Cipro has recently been linked to an increased risk of developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Personal injury attorneys are looking for potential plaintiffs to bring lawsuits against the pharmaceutical manufacturers for developing, manufacturing, and marketing an unreasonably dangerous medication.

Cipro, generically known as ciprofloxacin, is a popular antibiotic belonging to a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones, or quinolones. Quinolones are used to fight bacterial infections. Cipro is used by medical professionals to treat infections of the airways, bones, lungs, and joints and urinary tract. Ciprofloxacin fights these infections by preventing the multiplication of bacteria; it inhibits the reproduction and repair of the bacteria’s genetic material.

The most common side effects of using Cipro include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash and headache. Some patients may also experience more severe side effects such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.

What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. Although the exact cause of the disorder is unknown, medical professionals believe that it can be triggered by an allergic reaction to different medications or certain viral infections such as herpes, HIV and hepatitis. Medications that can trigger the disorder include anti-gout medications, pain relievers such as Advil and Motrin, and many types of antibiotics. Some people may be genetically pre-disposed to developing the disease based on the presence of a particular gene, HLA-B 2502. Persons of Chinese, Southeast Asian, or Indian descent are generally more likely to carry this gene than other ethnicities.

Overview of Symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome

In the beginning, signs of Stevens Johnson Syndrome generally appear as flu-like symptoms, including cough, sore throat, fever, fatigue, and burning eyes. Eventually symptoms become more physical and manifest in the form of facial swelling, tongue swelling, hives, a red or purple quickly spreading rash, and or blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. Patients experiencing any of these physical symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

In extremely serious cases, Stevens Johnson Syndrome can develop into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). TEN is characterized by the same symptoms as Stevens Johnson Syndrome but the disorder covers a much larger area of the body. In some cases patients may experience the sloughing off of large patches of skin.

Patients diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome usually require hospitalization. Admitted patients are treated in the hospital’s burn unit. Treatment is focused on relieving symptoms and keeping patients hydrated. Hospitalization can last for several weeks to months depending on the severity of symptoms.

Overview of Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawsuits

Multiple SJS lawsuits have been filed against pharmaceutical manufacturers linking serious adverse side affects to quinolones. These quinolone lawsuits allege that the drug manufacturers violated consumer protection laws. Claims against the companies might include negligence, breach of warranty, fraud and misrepresentation, and strict products liability. In some cases the spouses of victims may join lawsuits as a co-plaintiff in order to bring a loss of consortium claim, or loss of spousal intimacy. This is done in hopes of receiving a larger award or settlement.

Compensation received from these lawsuits will help victims pay extensive medical bills and will help compensate victims for their pain and suffering.