New research has shown that Levaquin aortic rupture is an increased risk in patients taking certain fluoroquinolones.

Fluoroquinolones are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics commonly used to treat bacterial infections, such as respiratory infections and urinary tract infections. Other uses include treatment of bacterial bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, typhoid fever, pelvic inflammatory disease, and other infections. FDA approved fluoroquinolones include Levaquin, Avelox, Cipro, Factive, Noroxin, and Floxin.

Although fluoroquinolones provide an effective treatment method for bacterial infections, new research suggests Levaquin aortic rupture may be a risk. Levaquin and other fluoroquinolones have been linked to collagen disorders, affecting one of the body’s primary connective tissue proteins. A defect in collagen production and structure can lead to a weakening of collagen-based structures in the body such as tendons and blood vessels. Research shows that the mechanism affecting collagen can have detrimental effects on the strength of the aorta, the body’s largest artery.

The aorta is a large blood vessel which carries blood out of the heart. In some places, the aorta is over an inch wide. The artery begins at the top of the heart and runs down the abdomen in front of the spine. Like all blood vessels, the aorta is composed of several layers of varying thickness.

Research suggests that in patients taking Levaquin, the structure of the aorta is compromised due to collagen defects. When this happens, Levaquin aortic rupture, dissection, or aneurysm can occur.

An aortic aneurysm is a bulging or enlargement of the aorta. Although not all aortic aneurysms lead to severe aortic emergencies, such as Levaquin aortic rupture or dissection, the weakening of the aortic wall can increase the risk of further, life-threatening issues.

An aortic dissection can occur at the site of an aortic aneurysm. A weakness in the aortic wall can result in a small tear in the inner layer of the aorta. When the inner wall tears, blood leaks into and along the aortic wall. This can cause a widening tear in the aorta which can lead to a Levaquin aortic rupture.

A Levaquin aortic rupture is the most dangerous aortic event that could occur after taking the drug. When the aorta ruptures, usually as a result of aortic dissection, the blood vessel is torn through all of its layers and caused profuse bleeding into the rest of the body. This can very quickly result in shock and death.

Severe aortic events have become more common over the last few decades with an estimated 15,000 patients dying each year from aortic aneurysm alone. Should Levaquin aortic rupture be a side effect of the medication, the increased use of fluoroquinolones may be linked to the increase in aortic event related deaths. Drug manufacturers have been named in several lawsuits accusing them of not warning patients and medical professionals of the risk of dangerous Levaquin aortic rupture.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed or hospitalized with an aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection after taking Levaquin, you may qualify for legal action against drug manufacturers. A Levaquin aortic rupture lawsuit could recover compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, permanent disability, wrongful death, and more.