Why is Levaquin still being prescribed?

Question

My brother was given Levaquin for pneumonia. Since then he has been falling, had difficulty urinating, pain in bones and muscles, losing control of bowel and kidney functions, unable to sleep, violent shaking, agitation and outbursts of anger. He has never had those problems before. Since then he has come into contact with many people who have permanent damage from taking Levaquin. This website tells some of the horrible side effects. http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.as…

Does anyone know what can be done about this or can they offer any help for my brother?

Additional Details

Note to Shannon C: My brother is an intelligent person and the first thing he did was call his doctor. He was told that it couldn't possibly be the Levaquin; to finish the prescription. He stopped taking it. He has been to 3 specialists who ALL say his problems are caused from the medication. He sees a neurologist and a pulmonologist again today. Your comments are taken for what they are worth.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

any medication can do this to anyone... that is what side effects are... i was on levaquin for 9 months after my knee surgury and i had no adverse effects... try typing in "levaquin lawsuit" into google or somewhere.. it will give links of what lawyers are handling law suits over the drug company...

Answer 2

Levofloxacin is used treat infections such as pneumonia; chronic bronchitis; and sinus, urinary tract, kidney, and skin infections. Levofloxacin is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It works by eliminating bacteria that cause infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
Please see the web pages for more details on Levofloxacin (generic name) Levaquin (brand name).

Source(s):

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/drugi…
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-in…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levofloxaci…

Answer 3

first of all he should be calling his doctor to tell them that he is having side effects from this medication so that they can prescribe something else. he should stop taking it. All medications have side effects-even over the counter. some mild and some severe. there are people who can't breathe after taking tylenol. does that mean it should be taken off the shelf? not necessarily. I've given people levaquin several times with no problems. There are many choices of antibiotics to treat your brothers pneumonia. I hope he gets well soon.

Answer 4

I have been on Levaquin many times without any problems. maybe it is interacting with something or he has other underlying conditions. Everyone handles drugs differently.

Answer 5

Yeah - I was just prescribed Levaquin for bronchitis/possible pneumonia. I'd call the doctor so they can check on these side effects. So far I've been fine and I've been on it for 7 days. Have 3 more pills to go.