I took Levaquin 500 mg x 2 days and almost immediately started having leg/calf cramps and swelling. My doctor d/c'd the drug, and 3 weeks later I still having relentless calf cramps. Anyone else have this problem, and how long did it last?
How long does tendonitis last from taking Levaquin?
Question posted by Anonymous on 31 Aug 2009
Last updated on 13 February 2020
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
12 Answers
Linden49
15 Aug 2019
I took levofloxacin in the past years ago and never had any issues, but I recently 500mg tabs for nine days of a two week dose. I had to stop because of the swelling and pain in my lower legs and feet. Plus my right knee is killing me with the pain in the inner part of my knee and now that knee is swelling. I also have a rash on parts of my body. Now my left knee is a replacement and being artificial I have no issues at all. I refuse to take pain pills but this is painful and I am worried.
Fordfiveohh
27 Oct 2018
I'm going on near 8 years ...
Try to find an anti-aging doctor and see if they will help you.
Ccoache
10 July 2013
I am a 28 year old nurse I have taken levaquin for pneumonia several times I recently took it for a sinus infection 2 doses of 500mg and now my knees are killing me along with my thighs my doctor d/c'd it but the pain is still there i asked him if it could be tendonitis from the med he looked up what i already knew that being it was from the med this is not good being in the field I'm in I do a lot of walking and squaring down :-( hope it owes away soon ibuprofen and naproxen aren't working :-/
katydude
27 June 2013
I took levaquin 500mg for 5 days and stopped. I was having severe tendonitis in elbows and my arm strength was very low. I could hardly do s single pushup when I could do at least 25-30. It is 10 days after I stopped and I still have the pain and weakness. Does it get any better? I am able to walk and run.. but my arm strength is gone and the pain in my elbows and wrists and fingers is a constant pain.
Browneyes78061
3 Jan 2013
I took levaquin 500mg for 10 days then woke up on day eleven with severe pain to both inner knees. I could not bear weight and was unable to stand or walk. I'm taking pain meds around the clock . Pain is unbearable.
Doctor stated it would take 3-6 weeks to recover. I'm starting to wonder
if this will be permanent.
Moluf101
14 June 2017
How do you feel now? I'm scared this had happen to me and in search for some answers on if I will ever feel better.
JJ1964
28 Oct 2012
Several months ago I ended up in the ER with a Kidney Stone. I also had a bad UTI and was started on Levaquin 750 mg one daily for 7 days. I took it... over the next several days I began to hurt all over. I was working out about 3 days each week at the gym and can remember a terrible pain in my left knee that popped. My spine started hurting and knees were swollen and I had a stretching burning pain down my right leg. I could hardly walk. I made an appointment with my pcp and he injected my spine with cortisone and the pain in my ribs and side went away but the pain continued to worsen in my legs. I started taking prescription pain pills and ibuprophen as well as Vitamin C and Glucosamine. Everything seemed to just progress. I went back to my doctor and he injected both of my knees assuming this was arthritis... OMG! was that ever painful. Nothing worked...
I finally started wrapping both knees for support which helped some but only for a short time but it never ever went away and I just kept getting weaker and weaker. I then saw an Orthopedic Surgeon and he told me that this was all tendonitis. My ligaments were intact and my arthritis was not causing these problems. He prescribed me Volaren ointment 2gm topically 4 times daily. I am putting heat on my knees after applying the voltaren to help it absorb. It is helping. I still can't walk any distance but for the first time I can feel some improvement. I have started doing minor stretching exercises to keep my achilles tendons from getting further affected. I am far from over this and can't help but to wonder if I will ever get over this completely. After all of the research I KNOW that it was the Levaquin that lead to these problems and it is a horrible horrible drug.
Chaley88
6 Nov 2017
It is Voltaren gel, which is an NSAID like ibuprofen. Gel is the best absorbed medium to deliver medicine through the skin. You can purchase 1% over-the-counter or 2% by prescription. I use the 2%.
JJachilles
3 Sep 2012
I had a severe leg cramp in my right calf off and on like you describe for 417 days after I began the Levaquin for a UTI. I took all of the dosage, like a good patient (10 days I think). On the 418th morning after beginning the Levaquin, my Achilles Tendon "popped" as in a complete rupture while doing a simple exercise routine. I would seek help from an orthopedic surgeon. Don't wait like I did, not thinking to much about the problem, expecting it to go away. I had been exercising and getting more and more fit for that entire year, then Boom this happens. Recovery is 6 months and now I wonder about my other calf. God Bless and take action.
Krysteen6
20 April 2012
I took Levaquin Jan 2012 for 7 days. I immediately noticed pain down my spine, shoulders, elbows and hands. I took it for so long because I had been on two other meds that did not clear up my UTI and the doctor gave me this one. I have never been one to take a drug but I had been sick for over a month and nothing else had worked. I did read online first the side effects(I always do) and was nervous when I saw tendon rupture. But how often do the side effects happen and everyone I knew said that probably would never happen? I wish I would have followed my gut instinct and never took this drug. I was fine with only slight pain for a month or so after stopping the drug but now I have been in alot of pain for at least 6 weeks. My left elbow is horrible and I cannot straighten out my left arm at all and my right elbow is sore. Now my left knee are beginning to hurt. I went back to my doctor and now I have an appointment for the Orthopectic doctor. All of this because of a drug.
I have to super careful because of tendon rupture in my elbows. I cannot vaccuum, mow, sweep, or almost anything because of th side effects of Levaquin. Scary to know that this could continue the rest of my life.
C.E.
6 May 2012
In general, I talked with a pharmacist and he said that the affects of Levaquin can progress for up to one year. After that, you will probably be working with your doctor to repair any continuing damage. I found sites that suggested that taking divided doses for the day of up to 10,000mgs of vitamin C, 1,000 mgs of Tylenol, 2,000/1,000 of Glucosamine/Chondroitin for joints, a B-complex vitamin, and 1 Fish Oil capsule (the most important seems the vitamin C and Tylenol) can help with Levaquin side affects.
A pharmacist also told me that too much Vitamin C can cause a problem with kidneys (i.e., kidney stones, etc.). I am trying to take the least amount of vitamin C as I can to keep the pain away. Maybe drinking lots of water would help. Also, cold packs (mine fit into a large cover) have greatly helped me with the pain (I have 4 packs that I rotate in the freezer). If your legs are in pain, I suggest that you please stay off them as much as possible, and "ice" the area to help your tendons.
The above has helped me greatly, and my walking time has greatly increased over time with lowered tiredness/pain. I am not a medical professional, but this information has truly helped me, and I hope it will help you as well.
Just taking the Vitamin C, Tylenol, and icing alone might be of help.
If anyone has additional helpful information, please post! Together, it seems like a lot of pills to take, but, since it helps to keep me out of pain, it is well worth it.
Best of wishes! C.E.
seahear
3 Feb 2012
I came to this site looking for ' answers ' too. I took Levaquin 750mg for nine days. Noticed pain/soreness in my right upper arm, thought I just lifted my work cart out of the car wrong and pulled it. My new car ( 2012 Acura TX) has a much smaller trunk area than the previous car , so getting the work cart in/out has been an adjustment. Pain/soreness persisted then when it ' traveled ' to my other arm , then knee I knew something was wrong. Both arms hurt everyday. I'm depressed . Does anyone take medication to take the edge off ? If so , please share. I just hate to take medication...
C.E.
6 May 2012
In general, I talked with a pharmacist and he said that the affects of Levaquin can progress for up to one year. After that, you will probably be working with your doctor to repair any continuing damage. I found sites that suggested that taking divided doses for the day of up to 10,000mgs of vitamin C, 1,000 mgs of Tylenol, 2,000/1,000 of Glucosamine/Chondroitin for joints, a B-complex vitamin, and 1 Fish Oil capsule (the most important seems the vitamin C and Tylenol) can help with Levaquin side affects.
A pharmacist also told me that too much Vitamin C can cause a problem with kidneys (i.e., kidney stones, etc.). I am trying to take the least amount of vitamin C as I can to keep the pain away. Also, cold packs (mine fit into a large cover) have greatly helped me with the pain (I have 4 packs that I rotate in the freezer). If your legs are in pain, I suggest that you please stay off them as much as possible, and "ice" the area to help your tendons.
The above has helped me greatly, and my walking time has greatly increased over time with lowered tiredness/pain. I am not a medical professional, but this information has truly helped me, and I hope it will help you as well.
Just taking the Vitamin C, Tylenol, and icing alone might be of help.
If anyone has additional helpful information, please post! Together, it seems like a lot of pills to take, but, since it helps to keep me out of pain, it is well worth it.
Best of wishes! C.E.
Hopeful70
6 July 2013
I too have levaquin-induced tendonitis. I originally took levaquin 2007 when I almost died from double septic pneumonia. It saved my life. I also took it again at 500mg dosage for 7-10 days at least two
times over the next 5 years with no noticable problems outside of some achiness in my joints I attributed to other things. It was the drug i took when i started to get congested to avoid pneumonia. Then, in 2012 I got sick and took it. I had awful pain in one of my hips that was so bad I had trouble walking, sleeping etc. It took just over a year to go away. Then I got pneumonia in Feb 2013 and took 500mg for 7-10 days and then 750mg for 5 days and by then I couldnt move without pain in my entire body. I make the connection between the hip pain I had just been rid of and the painI now have and found the info about levaquin-induced tendonitis.
If you have this it is pure hell but there is hope. I am now taking MSN for my joints, stretching, taking natutal products to detoxify my body (gently so I dont dump it all at once and ruin my kidneys) and doing a lot of praying. It took a year last time and I didnt know what I was dealing with. This time I do and I can assure you I am not giving up and accepting this as how it will always be. Im not sure I am interested in any law suit stuff but u can tell you that I did not read the insert with the data because I hadnt had problems before and didnt expect any. That was a dangerous assumption on my part.
Moluf101
14 June 2017
Hey I've read your post about the Levequin damage you received and I fear that I too have had this happen to me. I took 10 pills once a day back in life March and now it's June and have not felt any relief. I'm now just connecting the dots to this but fear that the damage may be permanent. So I'm just curious if you have felt any relief since you posted this and could possibly give me some information on what you did if you do feel better. Desperate for some answers. Thanks
missSAHARA
13 Feb 2020
Please read I need help ..
A couple posts above this phone a ladies talk about vitamin c Relieve the pain and I'm actually going into Walmart right now I'm gonna see what other meds you wrote interposed and I'm gonna go get them right now.
I'm gonna start off by saying Be safe and do not go out and get pain pills because of this post. I'm just telling you what I'm prescribed and what is the only thing that seems to be helping me have a normal day. I just thought of this now, I have some CBD lotion there's no THC in it. It helped my shoulder in my back the other day I had to rub it in but it actually worked i couldn't believe it. I work for a medical office I can't have any thc in my system but I'll let you guys know if it works.
My pain meds honestly every 45 minutes I took another one this morning until I felt as close to normal as i could get. I didn't feel drowsy and I had 50% increase ROM. I'm going to the doctor as soon as I can get in because I don't even get prescribed enough meds to get rid of this pain that I'm having from levaquin everyday it's not an ideal solution in my mind. But today I could take my dogs out. I live on the 3rd floor and this is been really hard on me I'm 28 years old and I've never felt so much pain . So just talk to your doctor if you want to try this as u the solution . I still ache but I had a normal day.
I stopped taking Levaquin 5 days ago I should have done it sooner I thought my pain was from packing because I'm moving and maybe I was dehydrated so I just was drinking more water and took an extra pain pill when I needed it I feel so stupid I went 4 days with this tingling in my fingers and waking up with my fingers no men throughout the day them going numb finite thought I had too much salt the night before. So I actually was having the symptoms and kept taken leiQuinn for 3-5 days.
I'm still having symptoms my whole body hurts and my feet and hands are sore. I Almost cried this morning.
This is a big Problem for me I felt like I was gonna tear the tendon behind my knee.
Has this happened to anyone? Tendon tearing?
I'll let you know what my doctor tells me on Monday because Im having a different pain I've never felt. I'm really scared. I've never been on a forum like this but I'm really happy to see that people actually communicate and benefit from helping each other. If your reading this thank you and I'd love your option I'm just being honest I'm sure alot of you wont like what I have done to elevate my pain but It's only thing that's allowed me to take care of my parents and my brother and my 2 pugs the last let's call it a week Without my meds I would be pretty much bedridden and still in pain.
I'm wondering if somebody in this group Has gotten a scan, like an MRI or something?
And actually was Given pain medication for the pain?
I can hardly move my fingers until I take like 40 mg or percocet or more and I wait almost an hour before I take an extra... I still am in pain but I'm not expecting it to go all the way away.
I need a root canal that needs to be done the only reason I took this antibiotic was because google told me it helps with tooth I infections. I totally had forgotten and the reason I still had some was because I stopped taking it because of the muscle aches I was having and I stopped a right away last time probably year ago but the pain from my tooth in the swelling in my face it just seemed logical at the time to take that antibiotic... I should went to the dentist ! S*** ...
Q 1. Would doing YOGA help?
Is stretching going to help me ??? easy light yoga I stay in touch w my body I can feel if I need to stop doing something before an Injury occurs... I'm just curious if this is recommended going light exercise???
I'm 28 years old and I'm scared.
In reading these posts and people are talking about the pain lasting for years I'm really scared. I know i can't just load up on pain meds. But I'm wondering it's in some cases if that's what the doctor does for the patient after they see what's going on on a scan... ?
It's honestly the only thing that got me to feel close 2 normal I can write today not for long but 50% improvement then b4 meds also taking 800 mg ibprophin. I mean my fingers are still stiff and I feel minor aches and pains but this morning I was in at an 8 and right now I met like a one on a pain scale 1 - 10 being the worst.
Any answers or recommendations would be so appreciated I really am scared I don't know what to do. I have jobs lined up, family to care for and 2 dogs I have to walk 3 flights to take them potty feeling like somethings going to tear... shoulders, fingers arms the worst is behind my knee the posterior side.
Im staying positive and I keep thinking hoping and praying that the next day it's gonna go away. That I'll wake up tomorrow happy cuddling my pugs and pain free. and hopefully it does go away tomorrow i need it to..
It feels like this is Progressively day-by-day getting worse.
I'd like to know if there's something I can do to stop the pain from progressively getting worse does anybody know?
Thank you so much if you take the time to message me I really appreciate it.
Georgiafrog
19 July 2011
I took a 5 day dose of 500mg, and woke up with pretty severe tendonitis the day after I stopped treatment. After thinking about it, I realized the Levaquin was the only thing I had done different, and being 32 years old and in good shape, shouldn't be dealing with it. I could barely walk. I then proceeded to hop on the internet and scare the crap out of myself with stories of permanent disablement. While the effects of the drug are not completely gone yet,(this is day 5), I am reporting on this site to give some others hope and to maybe calm you down a bit.
When I woke up the day after my last dose, the first thing I noticed was my hands were very painful, and felt swollen. Then I noticed that my feet and toes were the same way, and then I tried to bend my elbow and knees. All painful, swollen feeling, and brittle. Start researching, enter panic mode. I thought I would never hike, play my guitar, throw a baseball with my boy, work around the house, etc...
Day two was no change. At this point, my wife is freaking out. She bought me a gallon of Aloe juice, Pom juice, fish oil pills, chelated magnesium, and dosed my with vitamin C, all of which I took more than willingly.
Day three, the same. Still freaking out.
Day four, woke up with very noticeable improvement in my hands and elbows. Not nearly the same level of pain, almost more of a tingling sensation like my hands had fallen asleep. Feeling more hopeful.
Day 5, woke up about the same, hands feeling a little better, but by mid-day today there was noticeable improvement in knees and ankles. Started walking much more normally. Keeps getting better through the day. It's now 9:17pm, and I am feeling a whole hell of a lot better about the world. Not all of the effects are gone yet; the tops of my hands and feet are tingling some, and my shoulders and knees still feel slightly weak, but I can feel my body healing, and even if I don't improve from where I'm at, it's nothing like it was on days 1-3, or what I feared it was going to be. I hate that some people are having a worse time than I am, and I hate Levaquin, but as I said, I would have loved to read this post on day one. Hopefully I can help someone.
sushi53
5 Sep 2011
I just finished a 5 day treatment of 750mg and also have had the worse foot and calf pain I have ever experienced. I am stretching and doing whatever I can. It is so sensitive to the touch of the very tip fo my heel and my calf feels like a rubber band has been stretched so tight it's going to pop! I have taken this medication before but never have I had a reaction like this. I pray this will get better. Do not know what going to the doctor would resolve but sure do need this to be over with. I have lots on my plate coming up that requires me to stand and walk. Pray that I am well soon and all of you as too!
MariyaA213
24 July 2012
I'm freaking out just like you were... your post is the only one making me feel better. I just hope I don't have nerve damage as I have tingling and what seems like nerve irritation all over espeacially arms and feet. I hope I get better... I think this Levoquin and all like products should be pulled from the market. I don't even take the percocets they prescribe and I feel so stupid for taking this. Thank you so much again. I'm around your age and very active. I hope your okay, and we'll all be okay from being drugged by our doctors.
SDJoe
13 Oct 2012
This was the most helpful insight. I"ve been taking Levaquin for many years, and never had a problem until 10 days ago which was about a week after I stopped taking 500mg x1/day, for 10 days. I too started freaking out when my feet hurt. Yes, feet! I never thought a pain like this existed. I had foot surgery two months ago, and my left hood had the most discomfort. I'm popping Magnesium, resting, and drinking lots of water. I try to move around gently because I don't know which tendon is on the brink. The achilles heel does hurt when I walk for a block or two, but not as bad as Day 1. Still feels like I've been working on my feet nonstop for 10 hours.
Thanks for the post Georgiafrog. It calmed me as well. I'm 43, healthy, active and was totally freaking out as well.
Nezzieq
1 June 2013
Thanks for your post. Like you I was getting scared reading the others. I am on day three of hip pain and decreased range if motion most likely due to taking a 7 day course of levaquin almost two months ago. I am very active and frequently have minor aches from over doing it. However, I have not worked out in just over a week so that can't be the culprit. Only today did I make the levaquin connection. Day one was minor soreness. Day two increased. This morning I could not move my hip, was in excruciating pain and almost went to the ER. I am now taking Ibuprofen 600 mg every 5 hours ( daily max is 3200) and it is helping a lot. I am just concerned about the potential for permanent damage and recurrences. Glad you are feeling better. Take Ibuprofen if you are not at risk for GI bleed! Helps a lot. I hate levaquin!! I am a nurse and give it very frequently but will be telling patients to refuse it from now on. I run long distance races, go to gym a lot etc, hope this drug won't limit me...
oneluckymama
16 June 2013
Thank you so very much for your post as I too was freaking out. I know there must be some foods, vitamins or something natural to help me. Thanks again.
Kelly leigh
26 Oct 2009
Hello, well I took Levaquin also and I have been having many issues. I was diagnosed with achilles tendonitis, and my foot has been extremly swollen for about a month now. I have been on pain killers for the same amount of time; not to mention having to use cructhes and at times not even being able to go to work. I cant even drive. I have a second opinion soon, because I fear there is more to my problem, then just the tendonitis. I don't know how long this will last, but I can tell you one thing; I'm starting with other issues as well like chest pains, stomach pains, and both my legs will start to just shake while lying down. I don't know if any of these are related to taking the levaquin, but it is scary nonetheless. I don't know how long this will last but one thing I can tell you is I feel this is going to be permanent damage, and that is my biggest concern now. Do yourself a favor and contact a lawyer that is handling the class action lawsuit, I did; not sure if it will help but it can't hurt. Hope you get better soon!
anniegal
25 Oct 2016
How are you now, Kelly? It is Oct. 2016, and I have been suffering since July of this year. My doctor thinks it lasts a month, but it is just getting worse! My shoulder is all messed up, and know I am going to see a hand surgeon tomorrow. My shoulder and all the way down through my hand swells. My legs, ankles and feet cramp and get terrible shooting pains. I went back to the ER that prescribed it, and they acted like they knew nothing about it. Please don't take Levaquin or drugs in that class! Don't take a chance!
robo
6 Sep 2009
Sorry, I could not find any information on the duration of tendonitis as a Levaquin side effect. Tendonitis is a rare, but well documented side effect of Levaquin.
You will find more information at https://www.drugs.com/sfx/levaquin-side-effects.html
houstonss
23 Sep 2009
Mine have lasted for years. They improve for a while then flare up again. Muscle cramps are my main symptom.
OlderWiser
15 Sep 2010
I had a Levaquin reaction in fall 2007 after taking 3 500mg. tabs out of a series of 10. It just about killed me. The hives were all over my body, into my tendons and into my eyes. I could barely walk because the pain was so intense. The scars are still there. Since then, my right shoulder rotator cuff is always sore and difficult to fully heal. It is the second most vulnerable tendon to be affected by this drug. The first is the Achilles tendon, mine feel like they could rupture at anytime. Also have burning sensation in fore arms near elbow. I am so tired of hurting and taking pain meds. Nothing can be done to change this outcome except surgery if/when the tendon ruptures. You will never get better. These effects are for the rest of your life. This is a despicable drug and should not be used by ANYONE! Once you realize you are having a reaction, it's too late. This drug causes permanent damage to you body. There are so many other safer drugs to use... DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING IN THIS FLUOROQUINOLONE DRUG FAMILY!
allergictoeverything
8 July 2011
I was treated with vancomyacin then levaquin for cellulitus and had a severe headace with left shoulder muscle pain while in the hospital. No medical professional ever mentioned this side effect to me. I finally got a hoarse throat which became asthma from hell with tiny itchy hives all over but on my fingers and back of neck was hell. They put me on another antibiotic, but the pain persisted at home. I read up on levaquin, one of the things they tell the patient that will interfere with levaquin is magnesium. I have taken something called Calm by Peter Gillham( magnesium citrate) for a long time because it calms the pain of fibromyalgia, I made me some with warm water, it makes one feel warm, I noticed the pain eased up when I got one of the warm flushes. I also noticed I was so cold especially in that shoulder and arm, my leg achelles tendon was so tight, I could barely move it before, after two days that pain went away and the tightness eased..
I drink this Calm three times a day and it really helped. I am not able to take any pain meds, allergic to everything. Only one caution the magnesium makes a good laxative until you have what is necessary in your body. This drug should not be used by older people in my opinion. Always carry what you are allergic to in your pocket for the ER doctor to see. Do not depend on your doctor you tell them all this info and then when you need it they don't know anything ? My memory is not that good, plus they have the stuff to ask what your reaction was to said drug ? Also if we are allergic to this drug you probably will have the same reaction to CIPRO, same class of drugs.
C.E.
6 May 2012
In general, I talked with a pharmacist and he said that the affects of Levaquin can progress for up to one year. After that, you will probably be working with your doctor to repair any continuing damage. I found sites that suggested that taking divided doses for the day of up to 10,000mgs of vitamin C, 1,000 mgs of Tylenol, 2,000/1,000 of Glucosamine/Chondroitin for joints, a B-complex vitamin, and 1 Fish Oil capsule (the most important seems the vitamin C and Tylenol) can help with Levaquin side affects.
A pharmacist also told me that too much Vitamin C can cause a problem with kidneys (i.e., kidney stones, etc.). I am trying to take the least amount of vitamin C as I can to keep the pain away. Also, cold packs (mine fit into a large cover) have greatly helped me with the pain (I have 4 packs that I rotate in the freezer). If your legs are in pain, I suggest that you please stay off them as much as possible, and "ice" the area to help your tendons.
The above has helped me greatly, and my walking time has greatly increased over time with lowered tiredness/pain. I am not a medical professional, but this information has truly helped me, and I hope it will help you as well.
Just taking the Vitamin C, Tylenol, and icing alone might be of help.
If anyone has additional helpful information, please post! Together, it seems like a lot of pills to take, but, since it helps to keep me out of pain, it is well worth it.
Best of wishes! C.E.
RandyAllison39
4 Aug 2017
I had tendonitis in early 2016 from taking Levaquin and was over it in about 3 weeks. It has never returned since then.
BariB
9 Sep 2018
I have been taking levaquin for several months. I had spinal surgery in July.
I have a home health PT and she alerted me to the fact that this drug can effect the achilles tendon. Both of mine are sore. In addition, I'm having severe leg pain. I can't walk w/o a walker. At first I attributed my pain from the surgery... now I'm not so sure. I'm stopping the drug and am seeing my surgeon for a different medication.
Related topics
Further information
- Levaquin uses and safety info
- Levaquin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Levaquin (detailed)
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