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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Could Cause Unusual Headache When Being On Levofloxacin?

I was on Levofloxaxin about 5 weeks ago. About 5-6 days in, I started with an unusual headache, when I would bend over. Lasted about a week, now have been left with just a nagging mild to moderate headache on the sides of my head. I don t usually get any headaches. -- I m an RN. Seemed like too long to have a persistent headache. I went to see my Oncologist today, as I had a mastectomy for breast cancer 1 & 1/2 years ago, wondering whether the headache could be at all related to cancer. He made me feel foolish for even asking, said I had DCIS cancer which would not spread like that. However, I had positive breast margins that went to my chest wall, so it always leaves me a nagging thought, if you get a weird symptom like this now. -- I will see my Primary Care tomorrow, to ask what he thinks, such as could it just be a continued reaction from Levaquin? I am 60 years old, and from what I now read, headaches seem more common in older females like me, with Levaquin.
Thu, 24 Jan 2019
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Neurologist 's  Response
Hello,

Levofloxacin can in some rare cases cause a headache, though it's a rare side effect, in about 6% of patients. If that is the case it is usually benign and subsides gradually once the treatment is over.

Of course, there may also be other causes like a tension-type headache, high blood pressure, viral infection etc. Seems unlikely to be related to cancer.

It is good you are seeing your primary tomorrow to make sure there are no other signs you might have missed. Some routine blood tests may be done and if a headache persists brain imaging might be scheduled.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Olsi Taka,
Neurologist
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What Could Cause Unusual Headache When Being On Levofloxacin?

Hello, Levofloxacin can in some rare cases cause a headache, though it s a rare side effect, in about 6% of patients. If that is the case it is usually benign and subsides gradually once the treatment is over. Of course, there may also be other causes like a tension-type headache, high blood pressure, viral infection etc. Seems unlikely to be related to cancer. It is good you are seeing your primary tomorrow to make sure there are no other signs you might have missed. Some routine blood tests may be done and if a headache persists brain imaging might be scheduled. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Olsi Taka, Neurologist