Levaquin2

 
 
Nurses Beware: Antibiotics Linked to
Tendon Rupture
 
By Kathy Quan RN BSN
2009 All Rights Reserved
 
In July of 2008, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) began
notifying the manufacturers of fluroquinlolone antimicrobial
medications that they need to add a Boxed Warning about
possible tendonitis and tendon ruptures to the product labels on
these medications. The FDA also asks that patient education
materials be distributed when the medication is dispensed.
 
far as 1997.  From November 1997 to March 2007, the FDA has
received reports of 336 cases of tendon ruptures in patients
taking these medications. 
 
Fluroquinlolone is a broad spectrum antimicrobial medication
used to treat bacterial infections in adults such as lung
infections, sinus infections, urinary tract infections and some
skin infections. These medications are known to be some of the
most powerful anti-bacterial agents available.
 
Brand and Generic Names
Brand names for flXR, Proquin XR, Avelox, Factive, Noroxin and Floxin. Generic
names include ciprofloxin, levofloxin, moxifloxin, gemifloxin,
norfloxin and oxfloxin.
 
Levaquin is also known to slow the effects of Anthrax, and after
the Anthrax scares in the early post 9/11 era, its popularity
became widespread. The military has stockpiled Levaquin for
defensive use in case of biological warfare because of its
potency.
 
With the threat of a bird flu epidemic, Cipro began being
stockpiled by health departments and government agencies for
its use in fighting off lung infection complications that often
occur in flu victims.
 
There is no doubt these are powerful and highly effective
medications, but the side effects can be devastating, and the
risks need to be weighed. Patients need to be aware of the
signs and symptoms to report. It imperative that the
manufacturers make these risks known to prescribing
practitioners.
 
Tendons connect muscles to the joints. Tendonitis and tendon
ruptures associated with these medications are seen most often
in the Achilles' tendon, however, reports have included issues
in the shoulder (rotator cuff), hand, thumb and biceps.
 
Signs and symptoms of tendonitis or rupture include:
pain, heat, redness, inflammation or swelling in a tendon a snap or pop sensation in a tendon areabruising in a tendon area right after an injury or the above the inability bear weight or move the affected area  
Who is at Risk?
The risk of tendonitis or tendon rupture is greatly increased in
patients over 60 who are also taking corticosteroids following
heart, lung or kidney transplants. (Consequently, these are also
patients who are most vulnerable to the kind of infections these
drugs are  prescribed for.)
 
Others at risk include runners, weightlifters or other athletes
who put strain on their joints; tea and coffee drinkers; diabetics;
alcoholics or others who consume large amounts of alcohol or
have a history of liver disease; small children and expectant
mothers; the elderly; and anyone with a compromised immune
system.
 
The likelihood of experiencing side effects from these
medications also increases with the length of time the
medication is taken or the frequency with which it is prescribed,
such as for recurrent UTIʼs. Typically the tendon rupture occurs
near the end of the 7 or 14 day course of treatment, but may
even occur after the treatment has completed.
 
Other serious side effects from these medications include:
seizureshallucinations or confusiondepressionincreased urinationbloody or watery diarrheasudden pain or swelling in jointsnumbness, tingling, or unusual pain in the bodychest pain, pounding, rapid heart rate  Levaquin has also been known to causeʼs Syndrome. It is a rare, but serious life-threatening skin condition which can develop one to three weeks after taking Levaquin. The mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes are most severely affected. A fever is followed by a rash which turns into skin lesions and large blisters. Immediate treatment should be sought.
 Each year over 140,000 emergency room visits are made due to adverse reactions to antibiotics. A number of patients who have suffered tendon ruptures from taking Levaquin have filed   Patients who have suffered consequences from side effects or injury as a result of taking Levaquin should consult with a to learn more about their legal rights and options.   2009 by Kathy Quan RN BSN PHN, all rights reserved. No portion of this document may be used in any format without written . Reprints may be purchased in single or bulk quantities.
  

Source: http://www.thenursingsite.com/resources/Issues-in-Nursing/Levaquin2.pdf