What's behind drug causing tendon issues?

-Ask the Doctor : Peter Gott

-GoErie

06/09/2009 - Q I recently heard a statement on television made by an attorney with regard to Levaquin, causing tendon rupture and asking anyone who suffered with the problem to call a toll-free telephone number.

What on earth is this all about? Has an enterprising law office simply devised another get-rich-quick scheme? Or is there validity to the issue? I've had family members prescribed this drug by their physicians but haven't heard of any associated problems.

A Levaquin is a synthetic, broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.

The drug is prescribed to people 18 years of age and older for infections such as acute bacterial sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, some urinary-tract infections and more.

Because the safety and efficacy in young children, adolescents under 18, and pregnant and nursing women has not been established, the drug is not recommended for those people.

Now, on to your question. It would be my guess that an attorney is attempting to help people who have experienced adverse effects from the drug.

I quite doubt he is acting on behalf of the pharmaceutical companies involved with the manufacture of fluoroquinolone, the class of drugs that Levaquin and others inhabit.

From 2001 to 2004, the Food and Drug Administration included warning information on the packaging of Levaquin, Cipro, Avelox, Noroxin and Floxin and updated the information in 2008.

Now, according to CNN, the FDA has ordered the manufacturers of these drugs to add a black-box warning for consumers that the drugs can cause possible tendon ruptures and tendinitis.

Tendon rupture and tendinitis occur in about one in 100,000 people. Fluoroquinolones increase that risk by up to four times, according to the FDA.

Bayer holds the licenses for Cipro and Avelox and has agreed to make the changes as outlined by the FDA; however, Bayer has gone on record as indicating both drugs are effective and well tolerated.

Ortho-McNeil-Janssen, marketer of Levaquin in the United States, and Merck, the manufacturer of Noroxin, have both agreed to abide by the request. Oscient, the manufacturer of Floxin, did not respond to news requests for comment.

Speak with your physician if he or she places you on one of the drugs mentioned. Review drugs in this category versus others that might also work effectively.

Write to Peter Gott, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10016.

If you or a loved one have experienced serious side effects or injury as a result of Fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as tendonitis, torn ligament, or ruptured tendons, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact one of our Fluoroquinolone lawyers today for more information regarding your legal rights. For more information about a potential Fluoroquinolone lawsuit, or Fluoroquinolone side effects, fill out our free case evaluation form or call the toll-free number listed below.