What is Levaquin?
Levaquin (levofloxacin) is an antibiotic that is part of a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones. Generally, it prevents infection by inhibiting the reproduction of bacteria.
Levauin was approved by the FDA in December, 1996. Since being approved, Levaquin has become a widely prescribed antibiotic. For example, in 2005, annual sales exceeded $2.3 billion.
Who makes Levaquin?
Lavaquin is manufactured by Johnson & Johnson's Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. which is headquartered in New Jersey.
What is the problem with Levaquin?
Use of Levaquin has been known to cause an increased risk of tendon ruptures, tendon damage and tendonitis-all of which can lead to permanent disability. Although this risk has been determined to be present within the entire class of fluroquinolone antibiotics, there is evidence to suggest that the risk with Levaquin is even greater than other similar drugs.
A tendon rupture is a very painful injury that often requires surgical repair. Symptoms of tendon rupture could include swelling, inflammation or pain.
What has the FDA done about the problem?
In July 2008, the FDA announced that the manufacturers of all fluoroquinolone antibiotics--including Levaquin-were required to add a "black box" warning to the drug's label to highlight the risk of tendon rupture. Click here to read the entire FDA announcement.
What is the status of legal cases where people have been injured by Levaquin?
A federal cases have been consolidated in multi-district litigation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Click here to view the court order sending the federal Levaquin cases to Minnesota.
Additionally, many cases have been filed in Atlantic County, New Jersey-the state in which the manufacturer maintains its headquarters. The consolidated cases have been assigned to Judge Carol Higbee who also oversaw thousands of Vioxx cases through this decade. Click here to view the order consolidating New Jersey Levaquin cases.
Clark Perdue & List has substantial experience with cases filed in front of Judge Higbee, having represented nearly 300 persons whose Vioxx cases were ultimately filed in her court.
How do I make a claim or get more information?
Contact an experienced Levaquin and pharmaceutical injury attorney, or call us toll free at 1-866-603-1668.
If you or someone you know has suffered serious side effects from the use of Levaquin®, call or e-mail the experienced Levaquin® attorneys at Clark, Perdue & List today.
