Harman Law LLC is investigating patient nerve damage injuries related to fluoroquinolone drugs
The FDA issued a drug safety alert that the agency is requiring the manufacturer of the antibiotic Levaquin (levofloxacin), Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and of other fluoroquinolone drugs revise the labeling to warn patients of the risk of serious side effects including nerve damage. Previously, these drugs were implicated in tendon tears and ruptures in the arms and legs, also serious injuries.
This peripheral neuropathy damage can occur “any time during treatment with fluoroquinolones and can last for months to years after the drug is stopped or be permanent.”
The FDA says the risk of peripheral neuropathy occurs only with fluoroquinolones that are taken by mouth or by injection.
Fluoroquinolone drugs include:
- levofloxacin (Levaquin)
- ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
- moxifloxacin (Avelox)
- norfloxacin (Noroxin)
- ofloxacin (Floxin)
- gemifloxacin (Factive)
The topical formulations of fluoroquinolones, applied to the ears or eyes, are not known to be associated with this risk.
Patients who are taking or who have taken the drug and are experiencing or have experienced peripheral neuropathy should contact their health care professional immediately to prevent further damage or injury due to decreased sensitivity to heat, cold, pain, and touch or pressure.
According to the Mayo Clinic, peripheral neuropathy symptoms may include:
- Gradual onset of numbness and tingling in your feet or hands, which may spread upward into your legs and arms
- Burning pain
- Sharp, jabbing or electric-like pain
- Extreme sensitivity to touch, even light touch
- Skin, hair or nail changes
- Lack of coordination
- Muscle weakness or paralysis if motor nerves are affected
- Heat intolerance if autonomic nerves are affected
- Bowel, bladder or digestive problems if autonomic nerves are affected
- Changes in blood pressure, causing dizziness or lightheadedness, if autonomic nerves are affected
Harman Law LLC is investigating this drug.
If you have taken Levaquin or any of the other fluoroquinolone drugs listed above and have experienced nerve numbness, damage, or been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, contact the defective and dangerous drug attorneys at Harman Law LLC law firm to learn your legal rights and if you are eligible for compensation. Fill out the inquiry form at the top of this page, call 1-888-55-HARMAN, or write info@harmanlaw.com.
There may a time limit to file a lawsuit; injured patients who are eligible should call us to initiate the claims process immediately.
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