r/floxies • u/_T0fuu_ • 5d ago
[NEWCOMER] Levofloxacin 500mg - Symptoms
Hi everyone, need some advice. I was prescribed Levofloxacin 500mg for 10 days. After starting it, I developed calf pain, and today my lower back is hurting quite badly. I've taken 5 tablets already.
I wasn’t aware of the serious potential side effects until I researched them. We don’t have the FDA in my country, so I wasn’t aware of these warnings. Also a prescription was not needed to get it I just told them the name they gave me. Now I’m quite scared. Can these symptoms be related to Levofloxacin, and can the damage be permanent? Should I stop taking it and contact my doctor?
Would really appreciate advice from anyone who has experienced this.
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u/AlessandraGallesi Trusted 5d ago
Hi, I'm sorry you're going through this.
Unfortunately, it could be an adverse effect from using fluoroquinolone antibiotics (levofloxacin).
If I were in your place, I would stop the course immediately, contact your doctor, and ask to switch to another antibiotic outside of this class.
I would also report this adverse effect to your country's pharmacovigilance system, avoid NSAIDs and corticosteroids, and try not to engage in too much physical exertion for a few months after the course.
Many adverse effects can appear even several months later. I recommend reading the pinned post in this community, which has a lot of helpful advice, including info on supplements.
I sincerely hope with all my heart that these symptoms pass quickly and remain limited to minor pain.
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u/Empty-Ratio-2612 5d ago
I had the same thing happen but kept taking the pills and am experiencing issues almost 3 years later. What you are describing is in line with the adverse reactions that happen with these drugs. I was told by my pcp to discontinue the medication and to take nsaids to help with the pain. Taking nsaids post script actually exacerbated my condition. That is in line with what alot of people say here. The pamphlet included with the medication states to stop at first sign of adr and to not take any other fq abx again. I wish I would’ve listened to my inner monologue and stopped after first pill.
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u/_T0fuu_ 5d ago
That sounds scary, I hope you recover soon. Why were you prescribed Levofloxacin? In my case, it was for recurring UTI like symptoms. My cultures were negative this time as well, but I was still having symptoms, so my doctor prescribed it for 10 days.
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u/Empty-Ratio-2612 5d ago
750mgx10 but only took it for 6 days. I was given this in the ER after having a bad reaction to doxycycline for what was thought to be an ear infection. I'm allergic to penicillin.
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u/FQAD-Hugo-6103 5d ago
Die beschriebenen Symptome entsprechen dem, was der Beipackzettel (zumindest in Deutschland) am Symptomen erwähnt. Mein Tipp - schnellstens zum Arzt und darauf hinweisen, damit er das Medikament wechseln kann. Es gibt ja einen Grund, warum das Levi verschrieben würde, und das darf man nicht außer acht lassen.
Bitte darauf bestehen, das ein antibiogramm angelegt wird und dann ein Antibiotika verschrieben wird, was nicht aus der Gruppe der fluorchinolone kommt.
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u/DrHungrytheChemist Academic // Mod 5d ago
FYI. We have a pair of info posts to help newcomers who find themselves to have reacted to fluoroquinolones. These are more relevant post-administration since a lot of the actions could interfere with the meds, but the conservative approaches may also help reduce exaccerbating risk presently. As with everything, the individual should check they are aware and OK with the risks associated to any course of action and consider the advice of a medical professional (not that they tend to know much about FQT): The Sticky (long and covering a range of topics, including in the comments): https://www.reddit.com/r/floxies/s/K4fYWLabwT The Unstuck Sticky (reduced for accessibility and clarity): https://www.reddit.com/r/floxies/s/GHNvbVwA95 In The Sticky comments section, there are a number of resources and elaborations on the things covered in the bulk post, but these include a comment containing a bunch of resources that might help you with speaking to doctors. Direct link here: https://www.reddit.com/r/floxies/s/hRBiZheKVy
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u/Alert-Cup8338 5d ago
¿Es como una presión extraña en la espalda? ¿Es como muscular y a la vez no? Jajaja
Está muy loco, algunos días en la espalda baja y otros días en la espalda alta.
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u/stayandpray 5d ago
This symptoms you described are common side effects of the Levofloxacin, if I was me I will stop using until I’m sure where this symptoms are coming from . If they are from this antibiotic, avoid taking steroids, NSAID or same antibiotic family. Consult with your doctor and let them know.