Several fluoroquinolone drugs have been linked to cases of Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS) as well as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), the more severe form of SJS.

Levaquin (levofloxacin) is one of the most frequently listed antibiotics in fluoroquinolone lawsuits against drug manufacturers.

Fluoroquinolones are strong antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, sinus infections, and conjunctivitis. As effective as they can be, thousands of adverse side effects and deaths have been reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning drugs such as Levaquin.

SJS and TEN

SJS is a rare but dangerous reaction to a drug. It begins with flu-like symptoms and a red or purplish rash, but develops into severe blistering that causes the skin to burn from the inside out. The top layer of the skin dies and may peel off. SJS can also affect mucous membranes such as the eyes, mouth, and genital areas. SJS requires immediate hospitalization, and recovery may take several months.

When the blistering covers more than 10-30 percent of the body, the condition is diagnosed as TEN. TEN is more severe than SJS, sometimes covering 90 percent of the body. The blistering may become so severe that the skin literally falls off in sheets. This leaves the body more exposed to secondary infections and sepsis.

About 40 percent of TEN patients die from the complications associated with the drug reaction while roughly one out of 20 SJS cases are fatal. If treatment is successful, patients may be left with painful scarring or be left blind if the condition reaches the eyes.

Levaquin Side Effects

Fluoroquinolone drugs like Levaquin have been liked to cases of SJS and TEN. Levaquin allegedly caused a 78-year-old woman to develop a dangerous case of TEN.

One study on Levaquin side effects found that women over 60 have a higher risk of developing Levaquin SJS. Of the 331 Levaquin SJS cases examined in the study, 95 percent of the cases developed only after one month of Levaquin use. All 331 cases eventually turned into TEN cases.

The Levaquin SJS study also found that nearly 30,000 patients experienced negative Levaquin side effects, including SJS and TEN.

Over 2,000 lawsuits have been filed by victims of alleged Levaquin side effects. In addition to SJS and TEN, other Levaquin side effects may include liver toxicity or liver failure.

Cipro and Avelox have also been names in fluoroquinolone SJS lawsuits. Fluoroquinolone SJS victims may be able to take legal action against drug manufacturers who have allegedly failed to warn against potential SJS side effects. Other SJS lawsuits have been filed against hospitals or treating physicians who allegedly mistreated the patient or failed to diagnose SJS in an adequate amount of time.