Levaquin is an antibiotic that is linked to severe side effects, such as heart failure, heart attacks, aortic aneurysms, nerve damage, and other severe side effects.
Levaquin and Heart Failure
Levaquin destroys collagen and connective tissue all over the body, including the heart, tendons, and aorta. In a recent study of 9 million people, researchers warned about a risk of heart valve damage from Levaquin. The study found that Levaquin damages connective tissue in the delicate flaps that open and close inside the heart valves. This side effect, called aortic or mitral valve rergitation, allows blood to leak backward when the heart pumps. Over time, valve problems force the heart to work harder, which can lead to heart failure.
Levaquin and Aortic Aneurysms
The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. Aortic aneurysms occur when the wall of the aorta weakens and bulges outward. Mild cases may cause no symptoms in the early stages. If the aorta ruptures, it causes severe pain and massive internal bleeding. Patients can rapidly go into shock, a condition in which blood pressure drops and vital organs shut down.
Levaquin and Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is a severe and often disabling side effect of Levaquin. It can occur within 3 days of taking the first dose of Levaquin, and cause permanent pain, numbness, tingling, or other symptoms. The FDA originally ordered drug-makers to add nerve damage (also called peripheral neuropathy) to the list of Levaquin side effects in 2004. In 2013, the FDA updated the label to emphasize rapid onset and long-term side effects.
What are the most common side effects of Levaquin?
In clinical trials, at least 3% of patients developed side effects like nausea, headache, diarrhea, insomnia, constipation, or dizziness.
What are the most serious side effects of Levaquin?
The label on Levaquin contains a “Black Box” warning about tendon ruptures and tendon inflammation (tendinitis). You should contact your doctor if you develop any serious side effects, which may include:
- Heart problems
- Tendon injury
- Allergic reaction, hypersensitivity, anaphylaxis
- Liver toxicity (hepatotoxicity)
- Central Nervous System (CNS) side effects, such as convulsions, toxic psychoses, increased intracranial pressure, light-headedness, confusion, hallucination, paranoia, anxiety, nightmares, depression, suicidal thoughts or actions
- Diarrhea associated with Clostridium difficile
- Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
- Heart rhythm disorders (QT interval prolongation, torsades de pointes)
- Musculoskeletal disorders in pediatric patients
- Changes in blood-sugar levels
- Sensitivity to light
- Development of drug-resistant bacteria
- And more