MONDAY, June 20 (HealthDay News) -- The first generic versions
of levofloxacin, prescribed under the brand name Levaquin, have
been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The antibiotic is sanctioned for infections of the skin,
sinuses, kidneys, bladder or prostate, as well as certain strains
of bacterial bronchitis or pneumonia, the agency said in a news
release.
The generic versions, licensed to be produced by 12
manufacturers, is chemically equivalent to the brand-name drug. It
belongs to a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones, which have a
boxed label warning for increased risk of tendonitis and tendon
rupture. The risk is higher among people 60 and older, among people
who take corticosteroid drugs, and among people who have had
kidney, heart or lung transplants, the FDA said.
More information
To learn more about this drug, visit the U.S.
National Library of Medicine.