First approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 1996, Levaquin (generically levofloxacin) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic medication prescribed in the treatment of serious bacterial infections. Also marketed under the brand names Cipro and Tavanic, Levaquin is produced by Ortho McNeil (a division of Johnson & Johnson), and in 2007, it was the most prescribed fluoroquinolone drug in the world, generating about $1.6 billion in revenues and ranking the 37 th most prescribed drug in the U.S. Along with treating skin infections, Levaquin may also be prescribed in the treatment of pneumonia, sinusitis, and bronchitis.
Levaquin Black Box Warning
In July 2008, the FDA issued a statement that it was going to mandate Ortho McNeil to include Black Box warnings (the most serious level of FDA warning) on all Levaquin packaging and advertising. These warnings are intended to alert the public to the risks of sustaining serious health complications, including tendon rupture, arrhythmia, and seizures, as a result of taking Levaquin. Additionally, they highlight the risk factors for such severe Levaquin side effects, which include recent organ transplant and being older than 60.
Levaquin Lawsuit
In some cases, patients have reported developing serious Levaquin side effects long after they stopped taking the medication. This means that anyone with a history of taking Levaquin can be at risk of developing serious health complications later in life. Those who suffer a Levaquin-related injury will have a strong claim for a defective drug lawsuit against Ortho McNeil. Levaquin lawyers welcome those who think they have a case to learn more about their legal rights and receive a thorough evaluation of their claims during a complimentary initial consultation.
Levaquin Settlement
Injured Levaquin patients who choose to hold Ortho McNeil legally and financially responsible for their negligence can secure a Levaquin settlement that compensates them for their medical bills, treatment costs, and diminished quality of life. Injured parties who sustain permanent disabilities and are unable to work as a result of taking Levaquin, may be entitled to compensation for their lost wages and irreversible physical impairments.
If you or a loved one have used Levaquin and suffered from any side effect including pancreatitis, hypoglycemia, seizures, SJS, or TEN, you should contact our defective drug lawyers immediately for a free and confidential case review. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help.
