It is fascinating how we learn about cases from clients and potential clients. At our firm, we have a loyal – some say rabid – cadre of cyclists, ranging from bicycling commuters to elite racers. In fact, the firm sponsors a number of cycling activities, including a racing team.

As a result, we have the opportunity to talk with trainers, coaches and others working at the nexus of medicine and athletics. One of the things we’ve been hearing is a connection between the use of popular antibiotics, such as Cipro and Levaquin -- antibiotics from a family of drugs known as fluoroquinolones, to treat respiratory infections, UTIs and other bacterial infections – and tendon ruptures. It appears that those taking flouroquinolones along with corticosteroids, such as Prednisone, are at a higher risk of this happening.

One example: a current client was prescribed Levaquin to treat a urinary tract infection.  Her doctor had previously prescribed Prednisone to treat an unrelated illness.  Our client’s doctor did not inform her of the dangers of tendon rupture from taking Levaquin, especially in conjunction with corticosteroids such as Prednisone.  Several days later she ruptured both of her Achilles tendons and is now confined to a wheelchair.

For anyone who has ruptured a tendon, especially an Achilles tendon, you know it is a very serious and painful injury. It often requires surgery, and always involves painful physical therapy.

The FDA has acknowledged the risks but we are hearing from patients that doctors and pharmacists don’t always warn patients of the risks. By leaving patients in the dark, those patients don’t have the opportunity to weigh the risks and benefits and make an informed decision. We have also heard from physical trainers and others that if patients simply knew of the risks, they might opt to reduce physical activities that might cause a rupture while taking these drugs.

We are in the early stages of filing a lawsuit and want to hear from Levaquin and Cipro patients who’ve experienced similar symptoms. Check out our firm’s Web site, www.hbsslaw.com for more information.