Avelox (moxifloxacin) is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. It is used to treat different bacterial infections that invade the skin, sinuses, lungs or stomach.

Like with most drugs, some people taking Avelox experience side effects, which can include Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

What Is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Avelox rash can progress to a frighteningly severe allergic reaction to the medication called Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Sometimes mistaken for the flu because it begins with a fever and rash, Stevens Johnson Syndrome can progress to blistering, painful skin peeling, and open sores. It can be fatal in 5% to 15% of cases. The skin experiences an excruciating chemical-like burn from the inside out.

Because Stevens Johnson Syndrome can effect the eyes, it can even cause blindness.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome, if not caught and treated, can quickly progress to full-blown Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), causing victims to shed large sheets of skin that come off of the body in addition to painful sores in the mouth, eyes and vagina.

These mucous membranes react the same way the skin does, by filling up with fluid generated by the immune system in a severe allergic reaction to the medication.

When large areas of raw skin are exposed, the chances of the patient developing infection, sepsis (blood infection) and death increase. With TEN, over 30 percent of the skin is affected.

Only 300 new cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome are diagnosed each year in the United States, but they are all linked to medications, and the cause can be an antibiotic such as Avelox.

In many instances, a class action lawsuit against the drug manufacturer is the only way patients receive compensation for their medical bills, pain and suffering and other expenses.

Avelox Side Effects

The FDA warns that Avelox side effects can also include the swelling or tearing of a tendon, the tough connective tissue that connects muscle to bone. Areas that are susceptible to such Avelox side effects include hands, shoulders and the Achilles’ tendons of the heels.

Avelox side effects can include dizziness, seizures, tremors, confusion, suicidal thoughts or actions, nightmares and vision loss.

Avelox rash can be indicative of an allergic reaction as expressed above in addressing Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Other symptoms of a severe allergic reaction are:

• Hives
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of the lips, tongue or face
• Throat tightness, hoarseness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Faint
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

Avelox can cause a rare heart problem called prolongation of the QT interval, which can result in a dangerous, abnormal heartbeat.

Avelox side effects can even include permanent nerve damage to nerves in the arms, hands, legs or feet. Symptoms of nerve damage include pain, burning, tingling, numbness or weakness.

The most common Avelox side effects are nausea and diarrhea.

Avelox Rash

Never ignore Avelox rash as “just a rash” because it is unpredictable which rash could become Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

If you or someone you know has taken Avelox and had a severe allergic reaction such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome, you could benefit from a class action lawsuit to compensate you for lost wages, pain and suffering, hospital bills and other expenses.