In 2008, the FDA warned that fluoroquinolone antibiotics like Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and Levaquin (levofloxacin) had been associated with serious tendon ruptures in many users. These tendon ruptures have often required victims to undergo surgery and extensive rehab.

Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics Include:

• Cipro (ciprofloxacin)
• Levaquin (levofloxacin)
• Floxin (ofloxacin)
• Avelox (moxifloxacin)
• Noroxin (norfloxacin)
• Penetrex (enoxacin)
• Maxaquin (lomefloxacin)

It has been determined that the manufacturers' of these drugs failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about the risk for tendon ruptures posed by these antibiotics. In many instances, people who suffered symptoms of impending tendon rupture had no idea that fluoroquinolone antibiotics were to blame. Thus, they did not discontinue using the drug in time to prevent serious damage.

Cipro and Levaquin are members of the fluoroquinolone group of antibiotics, prescribed to treat bacterial infections of the abdomen, bones, urinary tract, skin and lower respiratory system. Health officials have prescribed these drugs to combat bronchial infections, typhoid fever, prostate gland infections and tuberculosis. Cipro gained notoriety in 2001, when it was used to treat victims of the anthrax attacks. On Nov 8, 2003 a study conducted in Germany on lab rats showed that the rats' Achilles tendons suffered "degenerative alterations" shortly after being given Cipro. In the study, ruptures continued to occur even after the rats stopped taking Cipro.

In January 2008, the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen filed a lawsuit against the FDA in an attempt to compel the agency to act on a petition it filed 16 months prior requesting that new warnings be added about side effects of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. At the time of the filing, Public Citizen said the FDA had received reports of at least 336 individuals who experienced a tendon rupture after using Cipro or another fluoroquinolone antibiotic. The most common tendon rupture involved the Achilles tendon.

Finally, on July 8, 2008 the FDA announced that it would require a "black box" warning on fluoroquinolone antibiotics, as well as an FDA-approved medication guide to be dispensed when prescriptions are filled. While it is good that the agency has recognized the problems associated with fluoroquinolone antibiotics, it must do more to make doctors and patients aware that these antibiotics, such as and others, can cause serious tendon ruptures and tendonitis.

If you are taking Levaquin, Cipro or any other fluoroquinolone antibiotic, you need to be aware of the risk of tendon ruptures and other tendon injuries. You should speak with your doctor about the signs and symptoms of the problem so that you can seek immediate medical attention should they occur.

If you, your family or someone you know has been injured by a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, contact us now for a free, private consultation. Knowledge is power - we'd like to help you!

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