Levaquin Litigation Heating Up; 15 New Lawsuits Filed Against J&J In Illinois Court

Litigation over tendon rupture injuries from Levaquin, Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) antibiotic drug used to treat respiratory and urinary tract infections, is heating up. Fifteen new Levaquin lawsuits have been filed in Illinois court alleging that J&J and subsidiaries Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical and J&J Pharmaceutical Research and Development knew for years that Levaquin caused severe tendon problems. They argue that the companies failed to warn consumers and manipulated clinical data to increase profits.

Illinois Levaquin lawsuits

The 15 latest Illinois lawsuits filed in September allege that plaintiffs were injured by Levaquin’s side effects, such as tendonitis, permanent nerve damage, tendon damage and apathy, injuries related to the Achilles tendon, and other debilitating injuries. They also allege that the manufacturers

• 1) knew about these risks
• 2) failed to warn consumers
• 3) actively engaged in covering up Levaquin’s side effects
• 4) manipulated clinical data in order to increase profits

Hundreds of class action lawsuits have now been filed against the manufacturers and companies that distributed the antibacterial drug such as Walgreens. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) also issued a Levaquin black box warning in 2008 – the most serious warning available.

Are Other Fluoroquinolone Drugs Considered Dangerous?

Other fluoroquinolone antimicrobial drugs are subject to the same black box warning and the following manufacturers face similar lawsuits over their drugs:

• Bayer. ciprofloxacin (marketed as Cipro and generic ciprofloxacin), ciprofloxacin extended release (marketed as Cipro XR and Proquin XR) and moxifloxacin (marketed as Avelox)
• Oscient Pharmaceutical. gemifloxacin (marketed as Factive)
• Merck & Co. norfloxacin (marketed as Noroxin)
• Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical (a subsidiary of J&J). ofloxacin (marketed as Floxin and generic ofloxacin)

Drug makers still face a certain amount of liability in manufacturing. Dangerous drugs are not always taken off the markets, but continued sales do not protect them from lawsuits. Many patients do seek out alternative treatments once a black box warning is dropped, though.

Have You Been Injured by Levaquin?

Although studies have shown that Levaquin tendon injuries may occur more frequently in patients over 60, those taking steroids (corticosteroids) or those who have undergone lung, heart or kidney transplants, anyone who has taken the drug can be at risk of serious injury. Reports of peripheral neuropathy and other side effects have also increased. The side effects of a generic version seem to match those of the name brand. Drug safety communication is essential, especially with your doctor.

If you’ve been injured due to Levaquin use, contact a Levaquin lawyer to discuss your situation and evaluate your options. You may be able to collect under class action lawsuits that are already closed with a known law firm.

Depending on the circumstances, a lawyer can assess your options. Attorneys can make sure there were adequate warnings from drug manufacturers and compare your case to others. Have the severe side effects you’ve experienced been reported by others? These are just a few of the things lawyers will explore before moving forward with your case.