist and cantor at Mass since she has
been in 4th grade. She started out in the children's choir at children's
Masses and is now a member of the adult choir. She is also the assistant
director of the children's choir now. Tom, our choir director, called me
today because I had left a message that Cheri just couldn't sing at Mass
right now.--she has started with another horrid relapse in the shoulders and
back after just getting out of the wheelchair.

Tom was livid. His 18 year old daughter is a Freshman at Loyola University.
She started feeling sick last week and on Friday went into health services.
At first the doctors thought she had mono, but they did a throat culture and
discovered she had strep throat. Tom said they have discussed Cheri's
condition with their children and warned them about the dangers of
Quinolones. Sarah called her parents and said the doctor had given her a
prescription for Levaquin--FOR A STREP INFECTION. Tom's wife called the
doctor at health service and said Sarah couldn't take the Rx and asked for
another antibiotic. The doctor became rude and hostile and demanded to know
why. The mom explained to him what had happened to Cheri--his
response--"That's crazy--there are no side effects like that--the girl must
be mental." HE REFUSED TO WRITE ANOTHER PRESCRIPTION. Tom and his wife
drove to the University, picked their daughter up and had to take her to
emergency to get another prescription for her (they couldn't reach their
pediatrician). Tom said he is furious with the arrogance of this doctor. He
said Cheri's condition probably saved his daughter from untold misery.

I'd liike these stupid doctors to endure the pain that Cheri has every single
day for even a couple of hours--then I'd like to see how many Rxs they'd
write for this poison.

What next? Levaquin for hag nails?

Doc 17
3122From: Paul Keels <ggpak@f...>
Date: Sun Jan 14, 2001 10:28pm
Subject: Re: Emergency Lifeflight After One Levaquin Tablet

hi david,

i am a 48-year-old male. i underwent a stent implant following a heart
attack four years ago. i took nine 500mg doses of levaquin in september
2000. my adr included cardiac arrhythmia, elevated blood pressure, and
increased angina. these symptoms have lessened substantially over the
past three to four months, but they persist somewhat.

as for why the doctor who arranged for you to receive your stent implant
and then prescribed levaquin for your bronchitis "avoids talking about
this antibiotic," levaquin is contraindicated for cardiac patients.
that's one of the few clear warnings stated in the manufacturer's
prescribing information, which is available for download at the
following webpage:
http://www.ortho-mcneil.com/products/pi/pdfs/levatab.pdf

your doctor may fear liability for this serious medical mistake. my
doctor made the same mistake.

i wish you well. please keep us posted regarding your situation.

- paul k.


Doc 16
3094From: isrs@a...
Date: Sat Jan 13, 2001 9:10am
Subject: Emergency Lifeflight After One Levaquin Tablet

Hello,

My name is David Hutcheson from Geneva, Ohio.

As a 45 year old male, who almost died after taking one Levaquin
tablet of 500 mg. for a minor case of bronchitis, I was directed to
this forum by a friend who felt I may learn something about the side
effects of Levaquin.

As a "newbie", so to speak, I have reviewed many of the articles
posted on the web pages that led me to this forum.
And I am shocked at the amount of people who have joined this group,
and are suffering from many of the problems I have since using
Levaquin.

To explain briefly:

On December 21st 2000, I was lifeflighted by helicopter from the
Geneva, Ohio emergency room to the University Hospital in Cleveland
for emergency catheterization to remove a blood clot from my heart.
This is after going into sever anaphylitactic shock from taking one
500 MG. Levaquin tablet.

I should explain that 3 months before this event, I had a "Stent"
placed in my heart, for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). The same Cath-
Lab I was airlifted too, placed my "Stent" as well. The same Doctor
who prescribed the Levaquin, was also the Doctor who diagnosed me
with CAD and arranged for my "Stent" to be placed.

After spending two days in the intensive care unit, and two in a
normal hospital room. I was fortunate, in so far as I survived, and I
was allowed to return home on Christmas day to join my family.

However since my return home, I have been "living" on Nitro pills due
to irregular jaw pain I have during the day and night. Also.....and
this is very hard to explain.....I feel as if my energy is being
continuously drained out of me. From the moment I wake up, to the
time I go back to bed, I'm exhausted.

My wife of twenty years say's I look exhausted and she is very
concerned I'll have a heart attack at any time. Personally, I feel
like I'm edging nearer to death and I can't decribe why. Is it the
side effects of the Levaquin, or something else?

This letter is hard to write. I have never felt like this before.
After my "Stent" was placed into my heart 3 months ago, I felt like a
new man. I had no chest pain, my breathing was easy, and I could
spend time with my children outside playing baseball, mowing the
lawn, walking my dog....... I felt terrific!

After taking one Levaquin tablet, all this has changed into a
nightmare!

Now, I don't know what to do. I am living a mixture of extreme pain,
depression, fear & physical exhaustion. I have gone back to the same
Doctor who originally prescribed the Levaquin, and its almost like he
avoids talking about this antibiotic. I have complained of Jaw pain,
abnominal pain, bruising from my navel to my kneecaps, and my
complete lack of energy. (Even while writing this letter, I feel like
I want to rest my head on the keyboard and collapse).

He has sent me back to the hospital for blood work, suspecting that I
may have a rare (less then 2% of the population) blood clotting
problem, but after the blood tests, I never heard back from him. He
said he would call if any abnormalties were found. So far I have
heard nothing. So I presume my blood work is OK. I will call his
office to make sure.

Then what is the problem? All I know for sure, is that I did not feel
like this before the 500 MG. Levaquin was prescribed to me.

I am presently taking these medications due to my Coronary Artery
Disease (CAD):

Lipitor 10 MG once a day; IC Metoprolol 25 MG twice a day; Plavix 75
MG once a day; Asprin 325 MG once a day;
B-100 Vitamin once a day; Folic Acid 400 mcg once a day; E-1000 i.u.
once a day.

All of these have been presribed by my G.P. and Cardiologist.

Since I was taking these before I went into the Levaquin induced
anaphylactic shock, I do not associate these medications with how I
feel now. Having taken these medications after my "Stent" was placed,
I know how they make you feel. And it is not like I'm feeling now.

If anyone reading this letter has any suggestions or information on
the long term effects of Levaquin on people with Coronary Artery
Disease (CAD), or could give me a clue as to what's happened to me
since taking Levaquin and suffering through the associated
anaphylactic shock, I would be VERY grateful.

I am praying that the people posting their problems over Levaquin
within this forum will start feeling better, and a solution (cure)
will find its way to those who need it. I honestly don't understand
how Levaquin can stay on the market when I review all of these
heartbreaking stories. It is beyond my comprehension.

God Bless you all and my personal thanks
to you for taking the time to read this.

Sincerely,

David W. Hutcheson
& Family




Doc 15
Dr. P, (GP) originally prescribed FQ for urinary tract infection.
This worked. Everything seemed okay.

2 months pass

Dr. P, (GP) re-visited two months later because everything was
going wrong (typical FQ ADR but I didn't know it). The doctor
didn't identify it either. It was before the FDA caused the
re-labeling, but I don't think that would have helped. I manifested
left shoulder/arm weakness/pain and EKG showed a possible heart
problem.

2 months pass before I get to see --
Dr. T, (Heart) did the heart study. Everything okay. He wondered
what it was and referred me to Dr. R.

1 month passes before I get to see --
Dr. R, (Rhumatologist) did a full and complete workup - baffled.
By this time I have a pronounced limp because of achiles tendon
pain, etc.

3 years pass (a very bad time). My wife and I decide to move
to a different standard of living because this thing is manifesting
and surely will be something BAD. Prepare for the worst. Then
I find a new GP.

Dr. H, (GP) on a hunch discovered the FQ ADR and put me on
Prednisone 10mg/day for relief of chronic tendonitis pain.
There were times that this was so bad I could hardly walk.
I have a desk job, so most of the time I'm off my feet and
not walking. I have to do some construction work on our house
and this has been almost impossible because of the footgear
needed to work safely. I felt sooo much better at relief from
the pain. And there was some solice in knowing that the problem
was NOT something REALLY BAD. I am able to do some construction
work on my house if I'm careful what I put on my feet (nothing
that messages the achiles tendon) and be VERY CAREFUL to not
over-extend.

periodic 1 year visit over 2.5 years - tendonitis pain managable
on the steroids. No further lab followup done. Just prescribe
over phone every month for 2.5 years Prednisone 10mg/day and
the problem almost fixed! Or is it?

I change GPs for distance reasons.

Dr. S, (GP and Heart) revisits steroid use and says: "You really
need to get off of these. They are not good for you over long
periods of time." He told me what to do and how to do it to
get myself off of steroids. I'm now off of steroids since
1st week in Dec. 2000. He was un-convinced that CIPRO caused
the original problem. He intends to recommend a Rheumatologist.
And so the world turns.

On the map of time, I am here.

--Jeffrey


Doc 14
3085From: Jeffrey Franks <jfranks@t...>
Date: Sat Jan 13, 2001 4:39am
Subject: Am I reading these symptoms right?

Hi,

I joined this group 1/7/2001, message 3047. Since that time I've done
some reading. I'm stunned at what I have found out. I've experienced
many of the same symptoms that those of the group have reported as
associated with FQ ADRs. I was FQd 6 years ago, but did not identify
cause of problems until 2.5 years ago.

Reading the information from this group and the quinolones ADR site
helped me to identify another symptom of FQ ADR. Two months ago I
developed a skin rash in the left upper leg area. It was about
the size of my palm, then diminished over a period of a month leaving
a few red spots that healed like minor sun burn blisters. I would
have never related that with FQ ADR until I joined this group.

I was given steroid 2.5 years ago and things got managable. I'm off
the steroids for 7 weeks because a doctor told me that long term
steroid use is not good. BUT SOMETHING IS GOING WRONG.

1) Last week I experienced so much pain in the left achiles tendon
that it drove me to the internet to look for a remedy. I found
this group and the FQ ADR web site. This was pain like I
originally experienced with the original FQ reaction.

3) Starting four days ago, my left arm is experiencing constant
muscle twitching. It hasn't gotten worse or better. Just showed
up. Another FQ ADR, after six years?

4) I'm becomming aware that the original muscle weakness that
attacked me 6 years ago is starting to return. Last night I had
difficulty loading/unloading the 40 lb. bags of dog food from the
truck. DaJaVue, I've been here, I've done that. Now it's back
again? Another FQ ADR after six years?

5) Tendon pain is comming back into other areas (as before), left\
shoulder, along with weakness in the both arms. It's starting to
affect the tendons in the left side of the neck leading down to
the shoulder as before.

6) Awareness of NEW PAIN AREAS like wrists, finger joints, both
elbows are being affected. FQ ADR? or steroid damage? I'll find
out.

ONE SYMPTOM DID NOT CHANGE. I'm aware of Parasthesia getting bad
enough to think about it three years ago. Going on steroids did
not change that. Going off steroids changed nothing. Unrelated to
FQ ADR or what? I don't know. How do I find out?

Am I reading these symptoms right? Is this a continuation of FQ ADR
as has been experienced by others in the group? Why after
discontinuation of steroids have ones experienced new and different
FQ ADR symptoms?

Is this part of the experience that some have had with FQ ADR symtoms
coming in diminshing waves over long periods of time? Did I read that
right? And if so, maybe steroids masked the ADR symptoms and now that
I'm off steroids, the body is reacting again?

My expertise is not medical. My understanding of all this is rather
thin. Am I reading all these symptoms as a continuing FQ ADR?

--Jeffrey

Doc 13
3076From: nveljkovic@a...
Date: Wed Jan 10, 2001 1:40pm
Subject: Noroxin Update

Hello,

I haven't written anyting to the group since my last post on December
8, but my condition has changed. I'm 24 and was prescribed Noroxin in
July last year and since then had incredible headaches that are still
here but not as severe, my number of washroom visits has increased
dramatically, I have to wear glasses now because my vision in my left
eye has deteriorated, and just an overall feeling of not feeling like
my self is driving me insane. Now, in six months that has passed I've
never had any tendon problems, but they're deffinitely starting to
hit me. My wrists and all the joints in my hands are starting to
heart, my achilis tendon in left foot is starting to ache and every
other minute i would feel some pain in my elbows and shoulders. I
know tendon problems are probably the most common and get get pretty
sever. My problems are just starting and I'm terrified 'cause god
knows how long they will last. Anybody outhere feeling any
improvements with there tendon problems? Any suggestion is well
appriciated. Thanks.





Doc 12
3061From: Jan <janis4@p...>
Date: Sun Jan 7, 2001 3:06pm
Subject: Accupunture and Massage

Bill (my husband) tried massage for a time but he was in so much pain
that it did more harm than good. He's not willing to try the
accupunture right now. I did get him a mat that he can roll out on
the bed that is like a large heating and massage pad that helps take
some of the edge off. He will use this along with his pain
medication and he can at least close his eyes for a few hours. He
and I both have forgotten what it is like to sleep through the night
and wake up without a hang over (from the lack of sleep). As for his
doctor's appointment on Wednesday, this is where we are fortunate.
This rheumatologist is has been our lifeline the past 16 years. He
is not the one who gave Bill the Cipro or the Levaquin(the urologist
is the one who believes this is the wonder drug). This doctor does
not like the drug. He is Bill's main doctor now and he is consulted
anytime Bill gets a squeeze. He is very open when it comes to things
I find via the internet or something I have heard on the TV. Thanks
for the recommendations. I have a sister who is suffering also and
she is going to try the massage on Tuesday. This was just a
coincidence but I'm glad that it helped you because no one should
suffer like this.
Sincerely,
Jan


Doc 11
3050From: janis4@p...
Date: Sat Jan 6, 2001 10:01pm
Subject: My husband has suffered way too long

I stumbled on this website 2 days ago and I can't believe what I have
read. My husband has been suffering from all of the symptoms! He
had kidney surgery in 1984 and he was put on Cipro to ward off
infection. He started having the pain in the joints right after
that. He has had reoccurant infections in he kidney and prostate
ever since which require antibiotics. Over the years his health has
declined. He was hospitalized in August of 2000 for a bladder and
kidney infection. He was put on Levaquin then and his symptoms have
tripled!! He hasn't been able to go back to work full time but he
tries. He is in so much pain and his doctor can't seem to help,
although he tries. We are fortunate in that his doctor believes his
symptoms, he's just at a loss as to why he is so bad. Any
suggestions as to what I can do for him. I appreciate each and
everyone out there who has suffered. You will be in my prayers.


Doc 10
3049From: luffagus@a...
Date: Sat Jan 6, 2001 4:06pm
Subject: Re: Is there any relief after years of suffering?

Jeff,
It has been 11 years since I have taken Cipro,Floxin,Leviquin and Z-Pak and I
still have the same problems I had then.I hope you find relief and if you do
get some help please let me know.I don't think there is anything we can do
for the complications of taking these medicines.

Doc 1
3013From: David Cory DaveCory@a...
Date: Wed Jan 3, 2001 0:33pm
Subject: Fluttering in the chest sensations

I developed muscle twitching and a fluttering sensation in the chest
shortly after taking Cipro two years ago but this went away after a
few months. I am suprised that the fluttering sensation that went
away over a year ago has returned and now I am worried that it may be
fibrillation of the heart.
Has anyone else had this sensation and did it prove to be heart
fibrillation? I guess I should get an ECG for my peace of mind.
Regards
Dave

Doc 5
3023From: susan M. Beausang susanb@l...
Date: Thu Jan 4, 2001 9:40pm
Subject: achilles problems

I had a reaction to Levaquin in Nov 1999. After being on Levaquin for just
a few days I began to have pain in my achilles tendons as well as mental
confusion. After three weeks I had a partial tear on one side and severe
tendonitis on the other side. I was casted and confined to a wheelchair
for a few months. During the course of the next 7 months I would have
several "waves" where the numbness, weakness and pain would return to my
achilles tendons. After that period- I had returned to all activity
(tennis, running, squash, biking etc) and have had virtually no
problems. In the last few days (it has been over a year now) I have been
experiencing the numbness and weak feeling in my tendons again. It is the
same feeling that I had over a year ago when I was floxed. Because I am so
active I am quite concerned about a recurrence of the tear. I know the
tissue will never be the same in that area but I honestly thought I was
beyond any problems associated with the flouroquinolones. Has anyone else
experienced this after being well for so long?? I appreciate hearing from
you if you have had a similar experience. Thanks
Susan

Susan M.Beausang
susanb@l...

Doc 4
3021From: Linda linmarsta@a...
Date: Thu Jan 4, 2001 3:56pm
Subject: Re: levaquin reaction?

--- I had huge bruises on my legs when i was on the levaquin--both
times.


Doc 3
3016From: njbeanie24@a...
Date: Thu Jan 4, 2001 2:14am
Subject: husband

HI I'm sorry no one can help now,,he passed away on the 1st and no doctor can
give me a reason why..he stopped putting the oxygen back through his body,and
finally just had a quick cardiac arrest,,his heart was the strongest organ in
his body,,the whole hospital stay it was 72 heart rate and 109/69
pressure,,so in my heart i know it wasn't his heart,,they say he had an
infection they couldnt find..even though they did daily blood tests,they
order a full body ct scan,but it was the holiday weekend and he had to wait
till tuesday,,he didn't make it..i was just talking to him in the hospital on
saturday,,he was saying he wanted to go home,,he kept dozing off from the
oxygen problem.they put him in icu sat night and kept him so sedated we never
talked again,,but at least on saturday he gave me a kiss and said i love
you..thanks to all of you on the list for your support..it's very hard for me
right now so i won't be writing to much..my heart is shattered Vicki

Doc 22
3221From: vern2barb@a...
Date: Wed Jan 31, 2001 8:13pm
Subject: Thank you for all the imformation

I have problems resulting from taking Levaquin for 3days and I'll
share this later. Now, I need info on Cipro Hc otic since my 3 year
old granddaughter is supposed to use this tonight.She's on Biaxin as
well for an ear infection. I read that Cipro was in this family of
drugs. Thanks.

Doc 21
3206From: danmr@m...
Date: Mon Jan 22, 2001 7:07pm
Subject: is Ciprofloxacin tendon damage temporary or permanent?

Does anyone know of the long-term effects of Cipro on tendons? I took
500 mg of Cipro for 30 days in Feb. 1997. I later ruptured my left
achilles tendon in Sept. 1997 (while playing basketball for the first
time in years) and my right achilles in Oct. 1998 (again, while
playing basketball after a year off from the previous tendon
rupture). FYI, I have continued to jog (~100 times/year, after
healing from surgery) without any problems. I would like to play
tennis and other sport activities but am worried about sustaining
another tendon injury. Has anyone else dared to test their tendon
strength after bilateral tendon ruptures?



Doc 20

3202From: indiomary@a...
Date: Sun Jan 21, 2001 11:04pm
Subject: Other Cipro reactions

I didn't think I had any nerve effects of being Floxed until I read
the posts in this group. I have been having muscle jerks in my legs
and shoulders for about four months. I attributed this to the
antidepressants I was taking, but maybe it's another adverse
reaction. The other thing is that the muscles in my upper thighs and
shins hurt like heck when I exercise walk. I wrote that off to being
out of shape, but I've been walking four times a week, for four
miles, for a month, and I should have shaped up those muscles by now.
Certainly, the exacerbated ADD is another neurological issue, too.

Thanks for your kind words, Sharon.

Mary


Doc 9
3047From: Jeffrey Franks jfranks@t...
Date: Sat Jan 6, 2001 8:31pm
Subject: Is there any relief after years of suffering?

Hi,

I'm one of those with a 60 day reaction delay to Cipro Floxin.
Initially, it was diagnosed as a possible heart problem because
the GP got an inverted T wave on the EKG. I went through a
complete heart series at Houston Medical Center, which turned
up nothing. Then the shoulder/left-arm pain diminished (but never
went away), and then chronic tendonitus occured in both achilles,
and muscle weakness, especially in the arms.

Next, the rheumatologist was baffled because he could not diagnose
the problem. Two years after the event a different GP
suspected on a hunch that Cipro was the cause. We went through a
discovery of the old records and found that I was given Cipro
Floxin for a urinary tract infection. This doctor gave me
10mg. Prednisone/day. It worked in 20 minutes, that terrible
pain sub-sided!

Last January I tried unsuccessfully to get off the Prednisone
(after 1.5 years). Bad pain came back. Starting Dec. '2000, I
weaned myself off the Prednisone again. Bad pain is back, I can
hardly walk, and there are additional areas affected, i.e., wrists,
finger joints, knee joints.

I've got an appointment with the same rheumatologist. Does anyone
experience relief or will this continue on?

It's been 5 years since the original event and I don't see any
solution. Today, I almost went back on the Prednisone because I
couldn't stand the pain. I didn't.

Any thoughts?

--Jeff


Doc 8

3027From: Beadit42@a...
Date: Fri Jan 5, 2001 2:06am
Subject: Re: ADR to Levaquin & Cipro, ADVICE??

Dan:
Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's going to be around for a while.
I had Cipro and Floxin 4 years ago and I am still sick. My 24 year old son
had Levaquin 1 1/2 years ago and he is still sick. NO doctors will attest
that it is from the drugs.

Good luck!
Sherry



Doc 7
3026From: stephen gunder stephengunder@h...
Date: Fri Jan 5, 2001 1:41pm
Subject: Re: ADR to Levaquin & Cipro, ADVICE??

Back in May of 2000 I was diagnosed with prostatitus and took levaquin for
two months straight. 7 months later I am still suffering many terrible
symptoms. I feel like I am 100 years old not 65. Everyone is different,
but based on the comments of other people in this forum I think these nasty
symptoms are going to be with us for a long time. I would not give
quinolones to my worst enemy.

Steve


Doc 6
3025From: djcmick@a...
Date: Fri Jan 5, 2001 9:44am
Subject: ADR to Levaquin & Cipro, ADVICE??

Back in March of 2000 I took Levaquin, 500 mg once a day, for a
prostate infection. Was on it for 5 days. After being off it for
about a week, I woke up one night with my upper left arm in agonizing
pain. I couldn't move my entire arm for 3 days. 2 weeks later, my
knee swelled up and I couldn't walk. The pain was intense.

In October I was on Cipro, 500 mg twice a day, for 8 days. all the
old symptons mentioned above reappeared. But, the worse was yet to
come. I now have swollen knuckles and fingers, pain in wrist which
is hard to move at all, pain in feet especially in the toe joints,
and as a result can't bend my swollen fingers. My arms also act up
from time to time, which is very painful. My Doc doesn't believe
it's from the cipro because I "stopped taking it and it's out of my
system." His answer is to eat Motrin the rest of my life.

This has been going on since October. Will it ever go away? Do I
have arthritis or what?? Any help/comments would be appreciated. I'm
only 35 but now feel like I'm 65.

Thanks,
Dan