Response 4

1. Unique Identifier (enter a unique name or other identifier: DO NOT use your screen name or real name. ADiemel

2. Drug prescribed: Ciprofloxacin

3. Type of physician who prescribed the drug (example, internist, general practioner, specialist, emergency room physician, surgeon, etc.) general practioner

4. Adverse Events you feel may be related to this drug: Tendon pain, benign Fasulations for 2 years

5. Physician’s reaction to your concerns: Diagnosed me with benign fasulations

6. Did your physician exhibit ANY prior knowledge concerning the adverse reactions associated with the fluoroquinolones? NO

7. Was your physician willing to admit that the drug could possibly be responsible? NO

8. Where you given any advice as to what side effects you may experience? NO

9. Did the physician enter into a risk/benefit discussion prior to prescribing the drug? NO

10. Was the drug prescribed for "off label" use (meaning NOT an approved use)? NO

11. Was testing done to confirm or deny the presence of a bacterial infection? NO

12. What reason(s) was the drug prescribed? Suspected prositits

13. Did you receive any benefit from being on this drug? NO, NO, NO, I am in a worse condition

14. How did you find the fqresearch site? through research

15. What made you log unto the site? I'm tired of this shit!

16. Was the information you found of any value to you? Yes

17. Additional comments or concerns you may have: We need to join together along with the medias help to file a lawsuit against these drug manufactures, together we can do it.

Response 6

1. Unique Identifier (enter a unique name or other identifier: DO NOT use your screen name or real name. ADiemel

2. Drug prescribed: Ciprofloxacin

3. Type of physician who prescribed the drug (example, internist, general practioner, specialist, emergency room physician, surgeon, etc.)

4. Adverse Events you feel may be related to this drug: Tendon pain, benign Fasulations for 2 years

5. Physician’s reaction to your concerns: Diagnosed me with benign fasulations

6. Did your physician exhibit ANY prior knowledge concerning the adverse reactions associated with the fluoroquinolones? NO

7. Was your physician willing to admit that the drug could possibly be responsible? NO

8. Where you given any advice as to what side effects you may experience? NO

9. Did the physician enter into a risk/benefit discussion prior to prescribing the drug? NO

10. Was the drug prescribed for "off label" use (meaning NOT an approved use)? NO

11. Was testing done to confirm or deny the presence of a bacterial infection? NO

12. What reason(s) was the drug prescribed? Suspected prositits

13. Did you receive any benefit from being on this drug? NO, NO, NO, I am in a worse condition

14. How did you find the fqresearch site? through research

15. What made you log unto the site? I'm tired of this shit!

16. Was the information you found of any value to you? Yes

17. Additional comments or concerns you may have: We need to join together along with the medias help to file a lawsuit against these drug manufactures, together we can do it.

Response 7

1. Unique Identifier (enter a unique name or other identifier: DO NOT use your screen name or real name.

Momoffour

2. Drug prescribed:

Levaquin

3. Type of physician who prescribed the drug (example, internist, general practioner, specialist, emergency room physician, surgeon, etc.)

General practice

4. Adverse Events you feel may be related to this drug:

Severe bilateral Achilles tendonitis, torn hip/thigh muscle-tendon, extreme fatigue and depression

5. Physician’s reaction to your concerns:

Unphased, doesn’t associate medication with symptoms occurring after discontinuation of drug

6. Did your physician exhibit ANY prior knowledge concerning the adverse reactions associated with the fluoroquinolones?

Absolutely none

7. Was your physician willing to admit that the drug could possibly be responsible?

No

8. Where you given any advice as to what side effects you may experience?

No

9. Did the physician enter into a risk/benefit discussion prior to prescribing the drug?

You must be joking, none what so ever

10. Was the drug prescribed for "off label" use (meaning NOT an approved use)?

No

11. Was testing done to confirm or deny the presence of a bacterial infection?

No

12. What reason(s) was the drug prescribed?

Sinus infection

13. Did you receive any benefit from being on this drug?

It got rid of the sinus infection, but a different one probably would have too

14. How did you find the fqresearch site?

My son found it for me

15. What made you log unto the site?

Complete desperation, I’m looking for someone or something to help me

16. Was the information you found of any value to you?

I’m devastated to read most of what is on the website. I don’t find it very encouraging for what I’m going through right now. I am looking for a little positive light.

17. Additional comments or concerns you may have:

I feel that the three doses of 750mg Levaquin that I took have destroyed my life. I’m just waiting for the next thing to go wrong. I wasn’t in any high risk group for ADR from this drug and I only took three doses but I am suffering terribly and I have no where to go for help.

1. Unique Identifier : MandoBass

2. Drug prescribed: Levaquin

3. Type of physician who prescribed the drug (example, internist, general practitioner, specialist, emergency room physician, surgeon, etc.): After Hours Care GP

4. Adverse Events you feel may be related to this drug: Rupture of distal bicep tendon two weeks after treatment (first attempt to do mild exercise- was stretching arms)

5. Physician’s reaction to your concerns: N/A

6. Did your physician exhibit ANY prior knowledge concerning the adverse reactions associated with the fluoroquinolones?N/A

7. Was your physician willing to admit that the drug could possibly be responsible? N/A

8. Where you given any advice as to what side effects you may experience? No.

9. Did the physician enter into a risk/benefit discussion prior to prescribing the drug? No.

10. Was the drug prescribed for "off label" use (meaning NOT an approved use)? No.

11. Was testing done to confirm or deny the presence of a bacterial infection? Yes- Xray of lung region (pneumonia)

12. What reason(s) was the drug prescribed? Pneumonia

13. Did you receive any benefit from being on this drug? not really- was admitted to hospital three days later.

14. How did you find the fqresearch site? Google search

15. What made you log unto the site? Looking for class action suit information

16. Was the information you found of any value to you? some

17. Additional comments or concerns you may have: I have no interest in penalizing the health care providers, but I have a bone to pick with the drug manufacturer!

Response 9

1. Unique Identifier (enter a unique name or other identifier: DO NOT use your screen name or real name.

Frustrated

2. Drug prescribed:

Cipro

3. Type of physician who prescribed the drug (example, internist, general practioner, specialist, emergency room physician, surgeon, etc.)

General practioner

4. Adverse Events you feel may be related to this drug:

Joint pain, tendon snaps ? (thumb keeps getting "stuck/hyper extended), pain in shoulders, wrists, knees, ankles and hips. Chronic pain and fatigue.

5. Physician’s reaction to your concerns:

Referral to Rheumatologist, who stated she was 99% positive that I had Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, all of the many, many blood, X-ray, bone scan and MRI has shown nothing.

6. Did your physician exhibit ANY prior knowledge concerning the adverse reactions associated with the fluoroquinolones?

Absolutely none!

7. Was your physician willing to admit that the drug could possibly be responsible?

Absolutely not!

8. Where you given any advice as to what side effects you may experience?

None whatsoever!

9. Did the physician enter into a risk/benefit discussion prior to prescribing the drug?

No

10. Was the drug prescribed for "off label" use (meaning NOT an approved use)?

No

11. Was testing done to confirm or deny the presence of a bacterial infection?

Not until well after meds were started

12. What reason(s) was the drug prescribed?

2^nd UTI. The first one was treated with a standard penicillin, three days later the infection was back in full force.

13. Did you receive any benefit from being on this drug?

Well, it got rid of the UTI.

14. How did you find the fqresearch site?

My cousin found it on the internet while doing a search of my symptoms

15. What made you log unto the site?

Pure frustration of not getting answers from the doctors, or even getting them to listen to me. I want to help get this issue out to the general public.

16. Was the information you found of any value to you?

Yes, it has confirmed what I knew all along. My symptoms are a direct result of this medication. All of my side effects, and doctor testings are exactly what others have reported on this site.

17. Additional comments or concerns you may have:

I’ve read that these effects are reversible, but can’t find out how. Would like to learn about treatment.

Response 10

1. Unique Identifier (enter a unique name or other identifier: DO NOT use your screen name or real name. bob

2. Drug prescribed: levaquin

3. Type of physician who prescribed the drug (example, internist, general practioner, specialist, emergency room physician, surgeon, etc.) family general practitioner PCP

4. Adverse Events you feel may be related to this drug: ligament pain in my left leg from the knee to ankle, left and right ankles, left and right feet, left and right wrists, right arm from wrist to elbow, right elbow, right elbow to shoulder. Nerve pain in all the same areas and in face. Too painful to walk at times.

5. Physician’s reaction to your concerns: Helpful, said it was rare but believed it is two separate reactions to the Levaquin. Prescribe Lyrica and prednisone.

6. Did your physician exhibit ANY prior knowledge concerning the adverse reactions associated with the fluoroquinolones? no

7. Was your physician willing to admit that the drug could possibly be responsible? yes

8. Where you given any advice as to what side effects you may experience? not before hand

9. Did the physician enter into a risk/benefit discussion prior to prescribing the drug? no

10. Was the drug prescribed for "off label" use (meaning NOT an approved use)? no

11. Was testing done to confirm or deny the presence of a bacterial infection? no

12. What reason(s) was the drug prescribed? Sever bronchitis with fever.

13. Did you receive any benefit from being on this drug? yes

15. What made you log unto the site? the side effects must be a black box warning not just mentioned.

16. Was the information you found of any value to you? yes but too late!

17. Additional comments or concerns you may have: This should never ever ever be given to people with any collagen vascular diseases,, autoimmune diseases, athletes, children or with steroids.

Response 11

1. Unique Identifier (enter a unique name or other identifier: DO NOT use your screen name or real name. PhoebeZ

2. Drug prescribed: Avelox

3. Type of physician who prescribed the drug (example, internist, general practioner, specialist, emergency room physician, surgeon, etc.) Internist

4. Adverse Events you feel may be related to this drug: Anaphylaxis (hospital diagnosis was antibiotic poisoning)

5. Physician’s reaction to your concerns: He didn't believe the pill caused that reaction and sent me to allergy doctor who said I had a reaction to Avelox.

6. Did your physician exhibit ANY prior knowledge concerning the adverse reactions associated with the fluoroquinolones? None, he thinks it is a wonderful drug!

7. Was your physician willing to admit that the drug could possibly be responsible? No.

8. Where you given any advice as to what side effects you may experience? No

9. Did the physician enter into a risk/benefit discussion prior to prescribing the drug? No, he asked me if I wanted the free (Pinto) antibiotics or the Cadillac (Avelox)

10. Was the drug prescribed for "off label" use (meaning NOT an approved use)? I had a sinus infection starting

11. Was testing done to confirm or deny the presence of a bacterial infection? No

12. What reason(s) was the drug prescribed? Sinus infection

13. Did you receive any benefit from being on this drug? Ended up in the ER after one pill and almost died.

14. How did you find the fqresearch site? I started looking to see if anyone else had hed problems with Avelox

15. What made you log unto the site? Just looking for information to show my doctor (he was not impressed)

16. Was the information you found of any value to you? Yes, thank you very much for trying to help get this stuff off the market

17. Additional comments or concerns you may have: Ever since my reaction I have had pain in my chest and get out of breath if I walk too much or even get stressed, I went to a heart doctor, lung doctor and got PET, CAT scans breathing tests, allergy tests, etc... No one can explain it. Is that a common thing with the Avelox or maybe the reaction I had? Or am I going crazy with anxiety?

Response 12

1. Unique Identifier (enter a unique name or other identifier: DO NOT use your screen name or real name. BARBARA IN SILVER SPRING, MD, 41, female.

2. Drug prescribed: LEVAQUIN, 750 mg, 7 days (all completed)

3. Type of physician who prescribed the drug (example, internist, general practioner, specialist, emergency room physician, surgeon, etc.) FAMILY PRACTICTIONER

4. Adverse Events you feel may be related to this drug: Anxiety on Day 2, 3....Horrible rash on both hands and ankles, which continues to spread

5. Physician’s reaction to your concerns: COuldn't figure it out. She initially ruled out adverse reaction to this class of antiobiotic!

6. Did your physician exhibit ANY prior knowledge concerning the adverse reactions associated with the fluoroquinolones? No.

7. Was your physician willing to admit that the drug could possibly be responsible? We'll see tomorrow...She'd ruled it out on my first visit last week.

8. Where you given any advice as to what side effects you may experience? N/A

9. Did the physician enter into a risk/benefit discussion prior to prescribing the drug? No. I had a very bad bacterial skin infection that was on the verge of becoming staff infection.

10. Was the drug prescribed for "off label" use (meaning NOT an approved use)? No.

11. Was testing done to confirm or deny the presence of a bacterial infection? No, but i had streaking up my arm - a long red streak from the infection in my hand up to my armpit. This followed a poison ivy outbreak that never healed and just deteriorated into a painful, oozing mess.

12. What reason(s) was the drug prescribed? Bacterial skin infection, with streaking.

13. Did you receive any benefit from being on this drug? Yes, the bacterial infection improved within hours of taking the first pill.

14. How did you find the fqresearch site? After several days of googling "skin rash and fingers," or "itchy bumps and ankles," i finally googled "skin rash and levaquin" and found your site!

15. What made you log unto the site? Desperately seeking knowledge for my extremely uncomfortable condition.

16. Was the information you found of any value to you? Yes, yes, yes. I feel confident i've discovered what's wrong with me.

17. Additional comments or concerns you may have: Thanks for this site! I already feel better knowing i'm not alone. I will continue researching the site to see how long i might expect still-growing rash on hands/ankles to last. Unfortunately i'm guessing i'll have to live with it for some time...

Response 13

1. Unique Identifier (enter a unique name or other identifier: DO NOT use your screen name or real name.

levaquin poisoned

2. Drug prescribed:

Levaquin 500mg for 12 days

3. Type of physician who prescribed the drug (example, internist, general practioner, specialist, emergency room physician, surgeon, etc.)

Ear, Nose and Throat MD

4. Adverse Events you feel may be related to this drug:

Severe ankle and foot pain which radiates up my legs* My feet and ankles never stop aching. The arches of both of my feet also hurt.

Can't stand to wear shoes or socks and can only stand slippers briefly due to soreness/sensitivity in feet and ankles.

Wrist, hand, fingers thumb pain including shooting pains

Joints very stiff. It hurts to open and close my hands or bend my wrists.

Every joint in my body aches. Joints that bothered me before (cervical spine) hurt even worse now after having taken Levaquin.

Skin very sensitive all over. Even bedsheets and slippers are uncomfortable on my skin.

Tongue and throat feel sore due to stomatitis/thrush which I can not get under control even after tons of yogurt, acidophilus and 2 rounds of diflucan

Eyes very dry, sensitive to light, bloodshot and very painful. I have to wear sunglasses all the time.

Spacey, surreal feeling

Muscles ache all over

Arm muscles so sore that it hurts to do anything. Even brushing my teeth is painful to my hands and arms.

My ankles, feet, wrists and hands feel bruised when any pressure is applied; uncomfortable even against my mattress.

Sharp pain between shoulder blades at times when I move a certain way. It's so bad that it takes my breath away.

Chest pain three times with heart racing each time

Left ribs/chest sore and worse when I breathe deeply

Decreased endurance. Easily fatigued. It takes me forever to get anything done and it's really frustrating. I have to rest often.

Queasy at times

Tingling/prickling in both hands and both feet and they alternate between being very hot and very cold

Increase in frequency of headaches

A full feeling in my head and ears

Feel ill in general. The only thing that compares to this is when I had the flu and high fever. I felt so bad that I wanted to die but at least I knew that the flu symptoms would eventually end. I fear that the hell that I am enduring now because of Levaquin may never end. I simply can't live like this.

5. Physician's reaction?

Seemed puzzled by symptoms but listened attentively. He never denied that the drug caused my symptoms.

6. Did your physician exhibit ANY prior knowledge concerning the adverse reactions associated with the fluoroquinolones?

Admitted that he knew that this drug can cause tendon ruptures

7. Was your physician willing to admit that the drug could possibly be responsible?

He said that there are no long term studies on the drug. He prescribes the medication based on the information that he has available. He admitted that my symptoms seemed to be a result of this drug.

8. Where you given any advice as to what side effects you may experience?

None what so ever. Not the first word of caution regarding this drug from anyone.

9. Did the physician enter into a risk/benefit discussion prior to prescribing the drug?

Absolutely not. There was no discussion regarding the drug at all. The lab results came back, his nurse called me on my cell phone to tell me that she was calling in an antibiotic for me to take. I asked if there was anything that I needed to know and she said to take the antibiotic as prescribed and to call them back if I was still having sinus symptoms. Other than that she said that they didn't need to see me again.

10. Was the drug prescribed for "off label" use (meaning NOT an approved use)?

It was prescribed for a bacterial sinus infection

11. Was testing done to confirm or deny the presence of a bacterial infection?

yes, my left nasal passage was swabbed and cultured and b cepacia was the result.

12. What reason(s) was the drug prescribed?

I don't know why he chose this drug because I did not have the opportunity to talk with him. He is known to be a very reputable MD. I just assumed that he knew what he was doing and that he had prescribed the most appropriate antibiotic for the type of infection that I had.

13. Did you receive any benefit from being on this drug?

The nasal odor that brought me to the physician's office in the first place is gone. However, I still have discomfort in my left sinus area. I was recultured two days ago so I'll soon find out whether or not the Levaquin eradicated the bacterial infection or not.

14. How did you find the fqresearch site?

Google

15. What made you log unto the site?

I logged in because I am doing everything that I can to find out how to get this dangerous drug off the market or at least get the proper warnings for it. It should only be used as a last resort. It is prescribed without reservation for even minor problems and it is destroying people's lives. I logged in because I want to contribute to educating the public, the health care community and lawmakers regarding the very common serious adverse reactions to this drug. I know that the health care community is painfully unaware of how often this drug is causing problems for patients. Patient's symptoms are being blamed on other things when in fact they are suffering from fluoroquinolone toxicity. How do I know this? Because I have been a RN for 20 years and I can assure you that I have never been made aware of the connection between fluroquinolones and the symptoms I've listed above which are all too common. Most doctors and nurses do not know how dangerous these drugs are. The FDA has failed to protect all of us. How many more thousands of lives will be permanently devastated by this drug?

16. Was the information you found of any value to you?

Yes, very much so. This is a very informative site. I am praying that the information you provide will convince those in power to put a stop to this drug being prescribed so freely.

17. Additional comments or concerns you may have:

I would like to be contacted by anyone who has information regarding anything that I can do to get my information to those who are in a position of power to make a difference. I have submitted a form to MedWatch. I plan to contact congressmen. If there are certain boards, associations or agencies that I should contact please let me know. I am interested in every avenue possible. I am going to contact talk shows and everyone that I can think of. This drug is causing epidemic health problems and the public is being kept in the dark. My email address is poisonedbylevaquin@gmail.com.

Response 14

1. Unique Identifier (enter a unique name or other identifier: DO NOT use your screen name or real name. 216926

2. Drug prescribed: Levaquin 500mg - 1 X PO Q Day X 5 Days

3. Type of physician who prescribed the drug (example, internist, general practioner, specialist, emergency room physician, surgeon, etc.): ER Physician

4. Adverse Events you feel may be related to this drug: Muscle pain particularly in my legs & knees. Loss of appetite; trouble sleeping; diarrhea; nausea; dizziness and severe headache that I am unable to get rid of. I feel like I am 100 years old. I cannot get up without assistance or something to hold on to.

5. Physician’s reaction to your concerns: Did not talk to my physician about the side effects yet.

6. Did your physician exhibit ANY prior knowledge concerning the adverse reactions associated with the fluoroquinolones? No. He also did not mention anything about contraindications with other medicines I'm taking such as Effexor or Vicoprofin & Vicodin. In fact he prescribed Vicodin along with the Levaquin. He also did not (obviously) consider that I have Fibromyalgia already!

7. Was your physician willing to admit that the drug could possibly be responsible? We'll see when I talk to him. I am not returning to see the ER doctor I will talk to my regular physician.

8. Where you given any advice as to what side effects you may experience? No

9. Did the physician enter into a risk/benefit discussion prior to prescribing the drug? No

10. Was the drug prescribed for "off label" use (meaning NOT an approved use)? No - it was for a UTI

11. Was testing done to confirm or deny the presence of a bacterial infection? A UA was done with Culture and Sensitivity

12. What reason(s) was the drug prescribed? UTI

13. Did you receive any benefit from being on this drug? Well the UTI is gone, but the side effects seem to be worse than the cure. I was experiencing pain from the UTI but the pain in my muscles and the other side effects are causing pain much worse than the UTI

14. How did you find the fqresearch site? I finally hurt so much I did a web search and found this link from another site.

15. What made you log unto the site? I wanted to learn more and also submit information for this survey in hopes it helps other people. 16. Was the information you found of any value to you? Absolutely! I am going to give the information to our doctors and nurses. This is ridiculous. This drug should be taken off the market. This is no different than the drugs which have been pulled due to other issues such as suicide etc. In fact I could absolutely foresee someone committing suicide after dealing with pain like this long term.

17. Additional comments or concerns you may have: I work in a hospital and Levaquin is prescribed like ASA. I went to the ER the other night while working because I had a terrible UTI. After one of my co-workers, an RN, learned what I was given she told me to watch for symptoms such as severe leg pain etc. She knows I have Fibromyalgia and she wanted me to be aware. She had been given Levaquin previously and told me she was now listing it as an allergy and would never take it again. I was already into Day 3 of the treatment and decided to finish it - but did so with much reluctance. The symptoms got worse with each passing day. I am now Day 2 Post Treatment and the pain is only very very slightly better. It gives me insight to issues many of the patients experience that we attributed to other things. The community I live in is very rural and we have lots of geriatric patients. I cannot imagine being 80 years old having all the issues that come with age and then taking Levaquin. It also reminded me of a patient we had that all of a sudden developed such severe leg pain he couldn't get up. I would go in a rub his legs at night and tried all kinds of things to make him feel better. At times I could literally FEEL his calf muscles tighten up in my hands. He had never had any pain like this before and was previously an active senior citizen. He ended up going to a rehab facility and I am unsure what happened to him. But he was on IV Levaquin. OH and the patients we have we C-Diff! It's like an epidemic! It’s the same old thing over and over. Patient is admitted for Pneumonia and given Levaquin and the C-Diff comes along with all the other symptoms I read about. I will NEVER EVER take this drug again nor will any member of my family.

Response 15

1. Unique Identifier (enter a unique name or other identifier: DO NOT use your screen name or real name.

DUDA3636

2. Drug prescribed:

Levaquin

3. Type of physician who prescribed the drug (example, internist, general practioner, specialist, emergency room physician, surgeon, etc.)

Specialist

4. Adverse Events you feel may be related to this drug:

Severe joint pain in knees especially - also ankles, elbows, and wrists.

5. Physician’s reaction to your concerns:

Said to give it a few weeks and take anti-inflametories as necessary.

6. Did your physician exhibit ANY prior knowledge concerning the adverse reactions associated with the fluoroquinolones?

After the fact, he stated that such side effects are "rare".

7. Was your physician willing to admit that the drug could possibly be responsible?

Yes.

8. Where you given any advice as to what side effects you may experience?

No.

9. Did the physician enter into a risk/benefit discussion prior to prescribing the drug?

No.

10. Was the drug prescribed for "off label" use (meaning NOT an approved use)?

Drug was prescribed for my 14 year old son - so "off lable". My understanding is Levaquin is not approved as safe for those under 18. I didn't know this at the time.

11. Was testing done to confirm or deny the presence of a bacterial infection?

Yes.

12. What reason(s) was the drug prescribed?

Bacterial infection under the nail bed.

13. Did you receive any benefit from being on this drug?

Infection went away.

14. How did you find the fqresearch site?

Surfed on when searching for ADRs to Levaquin.

15. What made you log unto the site?

Hoping to find some answers to my many questions, especially if and when such ADRs will cease and if there is any known effective treatment.

16. Was the information you found of any value to you?

Somewhat - but not too much. Most questions still unanswered.

17. Additional comments or concerns you may have:

Site needs a listing of doctors who are familiar with ADRs to these drugs and know how to effectively treat them.

Response 16

1. Unique Identifier (enter a unique name or other identifier: DO NOT use your screen name or real name. Sal_dz

2. Drug prescribed: Ciprofloxacin eye drops

3. Type of physician who prescribed the drug (example, internist, general practioner, specialist, emergency room physician, surgeon, etc.) Internist

4. Adverse Events you feel may be related to this drug: Muscle/tendon pain and problems, calf muscle tear w\ scar tissue at Achilles tendon junction.

5. Physician’s reaction to your concerns: Acknowledged as rare side effect to Ciprofloxacin. Said it is not permanent.

6. Did your physician exhibit ANY prior knowledge concerning the adverse reactions associated with the fluoroquinolones? Yes, but said it was very rare and that hes never seen it.

7. Was your physician willing to admit that the drug could possibly be responsible? Yes

8. Where you given any advice as to what side effects you may experience? Only that it can cause tendon ruptures. He told me to discontinue any form of exercise and sent me to Ortho and physical therapy.

9. Did the physician enter into a risk/benefit discussion prior to prescribing the drug? No

10. Was the drug prescribed for "off label" use (meaning NOT an approved use)? I don't know, but all I had was pink eye.

11. Was testing done to confirm or deny the presence of a bacterial infection? No

12. What reason(s) was the drug prescribed? Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

13. Did you receive any benefit from being on this drug? It killed the pink eye pretty quick

14. How did you find the fqresearch site? Researching the drug online

15. What made you log unto the site? To learn more about this poison

16. Was the information you found of any value to you? Yes

17. Additional comments or concerns you may have:

Response 17

1. Unique Identifier (enter a unique name or other identifier: DO NOT use your screen name or real name.

Gayl

2. Drug prescribed:

Levaquin

3. Type of physician who prescribed the drug (example, internist, general practioner, specialist, emergency room physician, surgeon, etc.)

PA at a minor emergency clinic

4. Adverse Events you feel may be related to this drug:

Vision problems, heart leaping in chest, feeling of being drunk (not dizzy – drunk).

5. Physician’s reaction to your concerns:

Not reported

6. Did your physician exhibit ANY prior knowledge concerning the adverse reactions associated with the fluoroquinolones?

No discussion at time of prescription

7. Was your physician willing to admit that the drug could possibly be responsible?

Not reported

8. Where you given any advice as to what side effects you may experience?

No discussion at time of prescription

9. Did the physician enter into a risk/benefit discussion prior to prescribing the drug?

No discussion at time of prescription

10. Was the drug prescribed for "off label" use (meaning NOT an approved use)?

No

11. Was testing done to confirm or deny the presence of a bacterial infection?

Yes

12. What reason(s) was the drug prescribed?

Bronchitis

13. Did you receive any benefit from being on this drug?

Unknown

14. How did you find the fqresearch site?

Google

15. What made you log unto the site?

Hunch my symptoms were caused by the drug but not sure and wanted to verify

16. Was the information you found of any value to you?

Yes

17. Additional comments or concerns you may have:

N/A

Response 18

1. PAMCAKE

2.LEVAQUIN 500 MG.DAILY

3.GENERAL PRACTITIONER

4.LEG WEAKNESS, LEG TINGLING AND LE PAIN OFF AND ON AND SEVERAL DAYS AFTER TREATMENT ENDED. LIGHT-HEADEDNESS, ANXIETY, HEART RACING AND BLURRED VISION DURING TREATMENT.

5. "THIS IS THE DRUG OF CHOICE FOR PNUEMONIA."

6. NOT SURE, BUT HE WAS NOTIFIED BY ME DURING AND AFTER TREATMENT.

HE DID SAY THAT IT WAS A STRONG DRUG.

7. HE DID NOT ADMIT TO ANYTHING

8. NO ADVICE

9. NOT SURE

10. NO

11. YES, BLOOD WORK WAS DONE SEVERAL TIMES.

12. PNUEMONIA

13. YES, IT CLEARED UP THE INFECTION PER MY DR.??

14. THRU A SIDE-EFFECT WEBSITE WITH DIFFERENT PATIENT'S WRITTEN SIDE EFFECTS.

15. BECAUSE I AM VERY ACTIVE USUALLY AND NOW MY FEET AND LEGS ACHE FREQUENTLY AND IT HAS BEEN 5 DAYS OFF LEVAQUIN.

16. YES, THANKS

17. none

Response 19

1. Unique Identifier (enter a unique name or other identifier: DO NOT use your screen name or real name.

Greg

2. Drug prescribed:

Avelox

3. Type of physician who prescribed the drug (example, internist, general practioner, specialist, emergency room physician, surgeon, etc.)

general practitioner

4. Adverse Events you feel may be related to this drug:

1 day after finishing a 7 day course, i called 911 with severe acute headache, vomiting, dizziness, loss of coordination when trying to walk, stroke symptoms

5. Physician’s reaction to your concerns:

Saw the same doctor that prescribed it.. he did not correlate it to the prescription, unfortunately neither did I (at the time).. all he told me was 9 months after a stroke, however you are, you will be like that permanently - (his exact words)

6. Did your physician exhibit ANY prior knowledge concerning the adverse reactions associated with the fluoroquinolones? No

7. Was your physician willing to admit that the drug could possibly be responsible? No

8. Were you given any advice as to what side effects you may experience? No

9. Did the physician enter into a risk/benefit discussion prior to prescribing the drug? No

10. Was the drug prescribed for "off label" use (meaning NOT an approved use)? No

11. Was testing done to confirm or deny the presence of a bacterial infection? No - None

12. What reason(s) was the drug prescribed? Sinus Infection

13. Did you receive any benefit from being on this drug? at the time, yes. cleared the infection

14. How did you find the fqresearch site? online search for Avelox

15. What made you log unto the site? wanted more info on ADR's

16. Was the information you found of any value to you? extremely

17. Additional comments or concerns you may have:

where do I start - After my 911 call, they found a brain hemorrhage in the ER thru CAT scan.. had emergency brain surgery to remove the clot. 2 nights later my brain apparently swelled where the surgery was done and the fluid wasn't circulating (non-communicating hydrocephalus). Was unconscious and inches from death in the ICU. Ventriculostomy was then performed (basically, a needle was put into my brain and the backed up fluid was drained). Neurosurgeon could find no cause, i didnt mention the Avelox because i had finished it (also couldn't imagine it causing anything so horrible) and they asked if i was currently taking anything.

Was in the hospital a month in a wheelchair.

Had leg pain, shoulder pain and hand pain - all confirmed with MRI's showing tendon breakage.

Couldn't pee or poop, had daily catheter insertions.. man that was awful

After finally going home (my own decision, had enough of that BS) had to use a walker and cane, shower seat, couldnt drive, barely walk, was left crippled and brain damaged, lost my job, house and car - had to sell everything to survive.. lost everything. To this day i am brain damaged, hard to walk as well as talk.. cant speak well anymore and on disability. Tried to sue but no lawyer wants the case.

had a strange tingling in my mouth/lips that eventually spread out to my nose, face. Everything tasted metallic.

Left arm and hand is still impaired - hard to move, very uncoordinated, can only type 1 handed. And to top it off i played guitar in a band for 20 years.. Sadly that is no longer possible

Anxiety level is through the roof

Double vision for months

Physical therapy for a year.. mental therapy for 6 months.. on Zoloft for depression

I cant go on, too painful to recount the incident... sorry

1. Unique Identifier (enter a unique name or other identifier: DO NOT use your screen name or real name.

mom2five

2. Drug prescribed:

Cipro

3. Type of physician who prescribed the drug (example, internist, general practioner, specialist, emergency room physician, surgeon, etc.)

GP

4. Adverse Events you feel may be related to this drug:

Tendon/muscle pain and "snapping" in the bicep region of the right arm. Later tendon/muscle pain in bicep region of left arm, also. Ulnar neuropathy of right hand/arm, hives, blistery skin rash in groin area, palpitations of the heart, frequent anxiety, weakness of the lower legs becoming fatiguing at times, and shoulder pain below the rotator cuff area.

5. Physician’s reaction to your concerns:

Administering physician not seen again. Physician seen subsequently stated that symptoms were unlikely related to Cipro. Referred to an orthopedic surgeon for consultation on shoulder pain. Orthhopedic surgeon refused to consider any relationship of symptoms to Cipro. He recommended a cortisone injection in the right shoulder, which I refused.

6. Did your physician exhibit ANY prior knowledge concerning the adverse reactions associated with the fluoroquinolones?

No. None of the three physicians visited said anything about any adverse reactions.

7. Was your physician willing to admit that the drug could possibly be responsible?

Our GP (#2) said "it was not impossible, but highly unlikely" that Cipro could cause the symptoms. The orthopedic surgeon said Cipro couldn't be causing the continuing symptoms because the drug would have been out of my system for a long time.

8. Where you given any advice as to what side effects you may experience?

No.

9. Did the physician enter into a risk/benefit discussion prior to prescribing the drug?

No.

10. Was the drug prescribed for "off label" use (meaning NOT an approved use)?

It was prescribed for a urinary bladder infection.

11. Was testing done to confirm or deny the presence of a bacterial infection?

Yes.

12. What reason(s) was the drug prescribed?

To cure a recurring infection of the urinary bladder.

13. Did you receive any benefit from being on this drug?

The infection was cured.

14. How did you find the fqresearch site?

Surfing the internet for information about Cipro.

15. What made you log unto the site?

It appeared to have a lot of pertinent information.

16. Was the information you found of any value to you?

Yes. It further convinced me that my symptoms I had were Cipro-related.

17. Additional comments or concerns you may have:

I have a big concern that I may never be cured.

Response 21

1. Unique Identifier (enter a unique name or other identifier: DO NOT use your screen name or real name. gmd75767

2. Drug prescribed: Levaquin/flagyl

3. Type of physician who prescribed the drug (example, internist, general practioner, specialist, emergency room physician, surgeon, etc.) emergency room physician and then followup with GI

4. Adverse Events you feel may be related to this drug: foggy brain, lightheadedness, insomnia, numbness in forearms and hands when sleeping, strong sensitivity to light, sensitivity to motorized sounds, anxiety, motor skills seem a bit off or out of sync, head feels heavy, previously had difficulty swallowing-would choke, got real jittery when taking medication usually within 20 minutes of ingesting it but while on IV in hospital was also anxious and had numbness in hands and forearms. Assumed it had to do with me sleeping in a hospital bed rather than the drugs.

5. Physician’s reaction to your concerns: advised him of jittery/wired feelings while taking meds and he urged me to continue the full course….this was the GI doctor. After 2nd or 3rd call about my discomfort from taking them he advised me to stop but we had taken 9 days and 1 of 3 pills on last day.

6. Did your physician exhibit ANY prior knowledge concerning the adverse reactions associated with the fluoroquinolones? Never rmentioned it to me although the nurses did say that some people have trouble taking it.

7. Was your physician willing to admit that the drug could possibly be responsible? Not particularly. I have never brought this up with him but family DR attributed my symptoms to stress, Since then I have seen a psychologist and psychiatrist for therapy assuming It was stress related. Both have been somewhat confused by the head issues and sensitivity to light as well as the numbness and chest flutter I had been exhibiting. A number of side effects kicked in well after my hospitalization, although the heavy head, foggy brain and motor skill awkwardness was immediately after meds. I hadn’t considered a connection to this during my therapies until almost a year after my hospitalization when the drug came up in a social conversation with someone who had a reaction. Never knew what a fluoroquinolone was until August of 2007 and my troubles started in August of 2006…biggest symptoms arose around November/December of 2006 and lasted very promimently through may of 2007…still have problems with sensitivity to light, numbness, and foggy head/motor skills while speaking.

8. Where you given any advice as to what side effects you may experience?-absolutely not! On IV in hospital and no one hinted at side effects.

9. Did the physician enter into a risk/benefit discussion prior to prescribing the drug? No—in my mind it was like an antibiotic for a cold

10. Was the drug prescribed for "off label" use (meaning NOT an approved use)? no

11. Was testing done to confirm or deny the presence of a bacterial infection? I had a cat scan which showed some elevation in my bowel leading them to believe I had diverticulitis

12. What reason(s) was the drug prescribed? diverticulitis

13. Did you receive any benefit from being on this drug? I suppose the infection going away but to be honest I am unable to work in my profession due to the vision motor skill problems—airline pilot with no previous problems with my health ever other than a hernia repair.

14. How did you find the fqresearch site? From a friend after a dinner conversation regarding her reaction to Levaquin. Never entered my mind until this last august that this was a potential side effect problem from the drugs I took.

15. What made you log unto the site? Trying to get some information and guidance to understand this. It is a help but since no scientific evidence exists no doctors seem willing to acknowledge the potential problem here.

16. Was the information you found of any value to you? Yes but now I am very frustrated/angry and uncertain how to proceed with respect to this.

17. Additional comments or concerns you may have: lack of information or treatment ---I also think it should be mandatory that a patient on an IV be told of side effects similar to what you get when you go to the pharmacy. Had I known to even mention the problems to a dr rather than assume they were normal I doubt id be in the shape Im in as we speak. This is horrible!

Response 22

1. Unique Identifier (enter a unique name or other

identifier: DO NOT use your screen name or real name.

lulubare

2. Drug prescribed:

Ciprofloxacin HCL

3. Type of physician who prescribed the drug (example,

internist, general practioner, specialist, emergency

room physician, surgeon, etc.)

Urgent Care Clinic doctor

4. Adverse Events you feel may be related to this

drug:

Excruciating muscle and tendon pain in my legs, arms,

and neck, as well as a rash-little red itchy dots on

my arms and legs.

5. Physician’s reaction to your concerns:

I went to the emergency room and was given Vicodin for

the pain, told to discontinue the Cipro and was given

a different antibiotic.

6. Did your physician exhibit ANY prior knowledge

concerning the adverse reactions associated with the

fluoroquinolones?

No, they had to look in the physician's desk reference

before they would believe me that my symptoms were

caused by the Cipro.

7. Was your physician willing to admit that the drug

could possibly be responsible?

Yes

8. Where you given any advice as to what side effects

you may experience?

No

9. Did the physician enter into a risk/benefit

discussion prior to prescribing the drug?

No

10. Was the drug prescribed for "off label" use

(meaning NOT an approved use)?

No

11. Was testing done to confirm or deny the presence

of a bacterial infection?

Yes

12. What reason(s) was the drug prescribed?

Urinary tract infection

13. Did you receive any benefit from being on this

drug?

yes but had to stop the use after 3 days due to the

side effects

14. How did you find the fqresearch site?

yahoo search for Cipro side effects

15. What made you log unto the site?

to research the side effects

16. Was the information you found of any value to you?

yes very

17. Additional comments or concerns you may have:

I am worried that my side effects will not ago away

and permanent damage was done to my tendons.

Response 23

1. Unique Identifier (enter a unique name or other identifier: DO NOT use your screen name or real name.

bw1

2. Drug prescribed: Levaquin

3. Type of physician who prescribed the drug (example, internist, general practioner, specialist, emergency room physician, surgeon, etc.) general practitioner

4. Adverse Events you feel may be related to this drug: digestive problems for several months, had to be treated by Digestive Clinic, made ringing in ears worse, fatigue

5. Physician’s reaction to your concerns: I did not return to the Physician who prescribed the antibiotics

6. Did your physician exhibit ANY prior knowledge concerning the adverse reactions associated with the fluoroquinolones? No

7. Was your physician willing to admit that the drug could possibly be responsible? Did not discuss with this doctor

8. Where you given any advice as to what side effects you may experience? No

9. Did the physician enter into a risk/benefit discussion prior to prescribing the drug? No

10. Was the drug prescribed for "off label" use (meaning NOT an approved use)? Don’t know, my condition was mild case of "walking pneumonia", mainly a cough

11. Was testing done to confirm or deny the presence of a bacterial infection? No

12. What reason(s) was the drug prescribed? mild case of "walking pneumonia", mainly a cough

13. Did you receive any benefit from being on this drug? Not that I’m aware of

14. How did you find the fqresearch site? Mercola

15. What made you log unto the site? My experience with fluoroqunolones

16. Was the information you found of any value to you? yes

17. Additional comments or concerns you may have: it seems that the extent of the problems are being covered up

Response 24

1. Unique Identifier (enter a unique name or other identifier: DO NOT use your screen name or real name.

Meerkat

2. Drug prescribed:

Cipro

3. Type of physician who prescribed the drug (example, internist, general practioner, specialist, emergency room physician, surgeon, etc.)

General Practitioner

4. Adverse Events you feel may be related to this drug:

Systemic tendinitis.

5. Physician’s reaction to your concerns:

Immediately recognized symptoms as a side effect of Cipro. Follow-up with muscle enzyme tests. Test results negative.

6. Did your physician exhibit ANY prior knowledge concerning the adverse reactions associated with the fluoroquinolones?

Based on her immediate recognition of side effects, yes.

7. Was your physician willing to admit that the drug could possibly be responsible?

Yes

8. Where you given any advice as to what side effects you may experience?

Drug insert.

9. Did the physician enter into a risk/benefit discussion prior to prescribing the drug?

No.

10. Was the drug prescribed for "off label" use (meaning NOT an approved use)?

No.

11. Was testing done to confirm or deny the presence of a bacterial infection?

Yes.

12. What reason(s) was the drug prescribed?

UTI

13. Did you receive any benefit from being on this drug?

Yes. Cleared up UTI.

14. How did you find the fqresearch site?

Google search of ongoing symptoms; joint pain, night sweats, etc.

15. What made you log unto the site?

Searching for information on how long it might take to recover from side effects.

16. Was the information you found of any value to you?

Neutral.

17. Additional comments or concerns you may have:

None.

Response 25

1. Unique Identifier (enter a unique name or other identifier: DO NOT use your screen name or real name.282377

2. Drug prescribed: Levaquin 500mg per day

3. Type of physician who prescribed the drug (example, internist, general practioner, specialist, emergency room physician, surgeon, etc.)OBGYN

4. Adverse Events you feel may be related to this drug: I had a massive pulmonary embolism and subsequent stroke following an 8 day treatment. I also have periodic calf pain and neuropathy. Also for the duration of the treatment I was "not myself" but I don't recall anything from that time period, total memory loss

5. Physician's reaction to your concerns: He agreed it was probably due to levaquin

6. Did your physician exhibit ANY prior knowledge concerning the adverse reactions associated with the fluoroquinolones? when he prescribed it he told me to not take advil or any NSAID and to watch for leg cramps.

7. Was your physician willing to admit that the drug could possibly be responsible? yes, after all tests results ruled out any other cause

8. Where you given any advice as to what side effects you may experience?yes, see#6

9. Did the physician enter into a risk/benefit discussion prior to prescribing the drug? He said it was a pretty safe drug except the leg cramps

10. Was the drug prescribed for "off label" use (meaning NOT an approved use)?No it was for an approved use

11. Was testing done to confirm or deny the presence of a bacterial infection? Yes a urinalysis was done, it was negative.

12. What reason(s) was the drug prescribed? suspected kidney infection

13. Did you receive any benefit from being on this drug? The pain and blood in the urine went away, so yes.

14. How did you find the fqresearch site? google

15. What made you log unto the site? I want to alert people to a possibly overlooked side effect. Most people with pulmonary embolism die and it's attributed to something else. Mine would have probably been attributed to my weight even though I am very active and healthy, as per test results.

16. Was the information you found of any value to you? so far not much seems to apply to me since my symptoms are different except the distal neuropathy.

17. Additional comments or concerns you may have: I do believe my sister had this same reaction 6 years ago, she is checking her medical records to see which drug she took to be sure.