title: [Prospective analysis of adverse reactions with long-term levofloxacin use].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The safety of the long-term use of levofloxacin as an antibiotic has not previously been reported via a prospective study. This lack of evidence acts as a barrier for its use as an anti-tuberculosis drug.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cases with long-term levofloxacin use were prospectively followed at member hospitals of Ryoken. The frequency of adverse events is reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Of 91 total cases, 7 cases were reported to have adverse drug reactions that may or may not have been levofloxacin-related. Of these 7 cases, 5 reported arthralgia and muscle pain that occurred 37-157 days after starting levofloxacin. Of 49 bacillary-positive cases, 1 case died 1 month later, 1 case did not have a culture examination, and 47 cases showed culture conversion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Long-term levofloxacin use is likely to be safe; however, arthralgia should be monitored in these long-term users.
authors.forename: Naikakai
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ryoken
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D064704:Levofloxacin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D064704:Levofloxacin