Reports of tendinitis and tendon rupture have prompted the Food and Drug Administration to require the addition of a warning to the packaging of the powerful antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones. This family of drugs includes Cipro (ciprofloxacin), Proquin (ciprofloxacin hydrochloride), Factive (gemifloxacin), Levaquin (levofloxacin), Avelox (moxifloxacin), Noroxin (norfloxacin) and Floxin (ofloxacin).

The risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture is increased in patients older than 60; in the recipients of kidney, heart and lung transplants; and in patients given these antibiotics in conjunction with steroid therapy.

Although the Achilles is the tendon most commonly injured in such cases, tendons attached to the rotator cuff, the biceps, the hand and the thumb may also be affected. Injury may occur months after drug therapy has ended.

Fluroquinolones have also been associated with such serious side effects as convulsions, hallucinations, depression, heart rhythm changes and allergic reactions.

In October 2008, the FDA announced that it was requiring a "black box warning" for fluoroquinolones after prior warnings failed to reduce the large number of tendon injuries reported in patients taking the antibiotics. The FDA is urging doctors to carefully weigh the dangers associated with these antibiotics before prescribing them to patients.

Anyone who has been given a fluoroquinolone drug and experiences pain, swelling or inflammation in the area of a tendon should stop taking the drug and contact his or her physician. Patients who experience a snapping or popping sensation in the area of a tendon, note bruising right after an injury in the area of a tendon or are unable to move or bear weight after taking the drug should also contact a doctor immediately.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious complication after taking a fluroquinolone, contact the attorneys of Carey, Danis & Lowe. We can help. Carey, Danis & Lowe is a national law firm that represents individuals injured by America's largest corporations.

At Carey, Danis & Lowe, even though our lawyers have recovered more than $695 million for our clients, including individual settlements of over $10 million and class-wide settlements of more than $90 million, we count our clients as our most important asset.