Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) is one of the most popular fluoroquinolone drugs in the United States, commonly prescribed to treat urinary tract infections.

Fluoroquinolones are a popular group of antibiotics approved to treat a variety of conditions, with Cipro being one of the most well known.

However like most antibiotics, Cipro comes with a range of medication side effects patients are instructed to look out for with Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) being one of the most prominent.

Stevens Johnson rash is perhaps one of the most alarming medication side effects patients can experience, because it often leads to more life threatening conditions such as respiratory difficulties and organ damage.

Even though there are only about 300 cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome diagnosed per year, each case is significant and is potentially fatal.

At this point in time, doctors are unsure as to why only certain patients suffer SJS reactions but believe it is linked to how the patient’s metabolic process reactions to the drug.

Experts also believe that any drug sensitivity and patients of eastern Asian descent may also be more likely to suffer Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Overview of Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an extremely rare and devastating allergic reaction, specifically caused by one or more medications.

This condition is often characterized by Stevens Johnson rash, with the lesions taking up to 30% of the body’s skin. The lesions can also appear on the mucus membranes of the body including: eyes, mouth, lips, tongue, throat, and even anus.

Stevens Johnson rash causes the skin to detach from the body, exposing inner tissue and muscle to possible infection. Stevens Johnson Syndrome can be potentially fatal, with approximately 5% to 15% of severe cases resulting in death.

In the most serious cases SJS can develop into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), in which the lesions take up to 90% of skin surface area.

Patients can often identify SJS at an early stage if they begin suffering flu symptoms, shortly after being prescribed the medication.

Oftentimes SJS patients need to be treated in the burn units of hospitals, due to the need for skin grafts. However, even if patients survive their Stevens Johnson Syndrome ordeal, some form of blindness and vision damage can be expected.

In addition, SJS survivors have to be vigilant against any signs of recurrence.

At this point in time, over 100 drugs have been linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome with Cipro being named in these reports.

Despite the severity of this condition and the numerous injury reports, the FDA has not required manufacturing companies to include SJS on the list of Cipro medication side effects.

A number of former Cipro patients have filed legal action against the manufacturing companies, for failing to protect them against the drug’s problems. Potential claimants should contact a specialized lawyer, to determine if they are eligible to file a Cipro lawsuit.