Levaquin® Drug

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Levaquin®

Produced by PriCara, Levaquin® is an oral antibiotic that is classified as a fluroquinolone antibiotic and is prescribed in the treatment of bacterial infections affecting the:

• bladder
• kidneys
• lungs (particularly in cases of pneumonia)
• prostate
• sinuses
• skin

Bronchitis and complications from anthrax exposure may also respond well to treatment with Levaquin® tablets or liquid medication.

First approved by the FDA in December 1996, Levaquin® is generically known as levofloxacin and may also be sold under the brand names:

• Oftaquix, produced by Kestral Ophthlamics
• Quixin, produced by Vistakon Pharmaceuticals
• Tavanic, produced by Sanofi-Aventis

Levaquin® Dosage Guidelines

The appropriate dose of Levaquin® for a given patient will depend on:

• the individual’s condition
• the severity of the condition
• his or her medical history.

Patients with a history of liver or kidney disorders may have to take smaller Levaquin® doses (or find an alternative antiobiotic altogether). When prescribing Levaquin®, doctors should weigh out the risks versus benefits of taking Levaquin® for prospective patients.

In most cases, courses of the Levaquin® drug last between 7 and 14 days, with more severe infections require two weeks of Levaquin® treatments.

General guidelines for taking Levaquin® include:

• Only take Levaquin® as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• Never take more Levaquin® than recommended (This means don’t take larger doses AND don’t take the medication for longer than prescribed).
• Drink a full (8-ounce) glass of water when taking Levaquin®. Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the course of a Levaquin® regimen.
• Should a patient miss a dose of Levaquin®, they should take the missed Levaquin® dose as soon as they remember (unless it’s almost time for the next dose, then patients should just wait for the next dose and not double up on doses).
• Seek emergency medical care in the event of a Levaquin® overdose.

Levaquin® Side Effects

Although rare, serious Levaquin® side effects can occur following overdose or instructed therapeutic use of this drug. Severe Levaquin® side effects may include:

• agranulocytosis, a dangerous decrease in white blood cell levels
• arrhythmias, irregular heartbeat
• autoimmune hemolytic anemia, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks red blood cells
• blood clotting disorders, characterized by swelling and tenderness at the site of the clot
• dysglemia, a disorder of blood sugar metabolism
• epilepsy, seizures
• hepatotoxicity, liver damage marked by dark urine and yellowing of the whites of the eyes
• peripheral neuropathy, nerve damage marked by tingling, pain or numbness
• renal toxicity, kidney damage characterized by bloody urine and excessive fatigue
• severe allergic reaction, marked by hives, skin rash and facial or tongue swelling
• tendinopathy, an injury or tear affecting the tendon
• thrombocytopenia, low levels of blood platelets that can cause excessive bleeding
• toxic epidermal necrolysis, in which the top layers of skin separate from the skin’s internal layers

Without prompt treatment, many of these conditions can be fatal.

Following Serious Side Effects of Levaquin®

It’s vital that injured Levaquin® patients:

• Seek emergency medical attention to prevent further health complication and save their lives
• Follow through with all long-term prescribed treatments for the best chances of recovery
• Meet with one of our experienced Levaquin® lawyers to learn more about their legal rights

During a free initial consultation, prospective plaintiffs (a category that includes individuals whose loved ones have died following Levaquin® use) can:

• Find out if they have a legal claim against PriCara and are entitled to a settlement
• Learn more about the process associated with building and winning a Levaquin® lawsuit
• Get expert advice regarding the best manner in which to pursue their case

If You Have Been Injured by Levaquin®

Have you or a loved one been injured after taking Levaquin®? If so, contact our Levaquin® attorney to speak with an experienced Levaquin® attorney who specializes in drug recall litigation & lawsuits. Let us help you win the compensation you need and deserve.