Several antibiotics have been associated with cases of peripheral neuropathy nerve damage. Fluoroquinolone (quinolones) drugs are strong antibiotics that are commonly prescribed and used across the country. However, the side effects of quinolone antibiotics such as Levaquin, Ciprofloxin, Avelox and others may have been the cause of permanent nerve damage in many individuals.

What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nervous system which carries signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when these nerves deteriorate and become damaged. Peripheral neuropathy causes the hands and feet (potentially spreading to the arms and legs) to experience numbness or tingling, pain, lack of coordination, muscle weakness, paralysis or other symptoms.

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy causes extend beyond just medications. Some causes of peripheral neuropathy include:

Alcoholism. Alcoholism can cause peripheral neuropathy due to a person’s vitamin deficiencies.

Diabetes. Diabetes is a common source of nerve damage as over half of people who have diabetes have some form of nerve damage.

Trauma. Trauma involving the nerves can lead to the development of peripheral neuropathy.

Autoimmune Diseases. Certain autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis have also been known causes of neuropathy.

Accidents/Falls. Peripheral neuropathy may also be caused by an accident or fall that affects the peripheral nerves. The accident itself can be a cause of peripheral neuropathy as well as use of crutches or other forms of repeated motion.

Cancer Treatment Drugs. While causes of nerve damage can vary, medications have been known to be one of the more controllable factors. Drugs that are used for cancer treatment can lead to nerve damage, but chemotherapy drug use is commonly unavoidable.

Quinolone Antibiotics. Quinolone antibiotics are also known causes of peripheral neuropathy but have previously not been warned against. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning in 2013 that stated certain quinolone antibiotics were causes of peripheral neuropathy. Several individuals allegedly developed peripheral neuropathy within a week of taking quinolone antibiotics.

Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment

There are medications that can be used for peripheral neuropathy treatment including pain relievers, anti-seizure medications, some antidepressants, and a cream. Certain therapies and surgeries are also an option. While peripheral neuropathy treatment is available, the condition can be extremely debilitating.

Peripheral Neuropathy Lawsuits

Many have filed peripheral neuropathy lawsuits against drug makers claiming they failed to warn them about peripheral neuropathy risks.

One peripheral neuropathy lawsuit was filed by an individual who allegedly developed peripheral neuropathy after taking quinolone antibiotic Levaquin. The plaintiff claimed that Johnson & Johnson, Levaquin’s manufacturer, was aware that the drug was a cause of nerve damage but failed to adequately warn the medical community and users about this risk.

This is the most common claim in peripheral neuropathy lawsuits. Users of quinolone antibiotics such as Levaquin, Cipro, and Avelox who have experienced peripheral nerve damage symptoms may be entitled to compensation.