Once-a-day: Good Business, Unnecessary Risk?
10 Dec
I know that Levaquin has important uses. It is the “atom bomb” of antibiotics: Where others won’t get the job done, Levaquin will destroy everything in its sights. Unfortunately, we’re seeing all too often that this means your tendons are at risks. When other drugs aren’t effective, or when allergies prevent alternative meds, then Levaquin might be right for you. But I remember first hearing that you can now take “once-a-day” antibiotics and heal right up – I thought that was great. I mean, Amoxicillin’s been around for over 30 years, and who likes taking 2-3 pills a day? Especially when you can just take one?
But this SHOULD NOT be used as a marketing tool. The convenience factor should not blur the other risks. If someone doesn’t need something as strong as Levaquin, then they shouldn’t be prescribed it. It’s not just the doctors’ fault: The drug companies promote the benefits of these (often costly) drugs without stressing the additional risks over alternatives. But it is also the consumers’ job to be vigilant. Especially now, when you know the dangers. Be aware and that will go a long way towards being safe.
This advertisement is ever so very true. Levaquin has so many bad side effects. I took this drug and seven months later a black box warning was put on it. Unfortunately seven months too late for me. I hope people will read this and take it for all that it is worth. I have been sick from all the bad side-effects for over twenty months now. Doctors can prescribe other medicine to treat infections that do not have these severe side effects. Pay attention, be your own advocate!!!!!!!!!!!!!