Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is one of the most devastating side effects a patient can suffer after taking a medication, often resulting in life changing injuries or even death.

There are currently over 100 different medications linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome, but experts warn that any drug allergic reaction can induce the condition. Several drugs have been reportedly linked to this condition, including the popular quinolone antibiotic Cipro (Ciprofloxacin).

Cipro is one of the most popular quinolone antibiotics, prescribed to treat a variety of bacterial infections with it being a primary treatment choice for urinary tract infections.

While this drug has treated numerous patients, Cipro and other quinolones have been repeatedly linked to a number of severe side effects, including Stevens Johnson Syndrome. SJS typically occurs within the first two to eight weeks of starting the medication, with beginning symptoms that are similar to the flu.

It is followed by the appearance of red or purple skin lesions , which typically consumes up to 30 percent of the skin surface area. In more extreme cases, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) develops at a faster and more aggressive rate with the skin lesions consuming up to 90 percent of the body’s skin.

The skin lesions cause the skin to detach and peel off, exposing internal tissue and muscle to potential infection. These lesions can also appear in the patient’s mouth, eyes, lips, and other mucus membranes of the body.

However as the symptoms progress, patients could experience organ damage, eyesight failure, and even death. Patients who start experience any adverse or allergic symptoms after taking Cipro or any other antibiotics, should report to their doctors immediately and be prepared for a long treatment process.

The symptoms of Steven Johnson Syndrome can cause difficulties in basic functions like: eating, swallowing, and even urination making the recovery process vital.

Overview of Stevens Johnson Syndrome Treatment

Most cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome are usually treated in the burn units of hospitals to replenish lost skin, which can typically be regrown in several days. Oftentimes physicians will immediately stop any drugs that may have induced the reaction.

SJS patients can expect a number of care measures while recovering in the hospital including: fluid replacement and nutrition, tending to the blisters, and constant supervision on the patient’s eyesight. The recovery time for SJS patients can vary from several weeks to several months depending on the severity and prognosis of the Stevens Johnson Syndrome infection.

Even when patients recover from this condition, they are sometimes left with permanent skin damage or some degree of blindness.

Medical experts advise that patients identify which medication induced their SJS reaction and wear a medical alert bracelet that states they have had Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Patients or family of patients who suffered Stevens Johnson Syndrome may be able to seek medical compensation from the drug’s manufacturing companies for allegedly failing to warn them against the SJS reaction. Potential claimants should contact a specialized lawyer, to determine if they are eligible for legal action.