Fluoroquinolones are some of the most popular antibiotics in the United States, which have been associated with some of the most serious side effects a patient can experience.

Some of these complications include peripheral neuropathy, aortic aneurysm, and aortic dissection. This can lead to potential cardiac damage and serious chronic injuries, which can permanently impair the patient.

Recent research has suggested that patients taking fluoroquinolones may be twice as likely to develop peripheral neuropathy, which is severe nerve damage.

New research has also suggested that fluoroquinolones increase the risk of aortic dissection and aortic aneurysm by 124% and 143%. This has led patients and doctors to become concerned over the correlation between these medications and severe side effects.

Fluoroquinolones are prescribed to over 26 million Americans per year, with doctors prescribing them to treat a number of bacterial infections. There are currently six fluoroquinolones available in the United States, with Levaquin being the second most popular in all its class.

Even though this drug has been around since 1996, there has been recent concern surrounding the possibility of Levaquin peripheral neuropathy.

Overview of Levaquin Peripheral Neuropathy

Levquin peripheral neuropathy in particular is very concerning, as it is one of the most popular fluoroquinolones in the country.

The FDA first warned against Levaquin peripheral neuropathy, as well as other fluoroquinolones, in August 2013 stating that these drugs may cause serious nerve damage in patients.

A year after the FDA warning, a study was published in the August 2014 issue of Neurology observing the correlation. The study found that patients taking an injectable oral form of these medications, almost doubled their risk of developing peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves of the brain and spinal cord become damaged or destroyed, resulting in drastic communication breakdown between the brain and the body.

The peripheral nerves are the primary connections between the brain and spinal chord to the rest of the body, so the patients often experience unusual sensations and pain when they experience peripheral neuropathy.

Patients who may be experiencing Levaquin peripheral neuropathy, or other fluoroquinolone, may notice different symptoms including:

• Tingling or Numbness in the Hands or Feet
• Burning Pain
• Sharp, Jabbing or Electric Shock Pain
• Extreme Touch Sensitivity
• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis
• Heat intolerance
• Bowel, Bladder of Digestive Problems
• Dizziness or Fatigue

At this point in time, physicians do not know of the exact cause of peripheral neuropathy but suspect that drug toxicity could increase the chances of occurrence.

It is important to note that this condition is not typically associated with antibiotics except for fluoroquinolones, making Levaquin peripheral neuropathy quite a serious risk.

This condition can potentially induce permanent harm, and should be reported if patients suspect they have Levaquin peripheral neuropathy.

Fluoroquinolone patients who have already been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy may be eligible for legal action, and should contact a specialized lawyer.