Lomefloxacin, also known as Maxaquin, a popular antibiotic has been associated with risks of developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome. SJS is a serious reaction that affects a person’s skin and mucous membranes.

Victims who have developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome allegedly as a result of taking lomefloxacin have begun filing lawsuits in hopes of receiving compensation for their pain and suffering.

Lomefloxacin is a popular antibiotic used to treat bacteria infections including sinus infections, lung infections, urinary tract infections, ear infections, and conjunctivitis. Lomefloxacin is one of many quinolone antibiotics that have gained popularity over the last decade.

What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Steven Johnson Syndrome usually occurs as a reaction to medication or an infection. This rare but serious disorder can often begin with flu like symptoms.

Victims may experience fever, sore mouth and throat, fatigue, cough, and/or burning eyes. Several days later dermatological symptoms begin to develop in the form of a red or purple rash that spreads quickly across the body, facial swelling, blisters on the mucous membranes, hives, and tongue swelling. Medical professionals advise patients experiencing any of these dermatological symptoms to seek medical attention immediately.

Left untreated, Stevens Johnson Syndrome may develop into toxic epidermal necrolysis. Toxic epidermal necrolysis is characterized by the same symptoms as SJS but generally affects a much larger portion of the body.

Patients suffering from Stevens Johnson Syndrome generally have damage of 10 percent or less of the body while toxic epidermal necrolysis usually covers upwards of 30 percent. Overlap exists between the two classifications when 10-29 percent of the body is affected. Both disorders can result in large sheets of skin sloughing off the body which greatly increases a patient’s chance of developing complications.

Initially, Stevens Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis were described as an eruption of the skin that resembled scalding and treatment for the skin disorder usually takes place in the burn unit of a hospital. Many patients are forced to spend weeks to months recovering in hospitals. Treatment is often focused on terminating the underlying cause and alleviating a patient’s symptoms.

Although researchers are uncertain of the exact cause of Stevens Johnson Syndrome , they believe it is often induced by an allergic reaction to certain medications. Drugs that can cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome include pain relievers like Tylenol and Advil, and quinolone antibiotics like lomefloxacin.

Various infections like herpes, pneumonia and HIV can also cause the serious skin disorder to occur. Medical professionals believe genetic factors may contribute to medication-induced disorders and warn relatives of victims to avoid using suspected drugs.

Lomefloxacin and other Quinolone Lawsuits

Many quinolones like lomefloxacin have recently received greater scrutiny. Patients who suffered serious side effects from taking the drugs are claiming the pharmaceutical companies failed to warn the medical community and general public about the risks associated with taking the medication. The quinolone lawsuits generally allege that pharmaceutical companies violated consumer protection laws and victims are asking for monetary compensation as a result.