My 79yo mother was put on this medication after a gall bladder attack. She was hospitalized for four days, and was sent home with a drain in her gall bladder and this anti-biotic. I am very interested in discussion from others who knew someone with memory issues/dementia/Alzheimer's who started taking Levaquin 500 mg (generic-Levofloxacin) and the effect it had on them. I have not done much research on this drug, but my mother's experience with it was positive and I would like to find out more info.
to this drug - But that is Me. Just be aware there can be side effects to this class of antibiotics.
I was in such pain that I could barely walk, all my joints hurt and my tendons were swollen and I couldn't find any relief.
My doctor had me on Vicodin and then fentanyl patches and still no relief.
I also developed Raynaud's Syndrome.
My thinking was foggy and my memory was shot. I became very depressed and wished I would just die so I could end the pain.
It was the worst experience of my life and even now - over 2 YEARS after taking it - I still experience joint pain and just don't feel 'right'.
I went to every doctor in the book, including a 3 month wait for a rheumatologist, but not one of them ever admitted that it could be the Levaquin.
Only one doctor skirted the issue but never went into depth.
Oh yea, it didn't cure my sinus infection either.
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm500143.htm
One thing I don't understand is how the government can continue to allow this drug to be dispensed fully knowing how bad the side effects can be.
The other is the hesitancy from the doctors to admit to their patients that the drug is (probably) responsible for all the pain & suffering that I and so many others are experiencing! Aren't doctors sworn to 'do no harm'??? Has the threat of lawsuits become so bad that doctors are willing to sit back and watch their patients suffer so badly?
I've read stories of people who have had to quit their jobs and go on disability because of fluoroquinolones!
This is so over-the-top unacceptable!
FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA advises restricting fluoroquinolone antibiotic use for certain uncomplicated infections; warns about disabling side effects that can occur together
[ 05-12-2016 ] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is advising that the serious side effects associated with fluoroquinolone antibacterial drugs generally outweigh the benefits for patients with acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections who have other treatment options. For patients with these conditions, fluoroquinolones should be reserved for those who do not have alternative treatment options.
An FDA safety review has shown that fluoroquinolones when used systemically (i.e. tablets, capsules, and injectable) are associated with disabling and potentially permanent serious side effects that can occur together. These side effects can involve the tendons, muscles, joints, nerves, and central nervous system.
As a result, we are requiring the drug labels and Medication Guides for all fluoroquinolone antibacterial drugs to be updated to reflect this new safety information. We are continuing to investigate safety issues with fluoroquinolones and will update the public with additional information if it becomes available.
Patients should contact your health care professional immediately if you experience any serious side effects while taking your fluoroquinolone medicine. Some signs and symptoms of serious side effects include tendon, joint and muscle pain, a “pins and needles” tingling or pricking sensation, confusion, and hallucinations. Patients should talk with your health care professional if you have any questions or concerns.
Health care professionals should stop systemic fluoroquinolone treatment immediately if a patient reports serious side effects, and switch to a non-fluoroquinolone antibacterial drug to complete the patient’s treatment course.
Fluoroquinolone drugs work by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria that can cause illness (see List of Currently Available FDA-approved Fluoroquinolones for Systemic Use).
We previously communicated safety information associated with systemic fluoroquinolone antibacterial drugs in August 2013 and July 2008. The safety issues described in this Drug Safety Communication were also discussed at an FDA Advisory Committee meeting in November 2015.
We urge patients and health care professionals to report side effects involving fluoroquinolone antibacterial drugs and other drugs to the FDA MedWatch program, using the information in the “Contact FDA” box at the bottom of the page.
You are a wonderful daughter to him- you go above and beyond the basics.
My mom did in fact develop hallucinations from Levaquin and that happened pretty quickly- like Day 2 of treatment and had to be placed on another abx.
Levaquin is very effective for treatment of pneumonia, however & your dad has been treated with different antibiotics over the course of his foot wound that he may be resistant to those antibiotics & he needs something stronger.
I hope he feels better soon!
With full fair warnings about the side effects of Levaquin, we gave that a shot. She recovered from that bout of pneumonia and there were no ill effects that I saw from that round of treatment (they had her on a saline drip for most of the time she was on it to counter possible effects on the kidneys).
It did not work on this past round of pneumonia.
This will be day 3 today on Levo.
Stepping away from caregiver to him, letting go. Home health nurse started this week, thank you God!!! He's in their care now. We will see how this antibiotic works or "doesn't". Nurse will update me.
I am missing in action 😉