Patient Assistance Programs for Levaquin. Patient assistance programs (PAPs) are usually sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and provide free or discounted medicines to low income or uninsured and under-insured people who meet specific guidelines.
Full Answer
Can Levaquin be used to treat lung infection?
Upsides Levaquin may be used to treat infections of the skin, sinuses, kidneys, bladder, and prostate caused by susceptible bacteria. Levaquin may also be used to treat certain types of lung infections. May be given as a preventive measure when people have been exposed to anthrax.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Levaquin?
Do not breastfeed while taking Levaquin and for 2 days after. If you miss a dose and it is 8 hours or more before your next dose, then take the missed dose. If it is less than 8 hours, skip that dose and just go back to your regular dosing schedule. Tell your doctor about any other medical issues you have and what medications you take.
What tests should be performed before using Levaquin?
Culture and sensitivity tests should be performed to determine the susceptibility of the organism to Levaquin before using it. May disturb blood glucose levels in people with diabetes; careful monitoring of blood glucose is required.
How long does it take for Levaquin to work for UTI?
Peak levels are reached within one to two hours but it may take up to three days before symptoms of the infection begin to resolve. Take Levaquin for the entire course prescribed, unless side effects prevent you from doing so and your doctor has advised you to stop taking it. 7.
Is Levaquin an expensive antibiotic?
Used for Skin Infection, Eye Infection, and more… Levofloxacin (Levaquin) is a moderately expensive drug used to treat bacterial infections, and is also used for sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. It is slightly less popular than comparable drugs. It is available in generic and brand versions.
What is Levaquin 500 mg used for?
Levofloxacin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections.
Why was Levaquin taken off the market?
“The decision to discontinue LEVAQUIN was made due to the wide availability of alternative treatment options, and our focus on developing innovative medicines designed to address unmet medical patient needs,” said Kelsey Buckholtz, a spokeswoman for Janssen in an email to RTV6.
What foods should be avoided when taking levofloxacin?
However, if an upset stomach occurs, levofloxacin may be taken with food. Avoid dairy products such as milk and yogurt for at least 2 hours before and after taking the medicine. If you take vitamins or antacids such as Tums or Maalox, take them 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking levofloxacin.
Is levofloxacin 500mg a strong antibiotic?
Both Levaquin and amoxicillin are “strong” antibiotics, and both are used to treat infections of the lungs, airways, skin, urinary tract, and ears.
What bacteria does Levaquin treat?
Levofloxacin (Levaquin) is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent with a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and atypical respiratory pathogens. It is active against both penicillin-susceptible and penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae.
How quickly does Levaquin work?
6. Response and effectiveness. Peak levels are reached within one to two hours but it may take up to three days before symptoms of the infection begin to resolve.
What are the most common side effects of Levaquin?
Common side effects of Levaquin include:nausea,vomiting,diarrhea,headache,constipation,difficulty sleeping (insomnia),dizziness,abdominal pain,More items...
Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Uses
This medication is a quinolone antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections (e.g., urinary tract infections, skin infections, respiratory tract infections).
How To Use
Take by mouth, usually once daily with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Take this medication 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking any medications containing magnesium or aluminum.
Side Effects
Nausea, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, vomiting, change in taste, headache or dizziness may occur. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Precautions
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: heart problems (e.g. QTc prolongation, torsades de pointes).
Drug Interactions
Before taking this drug, tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription drugs you may take especially of: antacids, other antibiotics, bismuth subsalicylate, "blood thinner" (e.g., warfarin), diabetes medication (e.g., glyburide, insulin), didanosine, NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin), quinapril, sucralfate, theophylline, live vaccines, vitamins/minerals (e.g., magnesium, aluminum, iron, zinc).
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
What tests should be performed to determine the susceptibility of the organism to Levaquin before using it?
Culture and sensitivity tests should be performed to determine the susceptibility of the organism to Levaquin before using it. May disturb blood glucose levels in people with diabetes; careful monitoring of blood glucose is required.
How to prevent crystals in urine?
Ensure you keep hydrated while taking Levaquin to prevent crystal formation in your urine. Drink plenty of fluids.
What is the trade name for levofloxacin?
Levaquin is a brand (trade) name for levofloxacin.
How old do you have to be to take Levaquin?
Should only be used by adults (at least 18 years old). The only indicated for pediatric patients aged 6 months and older is the prevention of inhalational anthrax and for plague. Levaquin has caused arthropathy and osteochondrosis in juvenile animal studies.
What are the side effects of fluoroquinolone?
Other serious adverse effects include allergic pneumonitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, hepatitis, anemia, and serious hypersensitivity reactions. An increased risk of aortic aneurysm and dissection has been reported in the first two months of fluoroquinolone use, particularly in elderly patients.
Can you take Levaquin with kidney disease?
Be careful when using Levaquin in people with kidney disease. A dosage adjustment is needed for patients with CLCR less than 50 mL/minute. Liver disease is not expected to alter the pharmacokinetics of Leva quin.
Does Levaquin cause nerve pain?
Tendonitis and tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain in fingers and toes), and central nervous system effects (side effects that affect the brain including psychosis, convulsions, hallucinations) have been associated with Levaquin and other fluoroquinolones.
Who is Prescription Hope?
Prescription Hope is a nationally recognized prescription medication access program, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Prescription Hope offers access to over 1,500 brand-name medications through patient assistance programs. All you pay is a set service fee of $50 for each medication per month. This includes 100% of the medication cost, no matter the retail price.
Do I Qualify For Levaquin Patient Assistance With Prescription Hope?
Prescription Hope works with thousands of Americans every month, obtaining prescription medications on their behalf for the set price of $50.00 per month per medication.
Is Prescription Hope A Levaquin Coupon Card, Generic, Or Insurance Product?
Prescription Hope is not a Levaquin coupon card or insurance policy. Our program is also not a Levaquin Generic. Prescription Hope is a national advocacy program that works with any coverage you may already have. Although Prescription Hope is not a Levaquin coupon, individuals looking for a Levaquin coupon can find more savings through Prescription Hope!
Can Prescription Hope Get My Levaquin If I Have Health Insurance Coverage?
Because Prescription Hope is not a health insurance plan, our program works alongside any coverage you may currently have to obtain your Levaquin medication at an affordable price. Our national advocacy program does not have medication tiers, copays, or deductibles.
What is the purpose of Levaquin?
Levaquin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that is prescribed to treat certain types of bacterial infections. This medication should only be used if safer antibiotics do not work for the type of infection you have.
Important Note
- The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. LEVOFLOXACIN - ORAL (lev-oh-FLOX-uh-sin) CO…
Uses
- This medication is a quinolone antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections (e.g., urinary tract infections, skin infections, respiratory tract infections).
How to Use
- Take by mouth, usually once daily with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Take this medication 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking any medications containing magnesium or aluminum. Some examples include quinapril, didanosine, vitamins/minerals, and antacids. Sucra…
Side Effects
- Nausea, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, vomiting, change in taste, headache or dizziness may occur. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: "sunburn" (sun sensitivity), joint/muscle/tendon pain or swelling, vaginal discom...
Precautions
- This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: heart problems (e.g. QTc prolongation, torsades de pointes). Before taking this medication, tell your doctor your medical history especially of: allergies (especially to quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin), kidney disease…
Drug Interactions
- Before taking this drug, tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription drugs you may take especially of: antacids, other antibiotics, bismuth subsalicylate, "blood thinner" (e.g., warfarin), diabetes medication (e.g., glyburide, insulin), didanosine, NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin), quinapril, sucralfate, theophylline, live vaccines, vitamins/minerals (e.g., magnesium, aluminum, iron, zinc)…
Notes
- This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or share it with someone else. A different medication may be needed in those cases. Patients with diabetes may experience changes in blood glucose levels due to infection or use of this medication. Monitor your blood glucose frequently while using this medication and notify yo…
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep container tightly closed. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
How It Works
Upsides
- Levaquin may be used to treat infections of the skin, sinuses, kidneys, bladder, and prostate caused by susceptible bacteria. However, it is usually only used to treat urinary tract infections, chr...
- Levaquin may also be used to treat certain types of lung infections, such as community-acquired pneumonia and nosocomial pneumonia due to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococc…
- Levaquin may be used to treat infections of the skin, sinuses, kidneys, bladder, and prostate caused by susceptible bacteria. However, it is usually only used to treat urinary tract infections, chr...
- Levaquin may also be used to treat certain types of lung infections, such as community-acquired pneumonia and nosocomial pneumonia due to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus.
- May be given as a preventive measure when people have been exposed to anthrax and for the treatment of plague.
- May be used to treat chronic bacterial prostatitis due to certain organisms.
Downsides
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. A headache, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. 2. Tendonitis and tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain in fingers and toes), and central nervous system effects (side effects tha…
Bottom Line
- Levaquin treats a wide range of bacterial infections; however, it can cause some very severe and potentially irreversible side effects and should only be used to treat infections that have not responded to alternative treatment options.
Tips
- Oral Levaquin tablets can be administered without regard to food. Take oral Levaquin solution one hour before or two hours after food. Take exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Take at least two hours before or two hours after antacids or preparations containing iron or zinc.
- Should be taken exactly as directed until the course is finished to reduce the risk of resistant …
- Oral Levaquin tablets can be administered without regard to food. Take oral Levaquin solution one hour before or two hours after food. Take exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Take at least two hours before or two hours after antacids or preparations containing iron or zinc.
- Should be taken exactly as directed until the course is finished to reduce the risk of resistant bacteria developing, unless side effects force early discontinuation.
- If you miss a dose and it is 8 hours or more before your next dose, then take the missed dose. If it is less than 8 hours, skip that dose and just go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Response and Effectiveness
- Peak levels are reached within one to two hours but it may take up to three days before symptoms of the infection begin to resolve.
- Take Levaquin for the entire course prescribed, unless side effects prevent you from doing so and your doctor has advised you to stop taking it.
Interactions
- Medicines that interact with Levaquin may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Levaquin. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be mana…
References
- Levaquin (levofloxacin) [Package Insert]. Revised 01/2021. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. https://www.drugs.com/pro/levaquin.html
Further Information
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Levaquin only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Copyright 1996-2022 Drugs.com. Revision date: May 2, 2022. Medical Disclaimer