In recent years, there has been a lot of public conversation in the U.S. about the overuse of antibiotics and the drawbacks of this trend. Most of the concern centers around the development of super bugs that are antibiotic resistant and can result in death.

Few people realize that other risks are just as deadly. A Levaquin aortic tear or an aortic aneurysm are two potentially fatal side effects of a commonly prescribed medication belonging to the fluoroquinolone antibiotic class.

According to a recent online article posted by The People’s Pharmacy, a Levaquin aortic tear is sometimes known as an aortic dissection and involves a generalized weakening in the inner layer of the major blood artery that carries oxygenated blood out of the heart. The aorta runs from the top of the heart down though the abdomen where it splits off to supply blood to the lower extremities.

Researchers believe that when the inner layer of the artery is weakened through alleged fluoroquinolone antibiotic use, a Levaquin aortic tear can occur that allows blood to flow in and cause further stress to the middle and outside layers of the circulatory tube.

A sudden breakage can then occur with out-of-control internal bleeding and potentially fatal consequences. If it doesn’t break suddenly, an aneurysm where the artery bulges out in a balloon fashion might happen and present a constant threat of breakage for the patient.

When a person has a Levaquin aortic tear—whether they are aware of it or not—critical blood delivery to major organ systems and extremities can be compromised. This allows for serious related issues to develop such as kidney failure, cardiac arrest, and stroke.

How Common is a Levaquin Aortic Tear or Aneurysm?

Tthere are more than 20 million people prescribed fluoroquinolone antibiotics for various ailments each year. Considering this high-rate of prescription, a Levaquin aortic tear or aneurysm is a relatively rare occurrence. Nevertheless, it is such a significant and potentially dangerous one, that several lawsuits have been filed against drug manufacturers for failing to warn consumers of these potential problems.

Levaquin is not the only drug in the fluoroquinolone antibiotic class. Other antibiotics that are part of it are Avelox, Cipro, Factive, Noroxin, and Floxin. These antibiotics have been shown to contribute to tendon ruptures by breaking down collagen—a connective tissue building block of the body.

Studies published in November 2015 point to a similar mechanism of action affecting the weakening of the aorta. According to these studies, a prescription of fluoroquinolone antibiotics taken within the last two months can push the risk of Levaquin aortic tear up to nearly 50%.

Typically, antibiotics belonging to this class are prescribed to treat bacterial infections affecting the respiratory, renal, and reproductive systems. This would include conditions such as bacterial bronchitis and pneumonia, urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, and sexually transmitted diseases.

If you have been prescribed Levaquin or other fluoroquinolone antibiotic recently and experienced an aortic tear or aneurysm within a year and a half, filing a legal claim might be of benefit. You may qualify for a free consultation with a knowledgeable Levaquin attorney.