Levaquin FAQ
What is Levaquin?
Levaquin (generic: levofloxacin) belongs to a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones that are used to treat a variety of bacterial infections including pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus, skin, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). The drug works by interfering with topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase, enzymes bacteria need to divide and replicate. Levaquin is made by Janssen Pharmaceuticals (a Johnson & Johnson company), and was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in July 1999.
What’s the Problem?
Unfortunately, despite its considerable effectiveness as an antibiotic, Levaquin has been linked to nerve damage, peripheral neuropathy, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), aortic aneurysm / aortic dissection, and other serious side effects.
Which Side Effects has Levaquin Been Linked to?
Levaquin has been linked to the following serious side effects:
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Aortic aneurism
- Aortic dissection
- Collagen disorders
- Muscle weakness
- Tendon ruptures
- Central nervous system disorders
- Cardiovascular collapse
- Life-threatening skin reactions
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)
Are There Other Side Effects?
Other less severe side effects of Levaquin may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Constipation
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Rash
- Abdominal gas
- Itching
- Vaginal discharge
What Can I Do if I’ve Been Injured by Levaquin?
If you or a loved one has been injured by Levaquin side effects, contact our lawyers to determine whether you have grounds for a lawsuit. We can inform you of your legal rights and options, as well as your chance at succeeding in a lawsuit.
Are Lawsuits Being Filed?
Yes, many. Lawsuits alleging nerve damage and aortic aneurysm / aortic dissection from fluoroquinolone antibiotics are pending in courts across the U.S. In August 2008, Levaquin lawsuits filed on the federal level were consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 08-1943) before U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim in Minnesota. Several were settled out of court for confidential amounts. As of December 2015, less than 20 complaints were pending in the MDL.
Have There Been Any Settlements?
Yes. Lawyers have obtained settlements for a number of Levaquin victims and their families to compensate them for their injuries.
Is There a Class Action?
A proposed class action lawsuit was filed by Lisa Presley, a 31-year old Texas woman who alleged that Levaquin caused her to develop severe tendonitis which resulted in permanent injuries. The complaint stated that although Levaquin contained a warning regarding the risk for tendon injury and rupture, and included warnings about serious side effects if used together with corticosteroids, the labeling did not accurately describe these risks.
Why Our Law Firm is Opposed to Filing a Class Action
In certain cases, a class action lawsuit may offer some advantages, as they aggregate large numbers of claims into one representational lawsuit. This aggregation can increase efficiency of the legal process, lower litigation costs and provide a solution to a common problem.
However, a class action can also be unfavorable to class members, as they may be forced into a blanket “low ball settlement” and higher attorney fees. Our lawyers understand that injured parties are suffering emotionally and economically due to loss of wages and/or high medical bills, and we plan to maximize each client’s recovery by filing individual Levaquin lawsuits on their behalf.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
Like all civil lawsuits, there are specific deadlines for filing Levaquin lawsuits. These time limits are referred to as “statute of limitations” (SOL), and vary from state to state. If you’ve been injured, it is important that you act now to protect your legal rights. Failing to do so could prevent you from the ability to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries.
How Much Does it Cost to File a Claim?
Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you pay nothing unless we achieve a favorable outcome in your case. It costs absolutely nothing to get started, and we pay all court costs and expenses. If you feel you have a claim, contact us toll free (866) 223-3784 for a complimentary case evaluation.
Can I Sue if Levaquin Caused the Death of a Family Member?
Our lawyers are pursuing wrongful death cases against the manufacturer. Levaquin has been shown to increase the risk of nerve damage, peripheral neuropathy, aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection. These conditions are very serious and can be fatal in some cases. When someone dies after taking Levaquin, the surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit.