CBRC

Anyone with experience with the antibiotic Levaquin? I was prescribed a 7 day regimen for a lung infection (persistant but not severe) and was shocked by the side effects (search Levaquin side effects and look at user posts). There was a big black box warning with the meds about a risk of tendonitis or a tendon rupture, and after looking online about some people who have severe chronic tendon problems after taking the drug.

I've been on it for 5 days and so far I have had no severe tendon pain. It may be in my mind, but I do feel a little more sore than usual in my hands. I'm scared to go for a run or lift. The drug actually worked great, after 3 weeks of sickness I started feeling better the day after I started taking Levaquin. I'm still freaked out about the side effects though, and the possibility of long term damage. I've called the doctor to see if I can stop taking it 2 days early (a lot of the tendon pain started late in regimen).

So, I would suggest to all that if possible don't let your doctor prescribe Levaquin if some other antibiotic will get the job done. It seems to have no big advantage over other antibiotics.

Two thoughts:

1. When considering side effects, determine (and they will be labeled this way) which are "common" and which are "rare". The really bad ones are always rare (or the drug would not be approved by the FDA).

2. As you suggest, don't be afraid to challenge your doctor - research shows (just read something today) that people are generally hesitant to do so. Don't hesitate. There is a reason they call it "practicing" medicine.