Description

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Skin and skin structure infections that are particularly difficult to treat
A total of 399 individuals with complex skin and skin structure infections participated in an open-label, randomized, comparative trial. Patients were assigned at random to receive either LEVAQUIN(R) 750 mg once daily (IV followed by oral) or an approved comparator for a mean SD of 10 4.7 days. Surgical operations were done in both the LEVAQUIN(R) and comparator groups, as is customary for treating complex skin and skin structure infections. An crucial aspect of therapy for this indication, surgery (incision and drainage or debridement) was done on 45% of the LEVAQUIN(R) -treated patients and 44% of the comparator-treated patients either just before or during antimicrobial treatment.
Overall success rates (improved or cured) were 116/138 (84.1%) for patients treated with LEVAQUIN(R) and 106/132 (80.3%) for patients treated with the comparator, among those who could be examined clinically 2-5 days following the completion of study treatment.

The success rate varies from 68% in patients with infected ulcers to 90% in individuals with infected wounds and abscesses. These results were on line with those seen with similar medicines.