Drug Safety: Investigation of Antibiotic Levaquin Leads to J&J Lawsuits

According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, the antibiotic Levaquin is at the center of three civil suits against the company Johnson & Johnson.  The suits claim that Levaquin, which was supported by Johnson & Johnson and its Ortho McNeil division for use in the treatment of bacterial infections, was known by the company to lead to ruptured tendons and tendonitis.  Approximately one year ago, the FDA required that the company place warning labels on the antibiotic, associated with these possible side effects.  The principle lawyer for the plaintiff is alleging that Johnson & Johnson and Ortho McNeil increased their profits by persuading doctors to recommend Levaquin for the treatment of bacterial infections instead of other more mild drugs.