Cipro, Floxin and Levaquin Cause Chaos

I used Cipro for 4 days for an infection and got a rash on my lower arm. Thinking that I might be allergic to it, I have told doctors ever since that I am allergic to it, and I have never taken it or similar drugs since.

I remember having to take Cipro twice for two different oral infections. It seemed a bit overkill to me. My doctor even told me to take probiotics with it because it would completely wipe out everything--not good.

Back in 1997, my father who was 82, had a terrible reaction to Cipro. He was presc. it for urinary tract infections and he would almost go out of his mind. We told his doctor, any caregivers, etc., NOT to give him Cipro. Even after these instructions, we had to watch carefully to make sure they didn't prescribe it.

My husband took Levaquin for a sinus infection and within hours the tendons in his legs tightened and he could not walk. We stopped it. MD prescribed Cipro (we did not know it is in the same family) and same reaction. Stopped both. Took months for him to walk better. Leg pain persists to this day. Did it damage the muscles? Who knows.

Currently taking Levaquin for an URI and am having severe insomnia and am much more tired than usual. I think this Rx may have been over kill. I had a "Z-pack" the week before and had no adverse effects from it.

I was prescribed CIPRO post surgically by a doctor at OHSU....It caused immense stomach cramps and clutching.

My hair fell out by the handfuls on a flight to New York with my spouse frantically trying to pick it off my jacket as fast as it fell. I quit taking it and began to slowly feel better. When we got home it was clear that I still did need an antibiotic so called and got a prescription form my GP for something less strong.

I asked the pharmacist what the problem was. She indicated that in some people the CIPRO attacks the healthy tissue instead of the bacteria infection. That she said is why I felt I had an animal inside of me clawing to get out. I will NEVER take that pill again. I tell everyone I am allergic....I guess that is the only way I can explain it to them so it works.
No more CIPRO.

I took Cipro a few years ago. After a couple of days my arms and legs felt funny, like they were attached by loose rubber bands. Eventually I started shaking all over and couldn't stop. I called the doctor and he said the medicine couldn't have caused the symptoms. I stopped taking Cipro and gradually the shaking and jelly legs/arms went away. I wrote on my driver's license that I'm allergic to Cipro in spite of the doctor's denials.

I took Levaquin before having nasal surgery. I had to get off of it because of severe itching and nervousness. The doctor "forgot" I was probably allergic to it and gave it to me just before I was going into surgery. When the severe itching started on my stomach where they put the needle, the operating room nurse immediately took it out. I won't take any kind of antibiotic unless I have to because they all seem to cause severe itching and nervousness... I'm allergic to penicillin also. Frankly, I have almost quit all prescription drugs other than my thyroid, hormone and blood pressure meds and I feel a heck of a lot better. The only time I take an antibiotic is when I go to the dentist because I've had both knees replaced.

I have taken Cipro a number of times over the years and wondered why my tendions, especially the Achilles tendion were so inflamed. Finally read the side effects and saw it can be a Serious side effect to the point of bursting the Achilles tendon. I carry a note with my insurance card in my wallet warning not to give any of this family of antibiotics.

Over 10 yrs ago I was administered Ancef by interns and residents (Drs.) at a county hospital even though I stated an allergy to penicillin. I got very ill and broke out in blisters all over my face, turning bloody and crusty. Looked like I'd been in a catfight. I took myself off and refused any more Ancef IV's. Cipro did not have that effect. I have not taken an antibiotics since.

Read up on natural remedies after a diagnosis from Dr., sometimes antibiotics are not necessary, sometimes they are. I have read up on nutrition and remedies since my first holistic MD 1975 and keep reading. The People's Pharmacy is now a great resource.

I was prescribed CIPRO for a urinary tract infection when I was about 20 years old. This was totally unnecessary- I now realize that this kind of antibiotic was OVERKILL. (In fact, I didn't even need an antibiotic. All I needed was 100 % cranberry juice to cure a UTI, which I have used since then and it worked wonderfully, and faster, than any antibiotic..)

Ever since that time in my life, I have suffered with symptoms that doctors always dismiss- I have symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Hypoglycemia, digestive problems...

Who knows, maybe this stupid, immune system destroying antibiotic could have been what tipped me over the edge into ill health. I am 23 years old now and I still have not recovered.

I was put on it several years ago and within a month my knees ached . Dr. said that Levaquin can cause the cartilage to weaken. Was put on last winter by May pulled a tendon in groin but a different Dr. ordered a scan for ovarys or appendx which was negative. Put on again in June for upper respiratory infection. With in a week was dizzy , had no sense of balance, tripped slightly but couldn't stop the fall and suffered a full face shiner and broken glasses. Balance was off for a couple of weeks. It may be the med of choice for some infections but never again.

My 27yo daughter who has spina bifida, was given Levaquin by Urologist when I told him she could not take Cipro, because of a seizures, he said he said he wasn't aware of this problem and this was a chemical cousin and shouldn't cause the same problem. Then day 4 she had a seizure. This brings the total to 4 times and it still took us the parents to make the connection. The Dr.'s aren't aware of the problem.

I have made copies of these articles and sent it to them. Why is it not noted on the bottle not to ingest caffeine? It is the caffeine that contributes to the seizures!

I took Levaquin in 2005 for about 6 days and noticed that I felt worse and worse with every passing day. My body felt like I'd been in a horrific car accident. I did some reading of the side effects and learned that severe tendonitis is associated with Levaquin. AFter I stopped taking it, most of the pain subsided, but my right elbow gave me problems for about 2 years after. IT WAS AWFUL. So now I tell every single doctor that I'm allergic to it. I'll NEVER take it again!!

I am very allergic to most drugs and I fear them all, especially after reading these comments. I think that most of our drugs are generic now and they are not the quality that our brand name drugs used to be, which could be causing us all some of these severe reactions. Most generics are not made in the USA and I doubt if there is much quality control!

I go to an alternative/complementary M.D. as much as I can, because they seem to use drugs and surgery as a last resort. And they have many natural remedies that help me.

I just read on the New York Times.com site that the diabetes drug Avandia can be dangerous to the heart and that Actos is safer. I am not a diabetic but I am mad as hell that the FDA allows these drugs to remain on the market.

I believe that big corporations have too much influence on the FDA and it is literally killing some people.

I get so tired of lobbbying Washington D.C. to protect us from these sort of things. It should be their responsibility to protect us first from things like this. I encourage all of you to contact your senators and representatives and call their attention to these type of drugs and the effect that they have on a lot of us.

I, too, had a bad reaction to Floxin. I was in a daze and couldn't sleep due to a semi-dream state and cranial pressure. The entire next day I experienced ringing n the ears aand a sort slow motion world with an echo effect. I purchased the "PILL BOOK" and now research any medication for side effects and drug interaction.

What really upsets me is that this medication Ciproflaxen is the one given to chickena and turkeys every day until two days before being dispatched. These birds are still full of the antibiotics when they reach the marketplace, and for those of us who have had a bad reaction to this group of medications, it causes havoc. I cannot eat chicken in a restaurant now, or buy regular chicken - just makes me so ill. Now I buy antibiotic-free chicken (but don't buy turkey any more) and it's nothing for me to pay $15 to $20 for a chicken to make soup. They taste more like the chicken I remember as a kid though, which is a good thing.

I, too, had a tendonitis reaction to Levaquin. Not long after, I saw an ad from a lawyer's office soliciting patients to join a class action suit. I still have doctors express doubts that the Levaquin was the culprit. No, I didn't join the suit because I realized very quickly that the drug was the problem and quit taking it.

1993 or 1994 I was put on Floxin for and ear infection that total blocked my hearing in one ear and had been resistive to two other antibiotics. After taking the Floxin for 2 to 4 days I was sitting at my kitchen table. My hands were on the table and the shadows on my hands created by the sunlight coming through my kitchen window were a bright turquoise. My thoughts were holly cow I’m hallucinating. I called my pharmacist and my doctor. Both thought I was nuts.

Ten years ago, I took Cipro for a misdiagnosed, very severe kidney infection for over one month with no problems. When I was prescribed Levaquin 4 few years ago for another kidney infection (again, not properly diagnosed) I had the most horrible side effects.

Because I never had a reaction to medications in the past (I was 44 at the time) it took me a few days to realize that these problems were most likely the Levaquin. The outer portion of both thighs were totally numb and tingly, I couldn't sleep, I was falling constantly, had such a loud drone-like sound in my ears that I couldn't here the phone ringing or the garage door opening and worst of all, had slurred speech.

When I phoned my physician about these problems and asked to be put on another medication, he said it sounded like I was having a stroke, and sort of suggested that I could to go to the ER if I wanted to. He insisted the Levaquin had nothing to do with it. When I called the pharmacist, she stated that all of the symptoms were most likely due to Levaquin and to discontinue it immediately.

It took months for the feeling in my thighs to return and the other symptoms disappeared within a few days of stopping the Levaquin. Needless to say, I never went back to the original physician and now list Levaquin as a medication allergy but feel other doctors are skeptical that it causes any side effects at all. This is a frightening thought.

I was recently prescribed Cipro for pain in my lower left abdomen, thought to be diverticulitis. After taking 2 pills I read the warnings (especially those regarding breakage of tendons, which would have been very serious for me as I'm a woman 70 years old, with many responsibilities and an active life) and immediately stopped taking the med and called my doctor for a consultation.

My doctor made light of it and prescribed amoxicillin, after I refused to take the Cipro. There were several warnings and side effects on the pharmacist's sheet that should have definitely prevented my physician from ever prescribing Cipro for me. I now question whether or not I'm with the right physician after 14 years of trusting her.

First time Cipro was prescribed, I began very soon to feel shaky, a rash appeared. I stopped taking it. About 4 years later a physician recommended a shot of Cipro, I said 'No,' explained my reason for this. He told me no one is allergic to Cipro... left the room, sent a nurse back in who actually walked in with a hidden syringe and shot into the upper arm without asking and left.

The Doctor reappeared and reported that was a Cipro injection. Before I could even stop sputtering and get my words out, I began having trouble breathing, I turned a very bright red, face swollen... The doctor got a crash team together, administered massive amounts of benedryl and I cannot remember what else, stayed with me, repeating his apologies endlessly, looking quite chagrined...rightfully so.

What a horrible experience. I saw the comments above saying this information is kept with his insurance card. Excellent idea. I will do that momentarily.

Back in late 90's I was prescribed Floxin for a sinus infection. The next evening I woke up from sleep and began hallucinating that HUGE bats were flying around the room. The experience absolutely terrified me. I thought I was losing my mind. The interesting thing was my sister who was a pharmacy representative had warned me not to take this antibotic. I dismissed her warning as empirical hogwash. Needless to say I had to learn the hard way. The older I become, the more cautious I get regarding prescription medications. I literally perform "due diligence" upon each medication I take before using it. Sadly, it has become "caveat emptor;" buyer beware.

Danna,

I just read this from the American Heart Association Online. It suggest you might not need to take antibiotics before your dental appointment:

Patients at the greatest danger of bad outcomes from IE and for whom preventive antibiotics are worth the risks include those with:

-- artificial heart valves
-- a history of having had IE
certain specific, serious congenital (present from birth) heart conditions, including:
-- unrepaired or incompletely repaired cyanotic congenital heart disease, including those with palliative shunts and conduits
-- a completely repaired congenital heart defect with prosthetic material or device, whether placed by surgery or by catheter interventions, during the first six months after the procedure
-- any repaired congenital heart defect with residual defect at the site or adjacent to the site of a prosthetic patch or prosthetic device
a cardiac transplant which develops a problem in a heart valve.

I took this antibiotic for UR infection, 10 minutes later I had a severe allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, I just knew I was leaving this world. I did get emergency care in time. This was devastating to even think about even now. I also had a severe reaction to floxin in 1992. I am now terrified of medicines.

In the fall of 2009 was hospitalized for appendix. Was given IV antibiotics for 3 days twice daily for the inflammation.... Flagyl and Cipro. Had to take 500mg twice daily pill of each for 10 days when I came home. It cleared up the appendix problem and an infection in my lung but I ended up in emergency in such terrible pain in my back, in tears could hardly stand and since have been having problems with a lot of back pain and pressure... also digestion problems. After checking me out thoroughly when asked the doctor in emerg said yes it could cause this and I would have to wait till it all got out of my system. I'll never take it again.

It's been eight months and I've been to two specialists trying to determine if I have arthritis. They say I do not. I took Cipro and Levaquin within a one month period and it has been eight months since then, and I have pain and stiffness EVERYDAY. What started out as plantar fasciitis and wrist tendinitis then moved into my hips, elbows, and is now in my upper back and shoulders.

I ran a low grade fever for 6 months for weeks at a time. The symptoms started within two days of taking the last dose of Levaquin. I have not even addressed the fatigue, irritability, and mood changes I experienced during the first three months after taking the drug. I was healthy, active, and exercised regularly. Now I don't know what to do--stretching generally aggravates my pain. How can the FDA allow this drug to be prescribed?

I had a bacterial infection in my UT that didn't show up in Urinalysis. Doc prescribed Cipro 500mg 2 times daily for 1 week. During the course my burning after urination seemed to clear up, but not completely leaving me with weak legs/arms mostly when sitting or lying down. Burning sensations in my Arms and mosquito like bumps that itched. I experienced back pain which was resolved by lots of massaging and muscle sprays. I've become really stressed and when I spoke to my doc about it... he said it's all anxiety related. But it all started after taking Cipro... and this is ongoing 1 week after usage still.

I was given Levaquin for a sinus infection. My life has been hell ever since. I broke out in a rash after the 2nd pill. Just a few of the major problems I have had since then include; body aches all over, hair loss, vision loss, dry skin and feelings of heat; like burning skin, uti's, chronic fatigue, arthritis (neck, shoulders, knees and back), panic attacks, hallucinations, short term memory loss. In my opinion this drug is poison.

That was 5 years ago, and I am still having joint problems, hair loss, and chronic fatigue. I was only 46 when I took the drug and in very good physical shape. I worked out all the time, and always busy doing something. Now, it is an effort to get off the couch even to do dishes.

I too, talked to many doctors about this drug, and most of them say the drug couldn't do these things. I hope people keep speaking out about these floxins, something needs to be done. I also make sure I tell all my son's doctors, do not ever give him any floxins either. They actually look at me like I am crazy.

Hi, Just got prescribed Cipro. Well, generic version for a sore throat over the phone. Haven't even been tested. I'm not sleeping so I got online to see what side effects are. OMG. I'm not taking this anymore, printed out copies of reviews to take to Dr. tomorrow. This is awful. I only took two pills, hope nothing else happens. I'm so sorry all of you went through what you did.

I took Levaquin and Cipro in last 2 years. They are pure poisons. Now I can not walk without pain. Running is completely impossible. My arms are in pain all the time. I often burst into tears when my little daughter asks me to play outside with her but I can not. My life and my family are totally ruined by these poisons. Now I have doc phobia and drug phobia. I think even a bird is happier than since they can fly in the air without being disabled by docs with those poisons.

Like I've always said "It's all about the money" and GREED.

PRK and PM,

Yes it is all about the money, but for everyone. For the drug company and for the consumer. In the USA we have the choice to buy expensive name brand medications of generics. We can buy Avandia or Actos. All medication side-effects are not known before they are on the market. What medications you should take is based on risks and benefits. Sometimes there is clearly a more beneficial alternative drug, sometimes we must more literally pick if we wish to die of the disease or the side-effects.

The great thing is we have that choice and some government agency can't say what we can, can't or have to take.

Also lobby against the insurance companies and the lawyers who make it difficult for your doctor to provide you quality health care.

I was put on Cipro and Flagyl for diverticulitis. While I was taking it, my arms and legs tingled and my hips hurt terribly. My left hip continued to hurt after I took the Cipro and then my back started hurting too. It's been 4 or 5 years since then and I am in almost constant pain in my neck, middle back, knees and lower back. The pain all started with Cipro. I was healthy and working, now I'm retired and it's an effort to get out of bed in the morning. I can't work in my garden or do much of anything I formerly enjoyed. Every time I go to a new doctor, I put down that I am allergic to Cipro. I refuse to ever take another fluoroquinolone. I also don't trust doctors anymore. I tell my kids to never take Cipro.

I had my gallbladder removed. I am only 20 years old. My doctor put me on Cipro and I took it my first night home. I woke up the next morning stating to feel itchy and there was a rash that was spreading. I went back to the ER and they prescribed me predisone and told me if that didn't work to take benedryl with it. Its now been over a week.

I am covered almost head to toe in hives and I itch like crazy. I don't know what to do because nothing is working anymore at all. Its really bad and I'm scared I'm going to have this for the rest of my life. Does anyone know if I can get a shot of benedryl or something to make this go away cause it is so bad. I really cannot deal with this anymore its even all over my face and my incisions.

Amanda, See a dermatologist right away for the hives and make sure your Dr. sees them so they will believe you. Mine would not believe me that it made me dizzy and lose my balance. Had terrible back pain for six months and 3 months of PT after taking Levaquin. Finally easing up =I will never take that class of drugs again.

Very glad I found this site and viewed all the comments. As a patient with severe COPD, I often have been placed on fluoroquinolones, since I am allergic to penicillin [anaphylactic reacion] and sulfa drugs. I've had reactions (hives) to levofloxacin (Levaquin) and moxifloxacin (Avelox) but for some strange reason do not have huge problems with Cipro. I have, however, always attributed the muscle weakness experienced to being on Prednisone during those times; ditto the insomnia.

What brought me to the site was how shaky I feel and through your comments am realizing that the nausea I am experiencing as well as the insomnia (since I'm not currently on Prednisone) could well be from the Cipro. Damn. With only 15% lung function, I am often beholden to go with whichever particular antibiotic is found to not be resistant to whichever particular bug I may have. It's a gamble, to be sure, but I'm at the point where not taking it could prove fatal.

Am also one of those people who cannot nebulize albuterol or other solutions given asthmatics and emphysematics, apparently my airways are so hypersensitive they react to the chemicals added to those drugs to serve as preservatives. Rather than opening up my airways, those close them - called paradoxical bronchospasm. Ain't pretty.... similar to how a goldfish looks on the counter after he's jumped out of the bowl.

Has the itching stopped? How much time did it take for itching to stop? I took Ofloxacin (same class of medicine) 400mg daily for 8 days and I am having itching all over my body since then. Thanks.

After taking Ofloxacin (same class of medicine as Cipro) 200mg twice daily for 8 days I started having pain in my one knee cap and itching all over my body (with no eruption). I have stopped the medicine 3 days back but the itching is only getting worse. The knee cap pain is still there although slightly reduced.

I do not know how the itching thing will go and what will happen to the knee pain. Has anyone experienced it?

I took Levaquin for a prostate infection. About 2 weeks after I started taking it I began to suffer from extreme anxiety and horrific nightmares. I thought I was loosing my mind. It never occurred to me that the medication could have been the culprit; my Doctor even said that it wasn't the Levaquin.

So I decided to search the internet for myself and found that I was not alone. My time in hell lasted for 6 months but there was an end to this and I did come out.

I was prescribed Cipro 500mg twice daily for UTI infection, within a day I felt weak muscles in legs and arms, knees felt tight there was swelling in the calve muscles and twitching, as well as chronic fatigue. I stopped taking it, (2 days now), yet the symptoms persist. When I confronted the doctor, he had the nerve to question my symptoms as being due to something else. I just hope that these things clear away. It has taken days out of my life. I am determined to spread the word about this poison, so more people don't have to suffer.

Amanda, how are you now? I was prescribed Cipro for a UTI for 10 days. Four days after finishing it, I broke out in an itchy rash/hives from head to toe. I've had prednisone and Benadryl, and then hydroxyzine HCL in place of the Benadryl. The rash is a little better but now I've developed a slightly wheezy, dry cough. I certainly hope you are better by now. How did you resolve the problem?

I had an acute uti infection last week that took me to Urgent Care. I was in severe pain. I told the Dr. that I rarely even took an aspirin and that I was prone to reaction. I also mentioned that a week earlier I had bloodwork done that showed an inflamed liver. Because there was a great deal of blood and protein in my urine, he prescribed Ciprofloxacin, 500 mg for 5 days.

I now am suffering from tendon pain, extreme fatigue, sore throat, headache. I called the Urgent care for the result of my urinalysis, (they said they lost my number) and it was indeed positive for UTI. I mentioned that I was having some disturbing side effects to the Cipro and before I had a chance to describe them, they said ,"It doesn't sound related to the antibiotic."

It was weird because I hadn't even mentioned the symptoms. I made a big mistake by taking this drug. I am using water to flush and taking calcium. Is there anything else I can do to lessen the long term effects? I was also running many miles a week and I am concerned that I will rupture something. When is a good time to begin exercise? Is there a silver lining with this?

MG,

Most people are not aware of the how common drug side effects are.

PLEASE HELP by reporting your side effects to this FDA website: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/medwatch-online.htm

Unfortunately your doctor is not paid enough and it is not his or her job to collect data on medication side effects nor is it the pharmacist.

You can have the greatest impact, by telling others on this website, but the people in charge want you to report using the FDA website.

I took 4 courses of cipro back in 2006 until 2007 for a kidney infection. its now 2010 and my symptoms are very severe.

I have cervical dystonia where my neck pulls to the left, shoulder damage,vertigo, pains in my calf muscles, twitching muscles, pains in my thumbs, and difficulty walking it as if everything is tight and very painful. For the last 3 years I have undergone every possible test going including mri of the brain body and neck, countless blood tests hearing test etc etc. all of which have come back clear.

Everyone has been stumped to find the cause of all my symptoms. Last week I checked cipro out for long term effects and I have been amazed to find that this is the only answer to all my problems and I had mentioned this to my doctors all along because before I took this antibiotic I was very fit and healthy, attended the gym 3 to 4 times a week and never had any problems.

I feel that the kidney infection was mistreated and I should never been exposed to as many of these antibiotics that I have been in a short space of time. I'm waiting to see my neurologist to see what his opinion on this is. I'm trying magnesium and glucosamine to see if it helps but looks like I have quite a bit of damage done. I guess I'm wondering if i will ever have my health back.

My mom was started on Cipro for UTI on the 3rd day she began having uncontrollable shaking . We were scared, and she was crying a lot.Doctors should alert their patients regarding the side effect of this drug.

Rebecca, I was also diagnosed with cervical dystonia in Aug. 2009. My dystonia, however, has also affected my shoulders, face, jaw, back and arms. I took Levaquin for 2 weeks in 2005, and this has been the result (along with a laundry list of other chronic conditions). My heart goes out to you because dystonia is a painful, disabling (in my case) condition that most doctors know little about.

I did have an abnormal brain MRI though, so I have also had a stroke. Some of the natural supplements have helped me. I DO NOT suggest Botox injections. They damage your liver and do more damage to the brain and nerves, and the relief (if you get any) only lasts for a few weeks. God bless you, and I wish you the best.

I'm 18 and a sophmore in college. I've always had urinary tract infections, but I've always been a healthy kid, I went in to my doctor a month and a half ago about July 9th for a kidney infection and he prescribed levaquin, 3 hours after taking the drug I had a seizure on my living room couch, terrified my mother half to death, but I don't remember a thing. Prior to my seizure my hand started to have a tremor and that's it.

I went to the ER 3 times in one weekend with my whole body seizing but I was awake and conscience. They prescribed me benzodyazapans and told me it could never be the levaquin and I must of had some traumatic event happen in my life. So I went to see a neurologist who diagnosed me with non epileptic seizures. And have not had one since 3 weeks ago.

Since then I've had severe pain in my back, which my GP has told me is like fibromyalgia pain. It's everywhere, I've been nauseated, have had a horrible time sleeping and I can no longer walk throughout a super market without having massive pain in my back and legs. I've just recently started getting rashes. My GP believes that I might have had some type of reaction to it but he has taken my blood to test for everything under the sun. He doesn't want me to return to my college that's 10 hours away and my parents are deciding to send me.

Although it seems like everyone has had bits and pieces of my symptoms I'm wondering if anyone else has a story more like mine and what I can maybe expect a little more. I only took 1 pill of levaquin and 7 weeks later I'm still not myself. I've had almost every side effect that it says that levaquin can cause yet I'm seeing my 6th doctor who partially doesn't believe it.

I used to have such a busy social life and now I'm trapped and I'm hoping like so many others I'm still not having symptoms years later. I wish you all the best and hope that you can find some kind of cure for the pain your medicines have caused. For I too know what it's like and hope it's not too much longer.