Tendon Ruptures

A tendon is the fibrous piece of tissue that forms the connection of the muscle to the bone. The forces that are applied to the tendon can be up to five times an individuals body weight. In rare instances these tendons can rupture causing excruciating pain.

In recent months it has been discovered that the use of the prescription antibiotic Levaquin can greatly increase the likelihood of suffering a tendon rupture.

Although tendons connect muscles to bones through out the human body, certain tendons have a greater chance of rupturing than others. The most common areas to suffer a tendon rupture are the quadricep, bicep, rotator cuff, and the Achilles tendon. Tendon ruptures induced by the use of Levaquin can also commonly occur in the hand and thumb.

Although tendon ruptures are relatively rare they can be extremely painful and can cause permanent disfigurement and debilitation if not treated properly.

In some instances a tendon rupture may be treated by disabling movement in the affected area and allowing the body to heal; however, it is far more likely that a tendon rupture will require a surgical procedure to correct the problem.

FDA’s Levaquin Tendon Rupture Warning

In 2008 the United States Food and Drug Administration issued a decree requiring the makers of Levaquin to add the agency’s strongest warning to the labeling the of the popular antibiotic. This “black box” warning is strongest recourse available to the FDA other than issuing a recall of problematic medication. The boxed warning was required by the FDA due to the alarming number of reports the agency had received concerning the use of Levaquin and the subsequent suffering of a tendon rupture.

The FDA has also received numerous reports of patients developing tendinitis shortly after starting a regimen of Levaquin.

It is very important for patients taking Levaquin to immediately contact their physician if they begin to feel pain or swelling in a tendon area, as this could be a symptom of tendinitis or even an impending tendon rupture.

If you have suffered a tendon rupture or have been diagnosed with tendinitis that you believe may have been caused by the use of Levaquin contact us at 1-866-LAW-2400 to discuss your legal options with one of our experienced Levaquin attorneys.