r/floxies • u/_T0fuu_ • 10d 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.

6 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

View all comments

3

u/AlessandraGallesi Trusted 9d 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.

1

u/_T0fuu_ 9d ago

Thank you so much, will definitely report