Post Marketing Reports for August 2001

4599From: BubNan1@m...
Date: Mon Aug 13, 2001 7:16am
Subject: Aneurysm (Cipro?)

It wasn't until my husband had a reaction to Cipro did the doctors
discover an aneurysm on his brain. Does anyone know if there has
been a linking to the drug Ciprofloxacin and an aneurysm?

We have an appt. today with the neurosurgeon to discuss the date of
his operation. But I do NOT beleive that my husband is up for brain
surgery while he is still suffering from the adverse reaction to that
damn drug. (acute insomnia, back, arm and leg pain, anxiety, etc.)

It has been nearly a month now, with no relief in sight. I know
many of you have been suffering for years and after going through it
for just a month I feel that we will both lose our minds if the
symptoms do not get better. How do you cope????????????????????


4601From: buddy.solomon@c...
Date: Mon Aug 13, 2001 2:02pm
Subject: Any advice???

All:

I'm now 3 weeks into my post Levaquin ordeal. I stopped taking the
medication after 28 days of 500 mg per day. It took 21 days before I
noticed any significant symptoms-some lightheadedness, stiffness in
achilles and pain in upper arms--nothing too drastic. After things
got a bit worse, I looked on the Ortho website and was amazed to find
that the drug could cause tendon problems.

Went to PCP, told to stop drug and I would recover in a couple of
days. However, symptoms multiplied after I stopped taking the drug.
For the first 10 days or so, I began to have muscle aches in the calf,
dizziness, muscle weakness, some numbness in limbs at night, pain in
feet, metal taste in mouth, pain in lower back, etc. Doctor was still
saying I would get better soon and that the only real issue was the
risk of tendon rupture. I felt like I was getting worse so I went to
see a rheumotologist/internist. He gave me an initial diagnosis of
Reiter's (spelling?) Syndrome rather than a reaction to levaquin.

Both Docs said I could proceed with my family vacation to Disney
World. We were in Disney World for 8 days and just got back
yesterday. Symptoms appeared to be leveling off after 4 days in
Disney with the worst problem being severe pain in heel and balls of
both feet after walking around the park with my kids for 3-4 hours.
However, my symptoms began to get a bit worse after spending 4 hours
in direct sunlight and chlorinated water at a water park. The muscle
twitching is back and seems to be moving up my legs slowly. In
addition, the muscle weakness seems to be getting a bit worse.

Went back to rheumotologist today and he now believes I had a reaction
to levaquin rather than Reiders syndrome based on results of blood
work. However, blood work looks normal. He says I just need time to
let my body heal. He is sending me for a nerve test tomorrow (ECG?)
to see if there is any nerve damage.

Based on posts to this forum, I can't tell when most people "level out
" on progression of symptoms. Does age, general health, etc. seem to
make a difference for anyone on progression of symptoms, recovery
period, etc.? Any recommendations for tests to be done, remedies,
etc.?

Any information would be helpful.

Thanks and I pray that all the members of the group will feel better
very soon,

Buddy



4607From: derek@m...
Date: Wed Aug 15, 2001 6:00am
Subject: ADR to CIPRO

I am really glad to have come across this discussion group and to
discover I am not the only one suffering problems after taking a
quinolone drug. I was recently prescribed CIPRO by my doctor and as a
result I have now developed a number of side-effects from taking this
drug. I took it for 7 days (14 x 250mg). Side-effects started with
flatulence on day 3, then I began to notice fleeting joint pains,
aches in various parts of my body and the sensation that I could feel
my heart beat. On the evening of day 7 I had what I can only describe
as a panic attack. After that a night of sleeplessness, sweating and
feelings of anxiety. Needless to say I took no more CIPRO after this.

In the 2 and a half weeks since I stopped taking the drug my joint
pains (knees, elbows, wrists) have worsened and I have aches that
come and go in various parts of my body, the neck is the worst. I
have near constant earache, poor concentration and my head feels
spaced out. Also today a new symptom: tingling in my legs and the
back of my head. I wonder what is next?

I have ordered a copy of the book "Bitter Pills" in order to find out
more about what is happening to me. The NYTimes has the first chapter
of this book online at http://www.nytimes.com/books/first/f/fried-
pills.html

Its astonishing to do a search on Google and to find so many others
who have suffered by taking this drug as well.
http://groups.google.com/groups?q=cipro+pains

I understand that CIPRO can cause erosion of cartilage in joints. I
am considering taking glucosamine and chondroitin in order, hopefully
to, protect my joints from the worst effects. Has anyone found that
taking glucosamine has been a help?

Do others find, that like me, their symptoms are getting worst since
they stopped the drug rather than better?

Derek


4581From: Ari Lesser <alesser@u...>
Date: Sat Aug 11, 2001 6:56am
Subject: Re: Re: ok,i took the levaquin.....please read.

D Fuller I read your article with great interest. I took Levaquin for 45
days and after ther fith day had severe pain in both of my hamstrings. Was
advised to continue meds and tak an atni inflamatory alll to no avail I
have been to internists, sports doctors and my own physician who doublt that
meds caused my problem with my hamstings, It has been seven months since i
stoppped taking the meds but still have problem sitting down for more than
20 minutes. I ahve taken vioxx corison shots and other anti inflamatories
all to no avail, the E M G and Ultra sound were all negative. This Monday I
go in for a bone scan that I am sure will be negative. The first week I took
Levaquin I jogged 25 miles but since the pain in the pain in the hamstrings
I barely walk a mile a day. I would sincerely appreciate any factual
material that you could share on tseh affects of levaquin and any ideas on
healing. it has been seven months of hell. Thank you. Ari
At 09:31 PM 8/10/01 EDT, you wrote:
>In a message dated 8/10/01 5:53:33 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
>peng2112@y... writes:
>
>
>> peng2112@y...
>>
>
>Just to let you know there is nothing "Joe McCarthy" about these drugs
>causing the reaction five months later. If you wish I will forward you
>several clinical studies which prove without a doubt that this is exactly
>what happens, sometimes as much as a year later. You would also be advised
>that my attorneys have also proven without a doubt with specific scientific
>FACTS that this is exactly what happened in my case and we are in the
>middle of SUING both the doctors involved as well as the drug manufactures
>for medical malpractice and have over a dozen medical experts (all with phd's
>and numerous other initials after thier names) who will testify in court that
>not only is this possible this is EXACTLY what happened to me. These experts
>are so outraged at what has happened they recommended to my attorneys
>(Sheller, Ludwig, and Bady) NOT to settle this case out of court and also
>advised them not to accept ANYTHING LESS than full damages. I am one of many
>clients of this law firm which has proven TIME AND TIME AGIAN in a court of
>law that this is what these drugs are capable of. I have also read as well
>as researched several such civil cases agiasnt the manufacture who, RATHER
>THAN HAVE THESE ADR'S BECOME A PART OF THE COURT RECORD have settled out of
>court sometime for millions of dollars. I wish with all my heart that you
>will never need to read anything on this site agian, and I say this with no
>malice, as I only have your best interest at heart. But should you find that
>you are one of these "Joe McCarthy" statistics feel more than welcomed to
>join the rest of us here in HELL ON EARTH.
>



4585From: cshinn1@a...
Date: Sat Aug 11, 2001 11:14am
Subject: 3 yrs or more

Based on my experience with the ADR to Levaquin, it takes at least 3
years to be able to live/perform a near normal life!

Even after 3 years, symptoms still exist, ie., numb toes, pain in
ankles, burning (eyes, mouth, skin), visual problems, passing pain in
back of hands and lower arms, and at times - imbalance in walking,
etc. I still have neuro problems with my brain.

I could not work the first 1 1/2 yrs after the adverse reaction.

I only had one pill, and my being was "devastated" for a long time! I
can only extend my heart felt "caring" to those that took Levaquin
much longer!

This site is wonderful-- to turn to! I read all your posting with
great interest and compassion.

Carole




4596From: Ari Lesser <alesser@u...>
Date: Sun Aug 12, 2001 2:47pm
Subject: Re: Dr. Jay Cohen Article

Jay Shalom from Ontario Canada. I am one of theose sad indivusals who took
Levaquin for 45 days and ended up with sever hamstring problems in both of
my legs. B efores taking the meds I was in A-1 shape runining 25 miles a
week; I experienced pain five days into the meds and was told to continue
the meds and take anti inflatories to ease the pain. It has been six months
since I have stopped the meds and I am still in discomfort in my Hamstrings;
My dor has had me take ultraa sound investigaion, cat scan, M G R, and
to-morrow I go in for a bone scan. I ahve taken Viox to no avail. Ice
packs seems to help along with massage therapy. Most of the doctors hsere
do not believe the A D R's even when shown the Bayer warnings. If yu have
any literature re what the meds have done to my tendons or how to heal them
I would be very appreciative. As a family counsellor it is very hard to sit
down and give attention to my clients.
yours Ar Lesser


Steve,

My 17 year old daughter was floxed last year (March 2000) and is still
suffering terribly. She saw Dr. Flockhart two times and during the first
visit he told us she could never have anything in the Tetracycline family
again. I can't urge you enough to check out a connection with your problem
and the other medication before you take another pill.

Pat


4566From: bubnan1 <BubNan1@m...>
Date: Thu Aug 9, 2001 6:31pm
Subject: Re: ok,i took the levaquin.....please read.

Some people have an immediate reaction. My husband had the chills and night
sweats after 2 days of taking the drug


4572From: helenlgordon@h...
Date: Thu Aug 9, 2001 9:17pm
Subject: Re: ok,i took the levaquin.....please read.

to: peng2112@y...

if you had any doubts at all, why did you even bother trying to find
out about this horrible class of drugs which can cause all sorts of
damage??? the doctor, who is a long time friend is NOT your
friend...a friend is someone who listens..not one who blows you
off!!! your friend probably knows you would not want to damage your
friendship, so, your friend probably had samples of the levaquin or a
coupon for you to use in order to get it free. big deal.. it did not
cost him anything... but, god forbid, you get any one of the adr's
you have read about here and all the articles written and documented,
you only have yourself to blame...you would not be able to have a law
suit because you had been fully informed by all the adrs... i have
had damage for 3 & 1/2 years and the thousands and thousands of
dollars shelled out and there is no end in sight...good luck, you
REALLY need it....what are you thinking?? there are so many other
drugs on the market that can be used and that DO NOT cause the adr's
as the quinolones.....



Date: Thu Aug 9, 2001 3:59pm
Subject: Re: ok,i took the levaquin.....please read.

What really concerns me is you state that you expressed your concerns to your
doctor and he dismissed them. Please be advised that I also expressed my
concerns about the REACTIONS I was experiencing to these drugs, (as well as a
lot of the others who have suffered from these adrs), and and they too were
DISMISSED by the doctors. Even when I had presented documentation that
hundreds of thousands of people were suffering in this manner from these
drugs my doctor stated that in his opion I would be a "first" if indeed this
was the case. I suffered for months without treatment because he "dismissed"
my concerns as well. I did not get any real efffective treatment until I
found a doctor that took my concerns seriouslly and did not dismiss them out
of hand and began treatment to control the damage that was being done. Let
us hope that if you are unfortunate enough to suffer an adr to these drugs
that your complaints are not dismissed just as readily as your current
concerns have been. Many of the folks on this site suffered for years before
anything was done to help them becuase thier doctors refused to believe that
these drugs cause so much damage. As one doctor explained it to me once, the
problem is that these symptons have no known test that a doctor can point to,
the mechanism by which the damage is done is still not fully understood and
there really is no treatment other than pain managemnt. Since you now have a
illness with no visible means of damage to observe and test for, no known
cure, and no prognosis for recovery, the doctor's EGO refuses to recognize it
and will blame in on anything other than what it really is even when he is
handed PROOF POSITIVE that these drugs CAN AND WILL do this much damage to
certian people. I just hope and pray that neither you or your doctor will
ever need to test this theory.




Regarding your gamble to take the levaquin my noticeable ADR's did not show
up until 5 months after I had stopped taking the pills. I was on 500 mg
twice daily. Besides the inability to sleep thru the night, the first
sympton I noticed was intense back, hip and pelvis pain of no known orgin. I
also experienced intense muscle and tendon aches through out my body as well
as lack of muscle strenght. I also experienced loss of vision to the point
of needing glasses (bifocals) as well as intense pain in the ankle and
knees.
It felt like a red hot sliver was being stuck in it. I went from lifting
weights to being unable to open a soda bottle. I am now, almost a year
later, still suffering from pain in all my joints which is requiring me to
be
on heavy duty anti inflammotory drugs just to be functional. Some days the
pain is so intense that I am unable to dress myself. I am currently under
the care of one of the top 100 rhuematologist in the nation and his
diagnosis
is poly (multiple) arithisis, chemically induced, tendonitis of all the
major
supporting joints, agian chemically induced as well as damage to my liver,
and damage to the major ligaments that connect the hip to the pelvis. I
have undergone mutiple MRI's, full body xrays, Cat Scans, liver scans, IVP
xrays, cystos, full and complete blood work ups, urinanylisis, bone scans,
muscle samples for biopsys and god knows how many other test. I am the
healthiest miserable crippled person you will ever meet. All test have come
back negative with the exception of the liver test which showed damage from
these drugs as well as eye and ligament test which showed the same. The
doctors have no clue as to the mechanism by which this damage is done but it
is without question a result of these drugs and at this time it appears to
be
permanent. I went from a healthy physically active construction worker to a
crippled person who's every day is an intense act of will to just get out of
bed and I am taking darvocet (an extreme narcotic pain killer) for pain
management like it was candy. As well as anti inflamatory drugs daily. I
would not even take an aspirin for a head ache before this. My medical bills
have exceeded $100,000.00 since the start of this mess and there is no end
in
sight. Even something as simple as typing this response is darn near
impossible to do. Hopefully you will be one of the more fortunate ones who
do not experience this type of reaction. Believe it or not I am on of the
luckier ones compared to the rest of the folks on this website.

Best of luck




4576From: dpbraswell@m...
Date: Fri Aug 10, 2001 3:49pm
Subject: Thanking for letting me know I'm not crazy.

I just want to thank you all for this group. I'm one of those people
who never have a reaction to medicine. I've taken Levaquin for the
past 3 nights trying to treat a sinus infection.

Because these were free samples they didn't come with any
information. Mr. Doctor told me that there may be some dizziness. The
first 2 days everything was fine. I infact thought I was getting
better. Last night, after I took my dose I woke up about 4 hours
later with the need to vomit. I went to the bathroom but nothing
happen. When I returned to bed I dozed and woke up with what I can
only call a panick attack. Along with that I had this tingling thru-
out my body. I felt that I was having a stroke. I toke today off from
work and I was just lazy all day and decided to take a nap. The whole
time I was laying down I was having these pains and I felt like my
heart was beating so fast.

When I woke up I did a search for Levaquin. I went to their site and
it listed the percentage of side effects were as low as .4%. I again
thought that I was just crazy then I found this site.

I feel so much better about all of this.

Thanks again.





4577From: No1DOSMOM@a...
Date: Fri Aug 10, 2001 1:17pm
Subject: Re: Tetracycline

Hi, everyone. I have received numerous questions on my reply to Steve.

When we took Cheri to see Dr. F the first time, my husband and oldest
daughter both took notes, while he examined Cheri and I asked question. Now,
you have to realize we were all pretty much a basket case because Cheri was
in such bad condition. Both my husband and Teri looked at their notes, and
they each had underlined that Cheri could never take anything in the
Tetracycline family again. After we came back from Washington, we even put
it on her medical records and medical alert bracelet, so I know we didn't
imagine it. None of us can remember the explanation, but . . .

Perhaps Melvin could shed some light on this. I wish I could tell you more,
but I can't

My best to all of you. Believe me, I know what each and every one of you are
going through. Since March 2000 my daughter's life has been turned upside
down because of 5 miserable pills. It has been the nightmare from hell.

Pat



4555From: Jeanne M Welling <jeannemwelling@n...>
Date: Wed Aug 8, 2001 3:49am
Subject: Re: ok,i am really scared now....doc just prescribed
levaquin...help please?

That is what happened to my husband also. He was given levaquin a prostate
infection. By day 11 he could hardly get out of bed. That was Aug of 2000.
There are many other good antibotics that work also. Check out this site and
it will hopefully answer some of your questions. www.prostatitis.org

As for my husband he continues to work {construction} however he has pain
in his feet and both of his elbows. Once in awhile he has anxiety attacks
and feels like he did initially after taking the levaquin. It is usually
short lived though. Take care all.

Jeanne



4558From: bubnan1 <BubNan1@m...>
Date: Wed Aug 8, 2001 6:42am
Subject: Re: ok,i am really scared now....doc just prescribed
levaquin......

David,
My husband and I were never afraid to take ANY medication. We took the
doctor at his word and hardly read the insert of the drug that was
prescribed. We just took it.
Well our lives have certainly changed over this past month due to the drug
Ciprofloxacin (Quinolone family) that my husband took for a bladder
infection. NEVER and I do mean NEVER will either one of us take any
anti-biotic from the Quinolone family ever again. I only hope my husband
recovers enough to be able to function. He has only slept hour intervals
for 3 weeks now. And his pain is excruciating in his back, in his legs, and
in his arms. Not to mention what it is doing to his mind.......Please have
your Dr. prescribe another anti-biotic. Nothing may happen but I would not
want you to take the chance.
Sincerely, Pat



4563From: stephen gunder <stephengunder@h...>
Date: Thu Aug 9, 2001 4:28pm
Subject: Interesting affects/Question about excasberation of
Levaquin ADRs

My levaquin ADR happened 13 months ago. I still have many neurological and
neuromuscular symptoms. I was given doxycycline for a skin condition. If I
only take 1 pill I get major head pressure and all my neurological symptoms
flare up big time. If levaquin supposedly caused me to have nerve damage,
then why would taking doxycycline bother me at all. I am not currently
taking any of the doxy, but was just wondering if any one might be able to
help me postulate about the observance. I would appreciate any comments.


Steve

_


4530From: Viper w/ Venom <duane@d...>
Date: Sat Aug 4, 2001 11:44pm
Subject: Re: Relapses or recurrences?

My mother's tendonists hasn't went away yet... she can hardly walk.. its
almost been 4 months since she took 3 pills of Levaquin (3, one per day, 500
mgs) --- So, I can't help you in this specific regard. I am sorry.


From: <rruehr@c...>
To: <quinolones@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 04, 2001 11:13 PM
Subject: [quinolones] Relapses or recurrences?


> Hello, I suffered from severe tendinitis for 4 to 5 months after taking
> levaquin in late January 2001. I finally got to the point that I could
> resume my normal adtivities including therapeutic water exercise for
> arthritis-related back and joint pain. Now, just when I was beginning
> to feel better again, my tendinites symptoms have returned. Has anyone
> out there had a similar relapse or recurrence, and how have you coped
> with it? Also, has anyone heard about any class action suits? I've
> read some messages indicating that it seems unlikely that any such suit
> would be successful because the drug companies and docs are pretty well
> protected, but it would be good to know if anything is planned. Thanks
> for responding. Ruthann
>


4542From: No1DOSMOM@a...
Date: Sun Aug 5, 2001 0:04pm
Subject: emedicine.com

I found this at http://www.emedicine.com/

May 18, 2001 -Vol 2 No. 5

· Multiple case reports of tendonitis (particularly Achilles tendonitis)
and some reports of tendon rupture in patients receiving oral and parenteral
fluoroquinolone treatment have suggested a relationship between these agents
and the development of tendinitis.
o The Food and Drug Administration has added a warning about the risk of
tendinitis and tendon rupture on the label of fluoroquinolones marketed in
the US.
o Tendinopathy can occur within a few days or weeks or months following
completion of a course of quinolones.
o Tendon rupture can occur without a history of specific trauma.
o Pathophysiology is unknown.
o Unlike other etiologies, bilateral tendinitis is common.



4543From: boblaunius@y...
Date: Sun Aug 5, 2001 5:02pm
Subject: 5 weeks feeling a little better

5 weeks have passed since my adr to levaquin, I am still in pain and
worry that i may tear my achilles tendons. I can walk simi pain free
but running still hurts . I hope they pull this drug quickly


4545From: BubNan1@m...
Date: Sun Aug 5, 2001 9:24pm
Subject: Husbands reaction to Cipro

My husband a perfectly healthy 62 year old was prescribed Cipro
approximately 26 days ago for a bladder infection by an emergency
room doctor. Two days after starting the drug he developed chills
and severe night sweats. PCP was called and another urine specimen
was taken. Continued to take Cipro. Five days later (on a Sunday) he
awoke not being able to walk, had numbness in his hands and feet.
Went back to ER and was told he had a possible stroke. A CT Scan
showed no sign of stroke but revealed an aneurosym on his brain which
we were told had no relevance to what he was experiencing.
An MRI was taken and again showed no signs of a stroke. The
Neurologist as well as the Neurosurgeon were baffled because he had
all the symptoms of a stroke. (but no one thought to check the
reactions to Cipro) He was sent to the ICU and was given heprin
(blood thinner) as a precaution and also Cipro through the I V line.
He continued with all his symptoms but now was unable to sleep. Had
another MRI and also a spinal tap. Which came back negative. He was
then transferred to the Massachusetts General Hospital at my request
where he underwent more testing MRI's, MRA's, Ultrasounds, Electroids
etc. etc.
Finally one of the Neurologists said that he would bet his reputation
that all his problems were due to the Cipro. Great news so we
thought. We could now concentrate on getting the aneurosym operated
on. WRONG! He came home from the hospital 6 days ago and although
he is off of the Cipro he is getting worse. Acute insomnia, severe
back pain, arms and legs ache, depression, anxiety, paranoia, etc.
etc. etc. PCP is on vacation so after speaking to his associate he
was given Klonipin .5mg and Flexerol a muscle relaxer to help him
sleep. But nothing seems to help. He is in so much pain, he is
exhausted and there is no relief in sight. He even started to take
Motrin 800mgs for the pain. All he does is pace, take showers, and
get agitated. I take him for rides at 3 in the morning, we go for
walks, we talk, we read books on the subject, but there is just no
relief. And I feel so helpless. He is supposed to go and see the
Neurosurgeon on the 13th of August 2001 to discuss the operation on
the aneurosym but until he feels somewhat better we couldn't even
think of putting him through an operation. What to do >>>>>>
Will he ever recover


4524From: josephalbanese@y...
Date: Thu Aug 2, 2001 5:08am
Subject: POSSIBLE CONNECTION BETWEEN LEVAQUIN AND HYPERTHYROID

Hi Paula,

I just read your posting from 7/14/01.

Do your heels continue to feel better? How are they in the mornings?

What were the results of the blood samples the doctor took to
determine if you have had any muscle and tissue damage?

I also am very athletic. I run 2 - 3 miles every day and play tennis
1 -2 times per week without any previous injuries or tendon problems.

Then, 3 months ago, I had Levaquin for 10 days. I have had Achilles
pain and knee pain ever since. The Achilles loosen up pretty good
during the day, but are extremely tight every single morning.

My other symptoms are: nervousness, muscle tremor, fast / irregular
Heartbeat, sweating and 10 lb weight loss (the weight loss stopped
after ending medication). Since these symptoms are the same as for
an overactive thyroid, the doctor did a test and sure enough, I am
hyper-thyroid. (Please see my message post #3666.) Three doctors
also concur that the tendon problems could be a result of the
hyper-thyroid.

It is possible, since the side effects from Levaquin are the same as
for overactive thyroid, that THERE IS A CONNECTION BETWEEN LEVAQUIN
AND THE ONSET OF HYPERTHYROID. Maybe the FDA can investigate this
??? Many people on this forum with these symptoms (including tendon
problems) may be walking around not knowing (or being tested for)
this.

I will also post this memo on the forum.

Please let me know what you think.,

Joe
joe40(at)optonline.com