Post Marketing Reports December 2003

Sat, 27 Dec 2003 02:40:07 -0500 by Guest, #3925
I am on my 3rd day of Levaquin, and I have decided to switch my medication to Augmentin. I have taken Augmentin before 875mg for my sinus infections, and it seems to clear my head up fine. Although I have had a previous sinus infection come back after taking Augmentin this Winter, my doctor thought that Levaquin would do the trick.
As of my 3rd dose, my sinuses feel better BUT:
My neck feels like I've been doing shrugs all day
My back itches
My wrists hurt
My testicles hurt from where I had a Vasectomy
I'm anxious
My throat it as dry as the desert
Headaches that come and go
Sore leg muscles
Trouble sleeping
Tightness breathing
What I do is call my doctor and tell them that "I know my body," and when my body doesn't feel right, I need to change my meds. I know Augmentin has worked before, and I believe it will work again. Guess what? They changed it!
I will never take Levaquin again, and I will tell anyone that this pill is nothing but an experimental dose that us humans are testing for Alien life. I don't know what to do with the rest of my pills, since I think they will POLUTE the Earth if I throw them away.



Wed, 10 Dec 2003 10:54:53 -0500 by levaquinisbad, #3850
I was prescribed Levaquin for a Bladder Infection. After the third pill, I started having a severe metallic taste in my mouth. One particular night, I was awoken by intense abdominal pains that lasted til morning. After taking the 7th pill, I stopped all together b/c the metallic taste was getting too intense. Today while searching for this side effect, I ran across others on this forum that I had as well and didn't even relate before to Levaquin. I am 26 yrs old and workout regularly. But, my knee pain became so intense that I had to stop working out. I couldn't even bend down to pick something up without having to have someone help me back up. I had no clue this was from the drug. I also learned the abdominal pain was a side effect. My neck also became so sore that I could not turn it to one side for two days. I also learned from this sight that Levaquin is used to treat Sinus Infections. I've had an infection for over a week now and taking the Levaquin never helped. In fact, now that I'm off the medication, my sinuses feel 100%. I wish these side effects had been included in the drug pamphlet first given to me by my doctor and an alternative choice in drug. I will NEVER take this medication again. It seems to me that with so many people having problems with it, that the drug company would pull it. Doctors should make patients aware that only one out of a hundred people DON'T experience severe side effects with this drug!!!!

Fri, 5 Dec 2003 12:20:05 -0500 by Guest, #3826
I don't know if this is a "for sure thing", but I took levaqin-200 mg in october for sinus infection. The end of October I started experiening severe diharria. This has been going on for a month and I got sicker and sicker. Was talking to Dr. all that time and taking anti-diharrial drugs. Did not help. can't eat anything and getting weak. They now have taken several tests because the dr. realized that I had been on levaquin shortly before this started. I hope to God this can be taken care of. Has anyone else had this side effect.

Henrietta Carter - Sun, 28 Dec 2003 17:01:07 -0500 - #1315
Seeing yellow from Levaquin or Avelox
A year ago my son was prescribed Levaquin for a sinus infection by the clinic at his university. Three days later his medication was changed to Avelox. Based on the empty bottles he left at home, he finished the 10 500mg. Levaquin tablets, but left 2 of the 5 400mg. Avelox tablets. I hadn't heard of either drug before then. One of those drugs caused his entire field of vision to turn yellow, which was very upsetting to us. Has anyone else had such a reaction?
Kim Lennon - Fri, 26 Dec 2003 23:28:47 -0500 - #1312
Going nuts....
December 26th I spent over 4 1/2 hours waiting in an urgent care center for treatment of a sinus infection. The doctor gave me a prescription for Levaquin 500mg tablets. I just took the first dose tonight and I started to get really nervous, jittery, and having "weird" thoughts. Scares the crud out of me, because I already suffer from panic/anxiety attacks and depression. The even scarier part is that I'm a single mom with two little girls to care for. I can't wait for this medication to get out of me...I'd rather deal with the sinus infection and have my mind back! Yikes.

Even worse, my mother had taken this medication a year or so back and developed terrible tendonitis in both of her elbows. She had to receive physical therapy to help her regain the use of her arms.

I just never believed her that this medication was the culprit, NOW I do and I'm sorry for being a skeptic.

Levaquin is a horrible medication. Please, whoever is reading these posts, do yourself a favor and don't take the stuff.
Jill - Mon, 22 Dec 2003 14:09:02 -0500 - #1297
Levaquin "Poinsoning"
I too have been on Levaquin for 4 days now and feel awful. I was prescribed this drug for a severe sinus and repiratory infection. I have been feeling terrible, almost like I am on the verge of a panic attack ALL THE TIME!!!!! I have the jitters, severe abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea, and hot and cold sweats. I had a follow up visit with the doctor today and asked him if this drug makes you sick...he just said it can cause some nausea and diarrhea and to try to hold out on the drug for a few more days...I thought that to be an odd statement so I came home today and found this website. I am absolutely abhorred that a doctor would prescribe a drug like this and that a pharmacist would fill it. I will NOT be taking another pill and I am gonna give that doctor "what for"! How unethical it is to me that a a company would manufacture such a drug, that a doctor would prescribe it and a pharmacist fill it...they are all in this money-making scheme and that makes me sick most of all.

mike arvey - Mon, 8 Dec 2003 13:20:08 -0500 - #1261
Re: Re: Re: Re: Horrible Side Effects to Levaquin
I recovered for the most part, but occasionaly still get sore tendons in my right arm...goes and goes..this after three years, but much better than in the beginning...

richard mcintosh - Sun, 9 Nov 2003 19:49:11 -0500 - #1219
Re: Re: Re: Re: Horrible Side Effects to Levaquin
I was given seven day supply of levaquin first week of oct 03 a within three days my achilles tendons because sore and started swelling and by the fifth day they were so swelled and sore I could barely walk --my daughter contacted her friend who is a drug rep and told him levaquin was prescribed for my bronchial infection --he told her the drug causes this reaction in some patients--I stopped the pills and taken me five weeks to recover ---my doctor said he had not heard of any adverse reaction before ---and I am began taking another antibody--I advise anyone to avoid taking this drug

kkeellii - Wed, 5 Nov 2003 10:30:00 -0500 - #1215
Re: Levaquin: Losing My Mind
This drug should be banned from ever being distributed.It was given to me for a bladder infection and I tell you the truth.I have been taking it for 9 days,500mg, and the changes in my mental stability have been horrible.I have done nothing but cry and feel suicidal most of the time.I started reading here and now I can see that I am not the only one who thinks they are losing their mind.Thankyou for your post.It has helped me come to grips with these feelings.I will not be taking the 10th pill or maybe I should say,the last dose of poison.

Robert L Anderson - Mon, 27 Oct 2003 16:31:50 -0500 - #1199
Re: Re: Re: Horrible Side Effects to Levaquin
Levaquin is poison. I took 13 - 500mg doses back in January 2002, and have had excrutiatingly painful tendinitis in BOTH elbows since then. I've tried cortisone injections, ice, braces, exercises, and anti-inflamatory meds (Vioxx and Celebrex), and nothing seems to help. The cortisone injections just mask the problem - the pain comes back with a vengeance after the cortisone wears off... I don't know how the FDA ever approved this drug; read the forums and other websites, and you'll see the proof. We've all been legally poisoned, and I am really upset with the medical system that allows this toxic drug to still be on the market after so many terrible side effects have been reported by innocent people who have had it prescribed to them. Some questions: Has anyone had severe Levaquin tendinitis symptoms and RECOVERED? Does anyone know of any legal action being taken against the manufacturer? Any info will be most appreciated. Good luck and improved health to all of us who have been made the victims of this horrible product.

jill taylor - Sat, 11 Oct 2003 07:35:36 -0400 - #1173
Re: Re: To everyone who has had problems with Levaquin, please read
Could someone please tell me how long the side effects last. I was on 750 mg for 20 days before I realized it was the Levaquin that was causing my problems. Pain all over my body (joints and muscles), bad taste in mouth, dizzyness, diarrhea, etc. Also, I would like to know if you have found anything that helps.

adrvictim - Wed, 1 Oct 2003 12:41:23 -0400 - #1151
Re: Re: Horrible Side Effects to Levaquin
Dear Marylee,

I also suffer among many, many others from Adverse Drug Reaction to the antibiotic Levaquin. I have been ill since Labor Day 2002 and am getting worse, not better. Your doctors denial that this drug is causing your problems means you need to find another doctor or try and educate this doctor about the ADR's, specifically tendon, joint, and muscle pain that this drug does inflict. Exercise will just aggravate your condition and put you at risk of tendon rupture. This drug actually binds to the nerve endings and ends of bone throughout the body. You need to find out more about what this drug has done to you because you will probably require medication to help yourself get better. Do you have strictly muscle pain or do you have other problems as well? i.e. Central Nervous System, insomnia, blurred vision, hand tremors, muscle jerks while laying down or standing, memory loss, confusion to name a few. Write down every thing that has happened since you took the pills and how it progressed and this will help you to get a better idea of your condition. Do not take any steroids; prednisone or cortisone shots. This will worsen your tendonitis. I will be happy to tell you what I have learned from experts in this field.

Hope this has helped;

adrvictim

Marylee - Wed, 20 Aug 2003 15:16:36 -0400 - #1023
Re: Levaquin Adverse Reaction Group Available
I started taking Levaquin on 3-14-03 it is now 8-20-03. I am having problems still. My pain started 6 days after taking the first dose. On 3-20 the pain was bad still that I could not hold a glass or drive my van easily. 4-9 I was still in pain and was hurting all of the time. Now its 8-20 and I am being treated for tendon pain in my left arm and hand. I have headaches all of the time. I am tired and my life is aliving hell. My Orth. doctor seems to think that I have deve. Fibromyalgia. It is a painfull disorder that I do not want or need in my life. Before taking this drug(for a sinus infection) I had small pains in my ankles from sprains that was it. I am now haunted every day and night. I'm sick of hurting all of the time. I am mother of two sons and I can't even ride bikes with them or play . I hate this. I have been in touch with Johnson and Johnson but that has proven to be for no reason, I have heard little from them . Just forms for my doctors info. Marylee Alexander Pennsylvania.

estelle sotirhos - Wed, 6 Aug 2003 15:45:23 -0400 - #966
Re: levaquin pain
debbie,
how are you feeling from the levaquin pain? are you still in pain? and is there anything that helps you? I took "it" for 10 days, six weeks ago, and my symptons are very similar to yours..severe joint pain, muscle aches, and a general feeling of tiredness...I have been to three doctors including a rheumatologist...who cannot give me a clear understanding of how long this will last....did you contact the drug company at all? whatever advice you have, please know that I would appreciate your reply. Thank you....estelle

Sue Fernando - Tue, 5 Aug 2003 01:05:13 -0400 - #959
Re: strange side effects?
I took Levaquin for 12 days and then my doctor told me to stop taking the drug because of the intense muscle soreness,
knee pain, and insomnia. Now 4 days after stopping the drug Iam having severe pain in my upper abdomin. It feels like gallstones. Has anyone else had this?

Cathy Preisler - Fri, 25 Jul 2003 08:43:46 -0400 - #910
Re: I have this horrible Welty Rash all over from Levaquin. HELP!
I have a rash too. It's been a week since I finished the Levaquin. It seems to get better, then it flares up again.

Terri - Sat, 19 Jul 2003 23:29:44 -0400 - #883
Re: levaquin side effects unacceptable
I was prescribed Levaquin for a UTI and kidney infection. The common side effects which go away after a few days were nausea, dizziness and headache, which I had for the first four days. On the fourth day, I noticed that all joints of my hands and feet felt like they had been hit by a hammer. I looked this up on the Internet and found others who had the same reaction. I called the Dr. on the 5th day and he stopped the meds and changed to another. This was four days ago and last night I got about 2 and 1/2 hours of sleep and when I woke up, my shoulders, hips, hands and feet were so sore I couldn't do anything. I laid on the couch with my feet up and my hands over my head for a while, then had to get groceries and had my 11-year-old handicapped son open doors for me get the groceries and start the car and put away the groceries. Thank the Lord for my pets and my WONDERFUL SON. At the store, one of my teeth fell out of my mouth and I started crying and couldn't stop. I went to the hospital for the pain and they put me on the Celebrex. I looked up the anatomy of the human body and discovered the tendons of the body that this medication has attacked and it appears to have hit every tendon in my body. I started typing this 40 minutes ago, and although it hurts and I have to get help from Nathan, this is cathartic. It's good to know that I am not alone.

Roy - Wed, 16 Jul 2003 15:25:07 -0400 - #867
Levaquin side effects
I began taking levaquin on June 13th for a urinary tract infection, My doctor prescribed levaquin 500mg 1 a day for 30 day's. I took all medication as prescribed now that I am done taking my medication I have swollen feet, hand's,insomnia,joi-nt pain, muscle pain, excessive weakness, vision problems, It hurts to even stand. At first I thought it was from my high blood pressure medication, Does anyone know how long this reaction might last

kathy - Mon, 14 Jul 2003 16:00:16 -0400 - #859
Hallucinations
My mother, 87, had pneumonia. On friday, she was hospitalized and given levaquin IV. By saturday afternoon, she was having visual hallucinations. By sunday, they were constant, visions of people, animals, things, that all seen=med real and terrifying to her. (Mentally, she is sharp as a tack, until now). The neuronogist tested her, and said 90% chance it was a reaction to the levaquin. This morning, she has stopped seeing vsions, and is starting a different anti=biotic.

DO NOT EVER let an older person take this drug, and, if it were me, I would not take it no matter what my age or state of healt.

Mauri Smith - Fri, 4 Jul 2003 23:47:00 -0400 - #830
LEVAQUIN SIDE EFFECTS
5 months after taking levaquin 500mg for 6 weeks one pill a day am still getting rash and hives mostly on hands arms and legs was getting hives on face also

michele - Thu, 3 Jul 2003 23:22:58 -0400 - #824
12 yr old daughter
my daughter has pneumonia and her dr called in levaquin 500
i called the pharm and looked it up on the internet. Not giving this to her. Will give her bioxin i think that is how it is spelled will have to look it up to. have not gone to pick it up from pharm as yet.
[the use of fluoroquinolones is contraindicated in pediatrics]

Victoria Simon - Mon, 30 Jun 2003 22:46:35 -0400 - #819
Re: Re: help is available for those who continue to suffer
I was hospitalized for 5 days in May for a recurring bronchial condition and put on Levaquin I.V.'s. Went home feeling well for 2 days - then got shooting pains in lower abdomen, on right side, and severe un-touchable tenderness all up the side and back and up to theright shoulder. After a week, doctor suggested I have exams of colon - then had blood tests for gall-bladder, and liver - then ultraq-sound - then finally after an ulcer opened on my tongue had an endoscope torule out stomach ulcer or cancer. NOTHING was found amiss. In checking the net I came to World Health Organization which iformed me that there were l5,000+ complaints against the quinolone drugs, including Levaquin. The pharmacist told me that yes, it cancause tendonitis, especially of the Achilles tendon, and 'other effects' but with millions of peoplesuccessfully taking the drug, 15,000 was a minor amount. Frankly, being oneof th 15,000 was not comforting news, BUT hang in there. It takes a while, but the stuff finally works out of the system and you WILL be feeling better.

mauri smith - Thu, 15 May 2003 22:38:43 -0400 - #678
Re: hives for a month from levaquin
it has about 2 months since my last dose of levaquin,i am still breaking out in hives. sometimes they are small,sometimes they are big,sometimes raised, sometimes flat. i will go severaldays without them then break out again.i have not been to the doctor but am sure it is the levaquin. has anyone thought about contacting a attorny.
Thu, 8 May 2003 19:14:33 -0400 - #647
Levaquin
I have taken six doses of the eight days prescribed and for five days I have been increasingly tired, very tired. I am 46 years old and was originally on Bactrim for bronchtis. Since it didn't get rid of all the infection, my doc prescribed Levaquin. Before I started taking Levaquin, and even though I had bronchtis, I was working out for one hour a day. Today for the first time in five days, I literally dragged my butt out of bed and worked out for 20 min. Boy am I tired. After reading about the side effects on this site, I realize it is the medication's side effects. I have two tabs left and I am not going to take them. I will call my doc tomorrow and get his feedback and recommendations. I just want to feel good again! My prayers are with you.

debbie - Thu, 1 May 2003 01:35:33 -0400 - #618
levaquin pain
I have read a lot of the postings that I wished I had found earlier :( At the end of February I broke my ankle sledding (dumb bunny) and I was put into a fiberglass cast right up to the knee. It was during this "resting" period that it was discovered that I had a severe nasal infection so my doctor prescribed levaquin for 15 days. After taking a few days worth it felt like I had been run over by a mac truck all my joints and muscles from the waist down ached with no relief....Being a nurse I thought it was because of the cast and difficulty walking that was the culprit, but it only got worse :(...... It is now May and I am still finding it difficult to get started and to keep going since I continue to ache....My blood work also showed that I have something extremely elevated that indicated arthritis...I must tell you that I am not even 40 with no history of arthritis and there is nothing to that effect in my family either......I am tired of feeling this way. I feel like I am 80 years old and smell of linament all the time trying to get relief...If someone has any idea how long this can last or if it can cause permant damage I would like to hear from you.........I know that in the future I will not touch this with a 10 foot pole to me this pain is just not worth it....You can contact me at the following email address dewey@tbaytel.net.
donnastauch - Fri, 18 Apr 2003 15:39:25 -0400 - #567
hives for a month from levaquin
My husband has had hives for a month from levaquin. The hives began on the last day of his 7 day dosage. The hives are huge. His dermatologist has placed him on 2 different antihistamines. We are waiting for the biopsy results. (although we are sure it's the levaquin) If anyone else out there has experienced these hives (as they get bigger they develope into large rings) please let me know!!!

geo febo - Fri, 30 May 2003 23:13:52 -0400 - #722
Re: Levaquin Vs other aids for prostatitis
doctor wasn't satisfied with the effects cipro was producing, so levaquin was prescribed... lived with side effects for 2 weeks including fatigue, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, irritability, severe neck and lower back pains....saw the urologist again and told him of the side effects, he wants me to continue the levaquin for another 3 weeks.....I'd rather have the prostatitis---I am an otherwise healthy 44 year old and never experienced this kind of debilitating effects from any medication..

otter - Tue, 15 Apr 2003 21:23:10 -0400 - #549
my reactions...plus MDs, probiotics, yoga...
Very interesting to read all of these posts. Regarding the MD opinions, I always keep in mind that the person who graduates last in the medical school class is still called "MD".

For myself, I am on my 9h day of a 15 day course of Levaquin. I have many of the side effects noted above and am comforted to learn that others have experienced this. However, I am also dealing with a very severe and debiliating URI that went from bronchitis (treated with Zithromax successfully) to larygitis and sinusitis. To my regret, I blew off my sister's remark that sinus infections are hard to treat and may require multiple and prolonged antibiotic treatments. So I let it get really bad and prurulent. Very bad taste in my mouth and lots of disgusting discharge.

I was prescribed Levaquin 500 mg x 10 days. Although I was very sick already, I did notice the heart palpitations and exhaustion. As an athletic and fit person, I found this quite annoying. But, since visiting an ENT yesterday and learning that my infection is now in the bone, I believe I have to continue taking the Levaquin for an additional 6 days to knock this out. It does seem to be killing the infection, but it takes time to get an infection under control when it is in your sinuses and has gone on for a while.

The side effects I hope are not permanent. I trust they are not.. Trusting the pharmaceutical industry is a bit of a leap of faith, I admit. i agree that the pharmacists and
physicians are not uniformly up to speed about these meds. Pharmaceutical reps have lots of ways of marketing their products. Lunch, dinner, theater tickets, and lots of free samples. But physicians have an ethical obligation to understand what they are prescribing before doling it out like candy.

As for maintaining GI health while taking this "poison", I have been taking acidophilis 3x a day and now am also using Actimel, a probiotic supplement made by Dannon. I guess any other probiotic would work but this is the one I tried. It seems to keep the yeast infections and intestinal upset under control.

I have been keeping up with swimming (I used to do a mile 3x a week) and find it absolutely exhausting so I am doing less and at a slower speed. My yoga practice (once vigorous 2 hrs. daily) has shifted to restorative poses and inversions. Doing backbends and standing poses results in extreme cardiovascular agitation. But, lying over bolsters and doing other supported poses actually makes me feel much better.

I wish I knew another effective way of dealing with an entrenched and resistive sinus infection. Let me know what you know.

Angel - Tue, 15 Apr 2003 16:02:25 -0400 - #546
How long does it take to get out of your system?
My last dose of Leviquin was two days ago when I nearly passed out on my bathroom floor. I had this terrible feeling like when you've sat in a hot bath or jacuzzi for too long and you feel like you're going to black out/vomit, etc. My legs were like jelly and they literally gave out beneath me. I was terrified! Thank God that was my last day of meds. I am still having the terrible dizziness but nausea is better, as is the terrible joint, muscle pain and charlie horses. I talked to the pharmacist and he said it may take another day or two to get out of my system. Does anyone know how long it takes to get out your system? I feel awful! Never again will I take this awful drug. Like someone else said, the "cure" is worse than the illness you're taking it for. Also, anyway to get it out of my system faster like drinking lots of water or something? This drug should be taken of the market ASAP!

Angel
donnastauch - Sat, 19 Apr 2003 13:07:02 -0400 - #572
Re: How long does it take to get out of your system?
All I can tell you is that my husband has had hives and swelling for about a month. From what I read it can last a lot longer. Good luck!!!!!
mercedes latapie - Sun, 13 Apr 2003 23:52:07 -0400 - #538
Levaquin almost killed me!!
On Monday, April 7, I went to my doctor for an allergic reaction which turned into bronchial infection with productive cough. I am a teacher and I am in my 60's and this doctor has been with me for at least 15 years. He prescribed levaquin and I had it filled. The vial contained 7 tablets, 500 mg each, dose: 1 per day. I took my first one around 8 pm on Monday night, took my shower, and by 8:30 I was suffering from stomach pains, headache and nausea. Feeling absolutely lousy I went to bed by 9 pm. I did not sleep all night, I had rapid hearbeat, profuse perspiration all night long, continued nausea and stomach pain, jittery nervous limb motions, swelling in the face. I got up at around 3 am scared to death, and went to get my Family Guide to Prescription Drugs. I looked up levaquin, and in the area that states:"Most Important Fact About this Drug" it states, and I quote, " Levaquin has been known to cause dangerous allergic reactions as soon as you take the first dose." p. 319, PDR The Family Guide to Prescription Drugs, 6th Edition, Three Rivers Press, New York. If I would have read that first, I would never have taken this poison. Cyanide also causes dangerous reactions as soon as you take the first dose!!!! Of course, I did not take another of these pills. The next day I felt like death.......no energy, slept most of the day, nauseated, stomach pains, headache, diarrhea, perspiration, muscle aches and pains. I managed to call the doctor and told him this...........he said to stop taking it...ha ha!! Believe me, I didn't need anyone to tell me to stop taking poison! The bronchitis felt better! The doctor finally prescribed an antibiotic for me which I had taken some years before when I had pneumonia and it works fine, no reactions, takes care of the problem quickly. Why in the world do the doctors make guinea pigs out of their patients when they know there is a medication that will work, that has been used, and that causes no ill effects??? Could it possibly be that the pharmaceutical companies wine and dine these doctors and encourage the doctors to push these new medications on their patients?? I told my doctor........never anything new again, please........just give me the oldies but goodies that work and do not hurt me. I discovered levaquin is from the quinolone family and there are 5 more antibiotics from this family. They are: cipro, floxin, maxaquin, noroxin and penetrex. I went to my pharmacy and put all of these poisons on my profile so they will never be prescribed to me again. Today is Sunday, April 13th and today, I am starting to feel like myself again. I am still a little weak, but almost completely back to normal. this drug took a week out of my life....a miserable, painful, week

Krystal W. - Sat, 12 Apr 2003 02:32:50 -0400 - #526
My options are very limited
I am writing because I am recovering from recent endoscopic sinus surgery. It was needed to releive a completely blocked frontal sinus. I felt like I had an enormous knife sticking out of my head. No amount of meds or decongestants etc. releived the pain. Following the surgery, I had developed an infection in the sinus cavity. It is a penicillin resistant Strep Pnemoniae. This being the case, I'm very limited in my course of treatment. My choices were Chloramphenicol, Vancomycin...which I believe is injection or IV only, and the Levaquin. I've had side effects from the Levaquin-My feet are always freezing...and sweating at the same time. I get random spasms of the hands and feet, they go into a cramp and I have to manually unbend them. And, I can't sleep, have heartburn, and my neck has been killing me. But, I am continuing my 10-day course of treatment, because...the type of infection I have CAN turn into bacterial meningitis if it invades my spinal cord. I especially worry about this because I just had that surgery, my membranes up there are all but gone until they heal, and I work in a hospital lab and see the horrible effects of bacterial menigitis. And, to tell the truth, I don't know if the other meds wouldn't have been worse. I can't tell anyone else what choice to make, but in weighing my options...the Levaquin will get finished one way or the other. Thanks for listening, and I hope you have more options than I did this go round.

Linda Hinds - Wed, 9 Apr 2003 22:19:27 -0400 - #515
LEVAQUIN REACTIONS
I have been taking levaquin since 4-3-03. I have sleeplesness, pain from neck to feet. My arms are so sore I can hardly raise them. I can hardly climb my steps. I work on my feet 8hrs a day and am having a tough time standing. My hips are very sore especially where was given a shot. I am taking 500mg. The Dr told me
to take them when I go to bed because they can cause some stomach problems, he never told me all these other side effects!!! I just got a perscription for vicodin for pain today. I suppose this med will not help me? I sure cannot afford to miss anymore work. I had Bronchitis. It seems to have helped it, but I feel worse in my body then I did with the bronchitis!! I told my husband I was going to look this med up on the internet, I sure am glad I did, I thought I was going crazy!!! I too have dad some shaking of my hands, like they are rubber. I surely want to feel better. I think I will call my Dr in the A.M. I will not take anymore doses of this!!!! athank you for your info.

pattygirl - Wed, 9 Apr 2003 12:09:18 -0400 - #503
Levaquin
I would just like to let people know some of the horrible side effects that I had from taking Levaquin. I took it for two days before realizing what was happening. I had insomnia and when I did manage to doze off, my body would jerk me awake. I could hear my heart beating in my ears. I could also feel the sheets tickling my skin. I don't know if it was my heart beating hard or if it was muscle contractions that was making me feel like the sheets were moving back and forth on my skin. When I called the pharmacist, he described the side-effects of Levaquin and it was exactly how I felt. I will never take this medicine again nor allow it to be given to my family. I hope this will help someone.

mikealp - Tue, 8 Apr 2003 02:54:22 -0400 - #501
Levaquin 500mg 1 time daily 10 days
It was prescibed for infection from abcess, on my hip, which was drained, and then was sent home with Levaquin, and Metronidazole 500mg. tid, qty. of 50. As with all anti-biotics, they are suppossed to be taken until all gone, which makes me wonder just how many people actually do that?
Probably not many huh? Anyway, side effcts-Levaquin, were extreme diarhea, or the sh#ts, excuse my french!!! Seemed to be effective for infection though! Can someone advise why the other med was prescribed? Levaquin is probably harsh, on the gasto-intestinal because it needs to be a powerful anti-infective!? Always something!!

WARD - Sun, 6 Apr 2003 19:37:32 -0400 - #495
Levaquin & tingling
Can you believe I was on 500mg Levaquin for 2 years and then Tequin 6 months, all for prostate infections. Early on I did have some muscle pain in right arm but it eventually went away. After 6 mos. or more off, I took 500mg Levaquin 2-3 months ago for about a week for diverticulitis. Some time after this I began a severe tingling or "vibrating" feeling in my feet and now at times it progresses to all of my body (feels like continuing electric shocks). Can this be Levaquin side effect so much time after going off the drug. Has anyone else reported this or neuropathy from Levaquin?
Jamie - Sat, 29 Mar 2003 20:54:13 -0500 - #472
I have this horrible Welty Rash all over from Levaquin. HELP!
Hi,
4 Weeks ago I came down with a Sinus Infection. Dr. gave me Biactin. After that didn't work I was given Augmentin. That worked only slightly so I was given Prednisone and Levaquin and told to finish the Augmentin. It took most of my sinus pain away but I still felt crummy.
2 weeks ago I started getting this painful rash on the back of my ears and on my scalp. By monday evening my forehead and most of my scalp had swelled to a point where to put on my glasses was a chore and it left indents in my head.
I went to the doctors the next morning fearing the worst and he shrugged it off as an offset of the prednisone. All he said was to stop taking both meds. I had already done that however. Within 2 days the rash on my forehead had moved to swelling over both eyes. It made me look like I was in a 10 round bout with Mike Tyson. I called the doctor again and he said it takes time to go away since it was an allergic reaction to the meds.
Over the next day (friday) the rash had moved to cover my entire right torso, part of my left torso, my entire buttock, half of my groin. My calves and knees and my feet feel like 1,000 mosquitos had lunch on them. My arm pits, arms and hands also enjoyed the wrath of Levaquin and prednisone. 2 more calls to the doctor got me no where. I even begged them to tell me exactly how long this reaction took to go away and all I got was a "some time."
So, here it is almost 2 weeks since my lovely rash took control I still have the rash on my torso, buttock, groin, legs and feet. My arms are still bright red and to even think of scratching at them leaves bright welts on my arms. Today my left side is so wolty, it looks like the 1st day I broke out!
So this is my plea... Has anyone had this type of reaction to Levaquin? I know it is the levaquin moreso then the prednisone from reading info online and more of the symptoms show it to be that more so then prednisone. A few days ago the doctor finally broke down and gave me Augmented Cream but it hasn't seemed to begin to do anything. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. Thank You. Would love to know how long I am in for!

Jamie

ojaishar - Sat, 29 Mar 2003 04:04:24 -0500 - #468
levaquin side effects unacceptable
10 days, 500mg tablet prescribed for sinus infection. Lost energy almost immediately. At fifth day, legs developed red freckles? Aching in joints/tendons. Two weeks later, knees still radiate pain and have little strength for up and down movement, difficult to sleep.

I will request that this med not be prescribed for me in the future.

D. E. Bristow - Mon, 24 Mar 2003 12:52:03 -0500 - #451
levaquin side effects
I'm happy to know that others had the same side effects I've had...some of mine seem alleviated by managing my hypoglycemia...but others, like the severe joint pain, have nothing to do with low blood sugar, which I've had all my life. I've taken 12 so far, of the 14 Levaquin tabs prescribed for my bladder infection. I'm going to quit now and see if I feel better. And depression/anxiety, apparently go with this...I hope.

B - Mon, 24 Mar 2003 07:45:13 -0500 - #450
Cure worse than the Problem
I was put on Levaquin for Shingella - an intense intestinal disease. I immediately began to feel that I needed to be in the hospital. After trying to determine if in fact I was getting worse, or it was the medicine, I searched for the side effects. It seems one that is not mentioned thus far in your postings is dropping your blood sugar. I'm hypoglycemic and the doctors knew this, but I guess they thought they'd "give it a try." I do have the arthritic cramps too. I was going to try and go for it since I only have 3 more days, but after reading your notes, I will be making a call to me doctor. Thanks for helping!

AmyB - Fri, 21 Mar 2003 00:44:52 -0500 - #446
Horrible Side Effects to Levaquin
Prescribed 500mg/Levaquin for 10 days for Bronchitis/Pneumonia. Day 2 I was dizzy, had dry mouth, jitters, racing heart, insomnia, and felt some had taken me a back alley and kicked the crapy out me. My whole body was sore. Couldn't walk down the stairs without being out of breath. I usually tolerate all medications just fine. Not sure what's in the med but it's HEAVY DUTY. Dr. took me off on day 6 after I started to cry in his office. Just wanted to share my experience. Don't hesitate to contact your Dr. if you have similar reactions. Why suffer? Good Luck

RobinE - Mon, 17 Mar 2003 16:12:42 -0500 - #440
Levaquin: Losing My Mind
I was prescribed Levaquin, one 250mg per day, last week , March 10, 2003, after a breast abcess surgery. By Friday, I found myself wondering if I had or was having a nervous breakdown from the stress of the surgery and the view of the actual incision site. Several time daily, I had been having the shakes, I could not think or speak clearly, the words in my head just did not come out of my mouth correctly, I stumbled around like I had been drinking, I was nervous, edgy, irritable, depressed, just wanted to sleep all of the time. I found myself wondering what was wrong that I could not just bounce back from the surgery. I violently told off a total stranger in a parking lot. I called the dr on Sat who had me meet him in the ER on SUNDAY morning. When I explained the symptoms he just told me to stop taking the Levaquin. Never in my wildest imagination did I ever expect that an antibiotic could have such a adverse side effect on someone. Today is Monday, March 17, 2003. I have not taken a dose since yesterday morning. I am just starting to feel somewhat normal again. Never again will I take any medication without researching it first. I was absolutely convinced that something was mentally wrong with me.
Rick Swenson - Sun, 30 Mar 2003 13:09:05 -0500 - #473
Re: Levaquin: Losing My Mind
I felt very similar. I was given Levaquin to treat a sinus and extremity infection. I started taking Levaquin approx. two weeks ago. The first morning after taking the drug I woke up feeling very dizzy and nauseated. That quickly spiraled into a full fledged panic attack. I didn't know it at the time. My wife phoned 911 and I was rushed to the emergency room. After an EKG and Echo Cardiogram proved negative a doctor came in and told me I had a panic attack. He subscribed an anti anxiety drug.

I filled that subscription and saw my doctor the next day. He scheduled me for a Stress Echo and a Halter Monitor. The Stress Echo was negative and so was the Halter Monitor.

I continued to feel bad. I had continuous heart palpitations and a sinking “Dropping Feeling”. My heart would race up to 150 beats per minute and then I would have to struggle to calm myself.

It wasn’t until today that I started to research this drug on the internet and found that I was not alone and that perhaps Levaquin had something to do with my symptoms.

I have no phobias or fears. I’ve spoken in public for years, I love to socialize, I am not afraid of heights, driving etc. Panic Attacks are associated with some fear that triggers an attack. I simply would not accept that hypothesis.

Thank you everyone that has made a post. I took my last pill last night. I had two heart palpitations this morning already, but I feel better knowing that there is a reason.

I am scheduled to see my doctor tomorrow where I was going to demand to have an angiogram. FORGET THAT! Instead were going to have a conversation about him filing an ADR to the FDA on this drug.

Tonie H - Mon, 3 Mar 2003 01:01:24 -0500 - #387
strange side effects?
Had surgery about 10 days ago, and since I've been home had trouble with water retention and constant post-nasal drip (this was surgery on nasal arteries). Doc prescribed triple diuretic and Levaquin for possible infection. Started taking it on thursday, Feb. 27. Yesterday and today experienced frequent toe/foot cramping and pain. But what I'm most concerned with is something no one else has mentioned --- hair loss --- in a matter of a couple of days I'm suddenly experiencing hair falling in clumps from the back of my neck. I have no idea whether there is a relationship to this or not, but it simply makes sense that there must be since prior to taking this medication I had no such problem. I'm discontinuing the medication on my own until I see my doctor tomorrow, but am sure that I'll be told there is no connection. Wanted to post this to see if anyone else has been aware of any hair loss after taking the drug.
thanx.
Len Horton - Sun, 9 Mar 2003 20:24:50 -0500 - #412
Re: strange side effects?
I am so sorry about your problems, but I too have strange, actually horrible, side effects. I took one 500mg pill yesterday at 12:30 p.m. and immediately began having hearing problems and feeling dizzy. I figured I was catching a cold.

I took the second pill today, and now I know it is from the Levaquin pill! I called my doctor, but could not speak to him. Another doctor was on duty Sunday afternoon, but I couldn't speak to him. I spoke to an assistant who relayed my questions. I was told to stop taking it. I asked if there is anything to counteract it. I was told that just stopping taking it is all he could suggest.

I am worried how I can live through the night. For the first time in my life, I fear I might actually die from a drug! Does anyone know how to minimize its effect in the short run? Like by drinking tons of water or doing something else? I am seeing moving objects that are no there, I'm deaf in one ear and have diminished hearing in another ear, I want complete silence everywhere and am hypersensitive to the sound of water dripping from a faucet, I am very tense and feel as if I might not make it through this evening. My wife is with me and she is ready to call 911. Any suggestions from anybody? Thanks.

Len Horton
Atlanta
mykidsdrovemenuts - Wed, 19 Mar 2003 22:49:17 -0500 - #444
Re: strange side effects?
I started to take the levaquin 500mg once a day on 3/14/03 for a sinus infection. It is now 3/20/03 I have severe pain over my entire body I can barely walk or use my hands. I am so afaird of this. I have never felt like this before. I layed in bed today and cried I hurt so bad, I could not hold a fork to fix my sons lunch today. I am having problems with judgements both distance and physical means. How long is this going to last . I am no longer taking the pills but my doctor wants to start something new tomorrow and I am afaird to introduce any thing new. Marylee Pennsylvania
John - Wed, 26 Mar 2003 00:34:17 -0500 - #456
Re: strange side effects?
I understand fully how you feel. I am on my second round of Levaquin for supposedly a 10 day course for a sinus infection and have never felt so sick in my life. I am constantly running a low grade temperature, sweating constantly, and have developed a rash on my elbow and on my genitals. Moreover I have had the dizziness and disoriented feeling along with blurred vision and various muscle aches. I'll live with the sinus infection and will NOT take another 500mg pill!!!!
mykidsdrovemenuts - Wed, 9 Apr 2003 21:28:16 -0400 - #514
Re: strange side effects?
It is now April 9th and the pain in my left arm is still here and I am in pain most of the time. It is starting to effect the rest of my life. Thank you Levaguin. I can hardly steer my van with my left arm,hold a glass and typing is painful. Marylee Alexander Pennsylvania
Patti - Sat, 1 Mar 2003 22:14:18 -0500 - #386
Re: Levaquin hit me like codeine did, etc.
In response to the person who said Levaquin hit them like codeine did, etc. I posted my experience a couple of weeks ago (60 year old woman, etc.). Please don't feel like you are the only one who had your experience! I too had similar (if not worse!) reaction to Levaquin as I did codeine pain medication a couple of years ago, and I NEVER will take codeine again! I only took Levaquin for 3 days (one pill a day). At first I thought what I was experiencing was due to my fever, because I am 60 and very rarely have a fever. But when my fever broke after three days on Levaquin the effects didn't go away. I dreamed while awake, saw images that weren't there, my insides trembled terribly, and in general I felt like I was losing my mind. I heard conversations when no one was there, etc. I even said to my husband a couple of times, "well, it's bad enough when I'm wide awake and have my eyes open. I know in a few seconds when I close my eyes I'm going to see faces, moving scenery, and hear people talking." It was absolutely WEIRD. It took about a week for these things to go away after I stopped the medication. It amazes me that young people will take stuff to make these things happen to them on purpose! I DON'T like anything that alters my mind and I'll never take Levaquin again. I also developed a terrible yeast infection in my mouth that took several days to clear up with more medication. Patti in Indiana

wolmeister - Sat, 1 Mar 2003 01:08:31 -0500 - #380
peripheral neuralgia
i took levaquin 500mg for 5 days and a week later i'm still having tingling in my hands and feet....anyone know when this might go away please let me know....engelpj13@aol.com

AmyB - Fri, 21 Mar 2003 00:46:48 -0500 - #447
Re: peripheral neuralgia
I read your posting...I had the same side effects. Not sure when your symptoms will go away but I do know that Levaquin stays in your system for a while. Contact your Dr. if you're still having pain. Maybe Ibuprofen might help.

Good Luck, Amy
Ward - Sun, 6 Apr 2003 19:43:39 -0400 - #496
Re: peripheral neuralgia
I just posted a similar story after having taken Levaquin & Tequin for 2 1/2 years. Have been off almost a year except took Levaquin for a week or so 2-3 months ago and shortly afterwards started severe tingling or "vibrating" in my feet & legs and now sometimes all over my body. This has lasted 2 months now with no relief. Can this be side effect lasting this long and if so does it disappear? Thanks.

SharonCase - Thu, 27 Feb 2003 18:52:28 -0500 - #375
Levaquin side effects--horrid pain
It's been an interesting month. It all started January 25. I'd felt for a couple of days that I had a cold or some other upper respiratory infection starting up. I'm a mild type 2 diabetic with high blood pressure, a wild allergic history, and I am a lupus (SLE) patient.

With all these strikes against me, I didn't want to wait around to see if this bug developed into something worse, so I went ahead and saw my doctor on that Friday. He prescribed a course of Levaquin--it was for 7 days, but he gave me a couple of sample tablets to take first. I completed the first prescription on Saturday, 2/1. I was better--not great, but better. I felt ok... didn't have any fever. My head seemed clear. I didn't have much stamina or energy, but with my history, I figured I was entitled.

On the following Wednesday, I had lunch with a friend, and felt pretty good. By end of business, I'd begun feeling bad again. Next day, I knew I was very sick. Called the doctor's office--they called in a refill of the Levaquin--10 days this time. By the time I got home from work, my temp was 101, very high for me. My normal temp is around 97.2. Took the meds. Had some company--felt pretty crummy, but with company, you do what you have to do, you know? Finished up my Levaquin on Friday, the 14th, this round.

On Monday the 17th, I had a routine app't with my internist. So, after we discussed routine matters, I talked with him about this respiratory infection. He checked me out. I was having pain that resembled pleurisy, but that's not always unusual for me--like I said, Lupus.

He must not've liked what he heard, and ordered chest x-rays. Seems I had pneumonia. So, he prescribed yet another round of Levaquin. Now you may be wondering why the choice of Levaquin. I have a wild allergic history. This is one of the few antibiotics that I haven't had a horrid allergic reaction to.

The next day, I started having pain in my legs--specifically, my knees. Both of them. It got worse and worse as the week progressed, until I could barely walk. Thursday night, I had an email from someone on a list I follow--she, too, had pneumonia, was taking Levaquin, and was having leg pain. Weird, eh? I thought so, too.

So, I did some research. Found out that a documented side effect of Levaquin is tendon pain and/or rupture. So next morning, I go to see the doc. He's never heard of this side effect, but is not threatened by a proactive patient, so he pulls out his computer and looks it up. He agrees with me--that's probably what's going on. So, he pulls me off the Levaquin and prescribes bed rest.

It's been almost a week now, and the pain is mostly gone. Still have some achiness, but the horrid pain is much better.
Nora McFadden - Sat, 5 Apr 2003 10:29:57 -0500 - #492
Re: Levaquin side effects--horrid pain
I was taking Levaquin for approximately two weeks for a breast infection cased by radiation treatments. I awoke one morning with severe pain in my knees, hips, shoulders and arms. I called the doctor and stopped the Levaquin - I am off it now for a week and am starting to feel a little better - I do still have pain and hope that it will not be permanent. I am 60 years old and before taking Levaquin I could do knee bends and was a "walker" for exercise. Right now I am glad to be able to stand for a length of time without being in pain. I only hope I can return to my normal self. I wish everyone who has had problems with Levaquin "good health".
Trish - Sat, 26 Apr 2003 19:37:19 -0400 - #609
Re: Levaquin side effects--horrid pain
I was given Levaquin for a sinus infection. I started aching in my calves first. It then went to my shoulders, arms, and everywhere from the neck down. I'm talking about very very severe pain. I had trouble getting down two steps at my back door just to go outside. It happened so suddenly that I thought it could be a side affect from Levaquin. My doctor told me absolutely "NO". After finishing the Levaquin, the pain was so bad, my doctor put me on Prednosone and a pain pill. I am off of that. The pain is still there but nothing like it was when I was on Levaquin. I'm new to the internet and just learning how to use it. My daughter told me how to look up this medication. I wished I had checked this site before taking this medication or at least after I got the pain where I could have stopped taking it before I finished it all. My advice to anyone considering taking this drug: DON'T.

Patti - Mon, 10 Feb 2003 01:03:56 -0500 - #324
Levaquin hit me like codeine pain medication did - WRONG FOR ME!!
Levaquin affected me badly! I began dreaming while I was awake, weird things & scary, sounds, voices, etc. inner trembling & anxiety. Zombie-like state, can't concentrate or function property. First hot then cold, nausea. I had same reaction to codeine pain medication a few years ago so I recognized it and wasn't as frightened this time. Stopped the med but wonder how long it will take for all symptoms to go away??? I only took one pill each day for three days before I knew I was in trouble. Also received thrush (yeast infection) in my mouth & throat from Levaquin. Trying to clear that up also!!I am 60 years old and tired. All I had was a bad cold, now I've got all this other garbage to deal with!!

Traci - Fri, 31 Jan 2003 23:23:09 -0500 - #293
I think I am having a reaction to Levaquin
I took Levaquin for the first time today around 11am I felt ok until 7pm. Thats when my calves began to hurt and the pain ran down both legs and into my feet. I was on my feet almost all day so I thought I just needed to rest. Lying still made the pain worse. Then my guts began to ache. My arms began to hurt and my hands. Now I also have a terrible headache. I am having hot and cold spells. When I am hot I feel like a ball of fire is rolling around in me. Can someone tell me how long these side affects last and if after taking this drug if the side affects diminish or get worse?
Sharon Campbell - Tue, 25 Feb 2003 10:30:55 -0500 - #369
Re: I think I am having a reaction to Levaquin
Personally I would search the subject "ANTIBOTICS" on the MERCOLA.COM website
it does not sound like an alergic reation=just side affects>there are alternitives.I would however contact your Dr. or Pharamcist. to be sure

Paul Locke - Fri, 31 Jan 2003 21:58:29 -0500 - #292
Levaquin
My wife took levaquin for a couple of days last week for a sinus infection. She has developed sore joints, feelings of hot and cold and is generally feeling very ill. She has no fever and appears to be having an adverse reaction to levaquin. Can anyone tell me how long this persists or if there is any she can take or do to stop the muscle pain?