Fluoroquinolone drugs have been the focus of several lawsuits concerning adverse side effects, ranging from liver problems to skin conditions. One of these drugs, Avelox (moxifloxacin), has been associated with several cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome or SJS.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome

SJS is an autoimmune disease that attacks the skin. SJS symptoms begin as flu-like symptoms and then develop into a painful red or purplish rash. This rash then spreads across the body and turns into severe blisters. These painful blisters often cause the patient to lose skin. SJS causes the skin to literally burn off from the inside out. The open wounds leave the body open to secondary infections and diseases, as well as sepsis (blood infection).

SJS is traditionally caused by an allergic reaction to a drug such as Avelox. It is treatable with immediate hospitalization, which may last up to several months depending on the severity of the case. Five to 15 percent of SJS cases are fatal.

SJS only covers up to 30 percent of the body. If the rash, blisters, and skin loss exceed past that percentage, the diagnosis changes to Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). TEN is considerably more painful and dangerous than SJS. Some TEN patients have had 90 percent of their skin affected by painful blisters.

While SJS can cause some skin loss, TEN can cause sheets of skin to slough off from the body. This leaves the patient particularly open to secondary infections. TEN patients are often treated in burn wards due to the severity of the wounds. Thirty to 40 percent of TEN patients die from the condition.

SJS and TEN may also affect the mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and pubic area. Some patients are left blind if the blisters spread to the eyes. Most patients are left with permanent scars and may suffer from organ damage, as well as other SJS side effects.

Avelox has also been associated with toxic epidermal necrolysis as well. Though both TEN and SJS are relatively rare conditions, the severity of both conditions has caused the medical community to be concerned.

Avelox SJS Side Effects

Fluoroquinolone drugs are strong antibiotics used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. They have become more commonly used across the nation due to the rising number of bacterial infections.

Avelox, Levaquin, Cipro and other fluoroquinolone drugs have been under investigation for causing alleged SJS side effects. SJS lawsuits have been filed by countless individuals throughout the country in order to win compensation to pay for medical bills, loss of enjoyment of life, or sometimes as wrongful death SJS lawsuits. Plaintiffs have already won millions of dollars in TEN or SJS lawsuits against major drug manufacturers.