Levaquin and Cipro: Potent Antibiotics Tied to Painful Tendon Ruptures, Other Complications
Levaquin and Cipro are the brand names for two powerful antibiotics also called fluoroquinolones that have been linked to hundreds of reports of tendon ruptures, tendonitis, and other serious side effects. In some cases, patients taking the drugs to treat urinary tract infections, ear and sinus infections, pneumonia, and other types of bacterial infections have suffered painful injuries soon after taking the drugs for the first time.
Cipro and Levaquin users have suffered ruptures of tendons and tendonitis, particularly in the feet, hands, and shoulders. Some patients and doctors mistakenly diagnose the tendon pain associated with taking Cipro and Levaquin as rheumatoid arthritis.
FDA Warns of Dangers
As a result of the user injuries, the Food and Drug Administration has repeatedly warned prescribing physicians and patients about the increased risks of tendon injuries. The FDA has required the makers of the drugs to include in their packaging strong warnings about the increased potential for health problems.
Cipro (ciprofloxacin) is made by Bayer and Levaquin (levofloxacin) is marketed by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical Inc.
Other Cipro and Levaquin Side Effects and Injuries
While tendon ruptures and tendonitis continue to be the most serious injuries associated with the use of Cipro and Levaquin, the drugs also have been linked to other injuries. Side effects of the drugs also include swelling of the face and throat, difficulty swallowing, tingling sensation in the fingers or toes, and shortness of breath.
Cipro and Levaquin also have been linked to reports of liver damage and a September 2009 study of the drugs found they can cause some users to develop double-vision, a serious medical condition also called diplopia.
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