Levaquin and prednisone

My name is Heather I am now 32 years old I took levaquin when i was 29. After i took levaquin I went on a roller coaster ride I have yet to be able to get off of. First when i took it I had the worst night mares i have ever had only to wake up to a splitting headache and a very sore body. took another one the next day same reaction.I figured it was the bronchitis that was causing the problem. on the third day i was worse still I could hardly move. I stopped taking the drug. after another two days i felt better. two weeks later I was out with my father and he noticed a rash on my legs. I was also starting to get little blood blisters. I started to become concerned and the next day after going to the zoo with my family i came home and my legs were swollen three times there normal size and very sore. I put them up just to find the felt like play dough had been stuffed in to them and I had blood blisters the size of pencil erasers. I made an appointment to see the doctor. he said and i Quote " Heather I have No idea what the Hell you have" he sent me to a specialist. between the time of my first appointment and the appointment with the specialist my legs stopped working from the hips down i was 90% paralyzed (not spelled right ) they just wouldn't work right. My ten year old daughter was helping me get to the bathroom. I was soooo sick i had a headache all the time couldn't eat or sleep and when i did it was only for a few hours I couldn't move very well and to get up out of bed hurt so bad i almost fell every morning. by the time i had gotten to the specialist I had gone to the E.R. three times for the pain.and the last time was because my toes stopped moving altogether. at the appointment the doctor ran all kinds of tests checking me for everything from S.T.D.s (which i have been happily married for years) to Lupus. I felt Like and 80 year old Lady And like i said i was only 29. after the extensive tests and everything coming back normal the doctor put me on a steriod. for 4 months i was told i had to take prednisone After the first dose i could move again I still hurt but i could move.But now i had the side effect from that. i was gaining weight like it was going out of style, but at least i could move. after the 4 months things seemed normal kinda. I could move but if i sit still to long my legs go numb not fall sleep go completely numb even if i am standing to long. I am still afraid that i will wake up again feeling like i did that Fall three years ago. I still have problems but im not sure they are tied in but it wouldn't surprise me in the least. I only took three Pills of Levaquin three years ago!!!! How long does this stuff hang on really??????

I was put on Levoquin after 4 days of Bronchitis. My body was not responding to the antibiotic so they added Prednisone. I continued on both medications IV for 8 days. After the second day, I developed a severe pain in my groin. I mentioned it to the NP treating me and she said, "we will worry about that once we get the Bronchitis under control". The pain continued as the medication continued. After the Bronchitis was resolved, the pain in my groin was terrible. My doctor sent me for CT scans and and MRI. The next thing I knew I was in the Orthopedic Surgeon's Office talking to him about a total hip replacement. He said the test showed very mild degeneration and he was not sure a total hip replacement for me was the answer. I opted not to have the hip replacement. Diagnostic Testing continued. Finally, my doctor told me that the combination of Levoquin and Prednisone caused a tendon rupture in my groin. He said it would heal but would take a long time. It is now 8 months since I took those medications and my hip is more painful now than ever. I am on pain medication and it does not help. I see my doctor today and we will discuss other options to relieve this awful pain. I walk with a cane and I feel like I will never walk normally again. It has totally disrupted the activities of my life. My doctor tells me to stay off my feet as much as possible to rest the tendon, this is impossible as I am a registered nurse and I am on my feet constantly. This has destroyed my life!

I started taking Levaquin on Aug 8th for bronchitis 6 days after taking medication I was awoken about 2am with severe shoulder pains in both shoulders I went to the ER to find out why I told them that I was taken Levaquin they took an X-ray of my shoulders and said they were fine prescribed percocet for pain. Pain got worse went back to ER was given a shot for pain and was told to get an appointment with bone and joint Dr. On the day of appointment my right forearm, wrist and hand swelled up. I told my Bone and Joint Dr.that I was taken Levaquin I told him that I stopped it immediately after reading side effects He prescribed an anti-imflammitory Pain got more severe went back to ER was given EKG and took blood and urine test all test came back fine. Went to another doctor he then checked me for Lyme disease. which came back neg. I then went back to first doctor that prescribed the Levaquin. she thought that I had arthritis. 8 different blood test were given all came back fine. Ended back in ER because by the end of day I could not walk, had high fever, sore throat, severe head ache, and was sick to stomach. Several more blood test were done. all came back fine. ER doctor prescribed prednisone which seem to help some. I went and seen another Dr. Still no one knows what is really wrong. I believe it is the LEVAQUIN it has messed me up bad.

I've been taking Levaquin for about 3 weeks. Last week, suddenly, every joint in my body started aching. I mean from my neck, hands, hips, knees, ankles, feet, everything. For the past week, when I wake up, I can't even make a fist without experiencing excruciating pain. I've always been very active, running, basketball, soccer, skiing, you name it, so this is scaring the heck out of me. I'm 47 years old, and up until a week ago, I was hiking with my family, running everyday with my dog. Now I feel like I'm 100 years old. It hurts to walk, stand up, etc! I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow! I'm ticked about this!

I too was given 20 days of 750 mg each of Levaquin and felt a pop in my shoulder while rolling over in bed and not have intense pain there which is probably my rotator cuff tear. But I also experience the most crippling intense pain to both my knees and lower back. My knees felt swollen and very painful to where I couldn't even get out of a chair, climb steps , sit on the toilet. I am a paramedic and am seriously considering leaving this job after over 25 years due to this pain. I have had some minor dizziness and some mood swings. I went to the doctor after being off Levaquin for 1 week and told her of my symptoms and she put me on a Prednisone pack which has helped me with my back and knee pain to the point where I can walk with little pain but it didn't help my shoulder pain with decrease strength in it. I don't know yet if this is a permanent cure for my knee pain or back pain. As far as my shoulder, I believe that I tore the rotator cuff and will need surg. I have also heard that prednisone is not good to take with levaquin. I was prescribed prednisone prior to taking levaquin and wonder if that started all the problems. AND OF COURSE MY DOCTOR DID NOT TELL ME OF THE SIDE EFFECTS WHEN EITHER OF THESES DRUGS WERE PRESCRIBED. But at this point, trying prednisone after completing the levaquin DEFINITELY helped my knee pain.

I've been on Levaquin for only 2 days, combined with Prednisone... Taking them due to a nasty sinus infection. One of these two meds is making every joint in my body hurts, as well as me having lost almost every bit of my sense of taste. I ate general tso's chicken today for lunch and could not taste anything, so as an experiment I ate one of those little red Chinese peppers that I normally throw out because they are WAY too hot - I couldn't taste a thing. Last night I had to drop the air condition down to 68 degrees as one of these two meds made me sweat very heavily and uncomfortably hot.

My husband has COPD and was prescribed Levaquin along with prednisone for bronchitis. He developed acute tendinitis in both achilles tendons and then the right achiiles totally ruptured about 6 weeks later. It has been a nightmare for him.

It is so important that everyone who has suffered an adverse affect report it to the FDA. Unless they receive these reports, they do not know how serious this problem really is and most doctors are totally oblivious.

In July 2007, I was put on Levaquin for pneumonia. I was 53 years old, working full-time, active. The pneumonia was caused by aspiration when vomiting. I had never had these problems - pneumonia or aspiration - before. I had gradually worsening generalized joint and muscle pain and stiffness, which I reported to my doctor after about 5 days on the Levaquin. The pain I was experiencing was worse than the pneumonia symptoms (mostly high fever). The course of levaquin was supposed to be 14 days. After 9 days, I could not tolerate it any longer. My doctor put me on a Z-pack (azithromycin) for the remainder of my treatment. It is a year later, and I am still plagued with muscle pain in my back, shoulders, arm, abdomen - and, at its worst, my legs. The only way I'm able to function is on prescription painkillers, which I detest having to take - but they're a lifesaver. I've been seeing a rheumatologist since December '07. He dosen't seem to believe the levaquin - pain connection. He thinks I may have Polymyalgia Rheumatica. I have consistently elevated blood levels of creatine phosphokinase, a muscle enzyme which indicates muscle damage. I was on prednisone 10 mg. from early March '08 which I have just weaned off of after suffering a depressive episode with a suicide attempt at the begining of this month. I can't work now. I'm terrified of becoming permanently disabled. Finding answers has been very difficult but I firmly believe that the Levaquin started all this.

MARCH 17TH MY MOTHER WAS A VERY HEALTHY ACTIVE FUN LOVING PERSON AS OF TODAY SHE IS TOTALLY CONFINED TO THE BED. SHE TOOK 4 PILLS OF LEVAQUIN FOR A MINOR CHEST COLD AND GOT A VERY BURNING RASH AND BLISTERS ON HER ARMS NECK AND CHEST AFTER THAT THE SORE THROAT AND EXTREME MUSCLE FATIGUE KICKED IN .HER DR. PUT HER OFF SHE WAS SMART ENOUGH TO QUIT TAKING THE DRUG ON HER OWN ON APRIL 8 SHE WAS HOSPITALIZED WITH THE ABOVE SYMPTOMS WHICH HAVE ULTIMATELY MADE HER UNABLE TO USE HER MUSCLE SHE CAN NOT SWALLOW HAD TO HAVE A PEG TUBE PUT IN SHE HAS NOW BEEN WEENED OFF OF THE 120 MG OF PREDNISONE SHE HAS BEEN ON AND NO END IN SIGHT ON RECOVERY. I HAVE NO MEANS TO TACKLE A DRUG COMPANY BUT I WILL TELL MY STORY AS OFTEN AND AS I CAN. 50 DAYS LATER WE ARE STILL TRYING TO GRASP ALL OF THIS

Prescribed 500mg of Levaquin for sinus infection, along w Medrol Pak steroids. Although steroids can cause restlessness, they do NOT cause COMPLETE anxiety, nightmares insomnia and aphasia. I took only 4 pills, 1 each day, and it's like i boarded THE CRAZY TRAIN. Fluoroquinolones are apparently known for their intense and dangerous side effects, and if it is true that this is also an antidote for anthrax poisoning, it's probably something that should not be prescribed for sinus infections. SEVERE side effects, chest tightness, etc. No wonder they will not rx it for teenagers-I am a healthy 42 yr old woman and would NEVER take it AGAIN,.

Sorry for the long post! I started taking Levaquin in mid Feb and I'm still feeling the effects. I am a 37 year old female who has never had any kind of reaction to any drug. When I say never - I mean not even slight nausea. I was prescribed Levaquin for bronchitis - 500 mgs for 10 days. I took it for 5. My bronchitis cleared up but I experienced feelings of depression after 3 pills. No nausea, headaches or loss of appetite at all. After the 5th day, I experienced numbness and tingling in my hands and feet. I went back to the doctor that same day because I was terrified. I was prescribed prednisone. 5 days after that, I started experiencing full body pain. It hurt to even lay down. Went back to the doctor that same day was prescribed vicoprofen. It didn't really help. I was given a muscle relaxer to take w/vicoprofen and that helped me get through the day at work but the pain was always there and that caused many sleepless nights. I went back to the doctor because the pain had left my torso and pretty much my legs too but settled in my arms and hands and was even more intense than when it was all over my body and prescribed Cymbalta. The pain was so intense, I was crying the whole weekend. Since my doctor didn't believe the intensity of my pain, I was desperate for a moment of relief and felt very ashamed to have to call a friend who's an RN and she had her doctor prescribe vicoprofen for me. I was able to semi-function again. 1 week later went to a rheumatologist and was told I had swelling in my nerves in both wrists and it may be carpal tunnel, fibromyalgia, nerve damage or rheumatoid arthritis and given Lyrica. Had an EMG/NCV(Horrible) and the results were negative. I also had extensive blood work and was told on 4/21 that I tested positive for drug induced Lupus possibly caused my Ibuprofen. I stopped taking Motrin and my doctor prescribed Vicodin and I'm finally starting to feel better(the pain is not as intense) but I don't believe for one minute that Ibuprofen was the cause of the Lupus. I believe Levaquin broke my system down( I have Vitiligo - an auto immune disease) and made me even more susceptible to other auto immune diseases. Levaquin is finally starting to leave my body. My calves are stiff when I get up in the morning and my hands still hurt, but it's nothing compared to how I felt the previous 10 weeks. Sleep is still disrupted by pain.

I am going back for a blood test next week to see if the Lupus is still in my system. I'm happy for the people that have used this drug and have been fine, but for my body, it's toxic. Hopefully, there will be a blood test in the future that will show if you are prone to have severe side effects to this drug before it's prescribed.

For All of you suffering, you are not alone.I have found great comfort on this board knowing that I'm not alone.

I was given a 10 day dose of LEVAQUIN for a mild bronchitis/respiratory ailment on Jan. 29, 2008. I took 1 500mg pill for the full ten days. Three days after I stopped taking this medication, I experienced incredibly painful swelling in both knees. I could barely walk, and couldn't bend my knees. I was scared, upset, and in absolute misery. I spent a week literally throwing myself backwards onto chairs. It was unbelievable. When I could finally get to my normal health care provider 5 days later, she immediately identified the culprit as the Levaquin I had taken. She said she knew it to cause people's tendons to burst. It was obvious since it was both knees that it was not an injury and I never had any other problem with my legs. I am, or shall I say I was an avid walker. I was told to see an orthopedic doctor if I had not improved in one week. I had not improved in a week. The orthopedic doctor sent me for an MRI which showed irreversible, permanent cartilage damage in my left knee. The right knee he didn't MRI at the time, saying he could determine what he needed to know from the one knee and would only be able to do corrective surgery on my knees in 6 week intervals. This horrible drug has permanently altered my way of life. I was a 53 year old active, ambulatory adult who would walk miles a day. Two months later, I still have constant knee pain, cannot stand for long periods of time without leaning on something and can no longer kneel, etc. I can only walk around a bit and if I'm on my feet for long periods of time I experience knee, ankle pain and swelling. I sent a report to the FDA who obviously cares nothing about this situation, since I'm not the only unsuspecting person to have this happen. I've been studying this drug now and there was evidence in animal clinical trials of joint and tendon damage, To me it would have been no different an experience if someone had come up and hit me with a baseball bat across both knees. I am permanently damaged from Levaquin. I think it's criminal this drug is given to younger ambulatory adults at all.

I was prescribed Levaquin 1000 mg. for 5 days for pneumonia the last week of December 2006. I was also prescribed Prednisone. Everything I ate tasted like metal. A couple of days after I started taking the Levaquin I started experiencing muscle cramps in my rib cage which are so severe it makes me double over in pain. After more than a year I still have the muscle cramps which now include not only my rib cage, but the arch of my feet and sometimes legs. I have a torn tendon in my left arm which didn't happen until about a month ago, but I am sure it is caused from muscle damage from the Levaquin. I am also on Advair Discus 250 which I didn't take before using the Levaquin. I didn't require inhalers or other medication before the pneumonia. My doctor now says I have COPD caused from asthma and chronic bronchitis. I used an Albuterol inhaler when I first got sick because the pneumonia was so bad. I thought after taking the Levaquin I would get back to normal. But even after the infection was cleared up I would get out of breath, so I returned to my doctor. She did an x-ray and said I had COPD and prescribed the inhalant. What I don't understand is that I didn't have breathing problems before the Pneumonia. I didn't have joint pain and muscle cramps either. I have had to quit working this past year because of it. I cannot go without the Advair, I can no longer walk long distances without pain. I have constant muscle pain just trying to do normal housework. How long do the effects last? Must be a lifetime.

I took Levaquin last January. The day after I finished it, I had severe swelling of my ankles, knees and pain in my hip. I was unable to bend my legs. Prednisone reduced the swelling, but the pain in my hip continued. It is a year later and my hip is still extremely painful. I have had x-rays, an MRI and nothing shows other than a strain injury. I cannot walk up the stairs and when I am on my feet more than 15 minutes the pain returns. I have had injections and epidurals and nothing helps. Prior to the Levaquin, I had no problem whatsoever with my hip. I wear a TNS unit which helps, but nothing, even medication eliminates the pain.

Anybody know if Prednisone and Levaquin are a bad combination together because that is what my doctor put me on and it almost killed me. No one seems to be able to find anything written that they should not be prescribed together. Doctors and pharmacies are all saying it is fine. I have so many side effects now that I don't think I will ever be back to normal. All I had wrong was a sinus infection.