Levaquin Long term Side effects

[anxioustoo]

I was reading about numbness and tingling in hands and feet and you make several references to long term side effects from quinolones. What do you reccomend in lieu of these antibiotics? I have recently (today) been prescribed Levaquin..Originally prescribed Keflex, but I had an allergy to amoxicillin 1 year ago--1 hive and some facial swelling--post dental surgery.At that time, I was put on prednisone and amoxicillin post an extraction--per the oral surgeon -"it was routine". I am otherwise healthy. I have an infected hair follicle and Doc ordered Keflex--however 2% risk of cross allergy (amoxicillin) so he just called to say he was switching it to Levaquin.I just read some of your comments about Levaquin and now I am concerned. What to do??
Thanks

[Schroeder2009]

Why would any specialist give this drug to someone like me who has a liver disorder and multiple sclerosis.  I am amazed.

I took this in july of 2009, and my condition continues to spiral downward.  

[Frogfrenzy]

I had an upper respiratory infection and previously took two other antibiotics and when they were finished the infection was back.  Then I was prescribed Levaquin.  After the second pill I started having terrible pains and 5 lb. gain in weight overnight.  I thought it was my fibromyalgia acting up, even though I am on Savella and have found it to be very effective.  I stopped taking it after the 6th pill.  That was 2-1/2 weeks ago.  I am still getting pains all over my body, weakness from my neck to my lower back, redness of the face, tinnitus, blurry vision on occasion, Achilles tendon pain when walking without shoes, pain in my arms and numbness in arms and hands.  I'm sure there's more, but can't think of it at this point.  Whatever you do, DO NOT TAKE THE RISK.  I would give $1,000 to go back and never have taken this killer drug in the first place.  My life isn't the same and I can't do a thing.  I sit in my recliner most of the time and can't even get a good night's sleep.  Two days ago I was screaming  the "jolts" of pain all over my body.  I just hope this stops.  I already have enough issues and didn't need to be crippled besides.  BEWARE IS RIGHT!!!

[Schroeder2009]

I took 750 mg of Levaquin for 5 days for a respiratory infection and have been sick ever since.  I have pain 24/7.  I advise everyone to tell everyone they know to refuse this drug.

I have MS and I was making progress prior to taking this medication.  I feel as though I have taken 20 steps back since I took this medication.

I have read that it can cause brain damage.  My MS is concentrated in my brain, long term what should I expect.

The drug maker of this medication knew the problems going back to 1997, it took a public watch group to threaten the FDA to deliver this med with what they call a black box, information on side effects.  This happened last summer.  And in small towns, like my area my doctor did not know of these problems.  

People beware!

[illinoisdon]

I took 2 weeks of Levaquin in February of 2009 for a sinus infection.  I did not have any immediate reaction to the drug.  Since that time I have had continuing problems with muscle pain and weakness in both legs especially the knees.  The intensity of the leg pain is more severe than what I experienced when taking Lipitor.  I have found some relief from applying a heat wrap to my knees at night.  I also hope and pray this will not last forever.

[josiesue]

i have been prescribed levaqiun for a staff infection, sense then i have more problems now it seems like then when i had it . yes the med did help the staff but now i cant even eat or drink my tonge burns constantly my muscles are so weak i cant even sleep i toss and turn all the time. please someone tell me this wont last forever im tired of feeling bad all the time.


                                                     thank you for reading about my problem this med brought on me!     im really sorry if this happen to you too! MY PRAYERS ARE WITH EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU

[caregiver222]

There are people who take this drug with no apparent side effects. This was not the case with me. I suspect there is a genetic co-factor, as yet undetermined. The muscle pain and aches were very real, as was the tendon pain.

I experienced no reaction to Cipro.