Researchers are warning of a link between Levaquin and aortic aneurysm or dissection, both injuries of the main artery that carries blood out of the heart.

Levaquin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that is prescribed to combat bacterial infections. As bacteria have become resistant to penicillin and other common antibiotics, fluoroquinolones have come to the forefront. More than 20 million fluoroquinolone antibiotic prescriptions are written annually.

In July 2008, the FDA added a boxed warning to fluoroquinolones because of the increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture.

The Achilles tendon, rotator cuff, hand, bicep and thumb of patients who had been taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics also sometimes experienced tendon ruptures and tears.

Researchers speculated that other serious collagen-associated damage could be potentially linked to fluoroquinolones. Collagen is found in tendons and also in the lining of the aorta.

Levaquin and Aortic Aneurysm Risk

Two different studies determined that fluoroquinolones such as Levaquin and aortic aneurysm, a bulge in the aorta, were linked. The collagen damage also could lead to an aortic dissection, which is a tear in the aorta.

The journals JAMA Internal Medicine and BMJ Open published the studies in the fall of 2015. Current fluoroquinolone users reportedly have an increased risk of suffering an aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection that is 124% to 143% higher. Past users have a 48% increased risk, and the “past users” group is considered any patient who has taken a fluoroquinolone more than 60 days before suffering the injury.

Why would Levaquin and aortic aneurysm be linked? Researchers say patients taking fluoroquinolones are two to three times more likely to experience potentially fatal damage to the aorta because of the collagen-damaging side effect.

The connection between Levaquin and aortic aneurysm means the aorta might develop a bulge or enlargement that starts at the top of the heart and leads to the abdomen in front of the backbone. An aortic aneurysm is most commonly found in the abdomen, but can also occur in the upper part of the body.

When an aortic dissection happens, the patient is experiencing a potentially fatal tear in the inside layer of the aorta. Several layers form the tube of the aorta, and when the inner layer tears, blood can seep into the aortic wall. This displaced blood then dissects the inner and middle layers of the aorta. When the layers are separated, the outer layer can weaken, eventually rupturing.

In the event of an aortic dissection, the patient is at a high risk of fatality. Other serious complications can include a heart attack, stroke, paralysis or kidney failure.

You or someone you love has probably been prescribed a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. In addition to Levaquin, the fluoroquinolone family includes Avelox, Cipro, Factive, Noroxin and Floxin.

Sinus infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, joint and bone infections, soft tissue and skin infections, typhoid fever, bacterial gastroenteritis, urethral infections and pelvic inflammatory disease are just some of the bacterial infections that could have been treated with a fluoroquinolone.

Some patients claim drug companies allegedly failed to warn consumers of the serious and possible fatal side effects of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. If you have suffered from Levaquin and aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection side effects, you could be eligible to participate in a this legal investigation.