PHILADELPHIA — A couple's lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, Janssen Research & Development LLC and Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. cites alleged breach of implied warranty, failure to warn, fraud, negligence, negligent misrepresentation and product liability.
Tony Brown Sr. and Elizabeth Brown filed a complaint on July 13 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against the defendants, alleging that they failed to provide proper warnings about taking Levaquin.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that in February 2004, one plaintiff was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy after Levaquin was prescribed. The plaintiffs hold the defendants responsible because they allegedly failed to provide adequate warning on Levaquin's label regarding the potential side effects of the drug.
A spokesperson for Janssen, Jessica Castles Smith, released the following statement:
"At Janssen, our first priority is the well-being of the people who use our medicines.
"LEVAQUIN® (levofloxacin) is part of an important fluoroquinolone class of anti-infective prescription medications that has been used for nearly 20 years to treat infections, including those that may be serious or life threatening. Since it was first approved in 1996, the LEVAQUIN® label has provided information on the benefits and risks associated with the medication, including warnings and precautions.
"We continually monitor the safety and efficacy of all our medicines and, in cooperation with the U.S. FDA and other health authorities, we update our product labels with new information so doctors and patients can make informed decisions.
"We will vigorously defend against the claims in these litigations."
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek general and special damages, all medical expenses, interest, a full refund of all purchase costs for FLQ drugs, compensatory damages, consequential damages, punitive damages, court costs and any further relief this court grants.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Case number 2:16-cv-03790-TJS