Avelox, generically known as moxifloxacin, is a popular antibiotic that is widely prescribed in the United States.

However, a serious and life-threatening Avelox skin reaction can result.

Avelox belongs to a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones, the first all-synthetic family of antibiotics. Other fluoroquinolones include Cipro and Levaquin. These drugs are generally considered antibiotics with less side effects.

Over 26 million Americans are prescribed some sort of of fluoroquinolones, including Avelox, each year.

By 2019, it is estimated that the fluoroquinolone class will generate more than $7 billion. Fluoroquinolones make up almost 17% of the antibiotic world market.

Many serious side effects have been connected with Avelox and other fluoroquinolones. These include aortic dissection, aortic aneurysms, nerve damage including peripheral neuropathy and tendon ruptures.

However, another life threatening side effect, including an Avelox skin reaction, may occur when taking the drug. The FDA issued a document that outlines a possible Stevens Johnson Syndrome reaction while taking Avelox.

Avelox was originally developed by Bayer and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1999. In the U.S. it is licensed for use to treat acute bacterial sinusitis, acute bronchitis, pneumonia, skin structure infections and complicated intra-abdominal infections.

What is an Avelox Skin Reaction?

While taking Avelox, patients may develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a severe and life-threatening Avelox skin reaction. SJS usually occurs in reaction to taking any one of several medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

SJS begins with symptoms similar to the flu. Then, this severe Avelox skin reaction develops into a painful rash with sores and blisters. The skin of an SJS patient begins to die and the epidermis separates from the dermis.

Some severe cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome can also cause blindness and organ damage, hurting the eyes and internal organs. SJS also attacks the mucous membranes of the body potentially causing eye complications like severe conjunctivitis, corneal blisters and vision loss.

In extreme cases, this Avelox skin reaction can progress into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, or TEN. When a patient develops TEN, much more of the surface area of the skin is affected, sometimes up to 100%.

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis has a mortality rate of 40% and both conditions should be addressed with the utmost of urgency. Both are considered serious enough that fatalities can occur. An Avelox skin reaction should be treated in a hospital when diagnosed.

When SJS and TEN are treated, physicians focus on minimizing complications and symptoms. Usually, Stevens Johnson Syndrome is treated in the burn unit of the hospital. Full recovery can take up to many months.

If you or a loved one has suffered from an Avelox skin reaction like Stevens Johnson Syndrome, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced Avelox skin reaction attorney can assess your case.