Fluoroquinolones, or quinolones, are a popular group of antibiotics that are some of the most widely prescribed drugs in the nation. And, they are some of the most commonly reported drugs for triggering the dangerous skin reaction Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

The result has been product liability lawsuits against various pharmaceutical companies. Among these quinolone antibiotic drugs is Maxaquin, also known as Lomefloxacin.

Maxaquin is a quinolone antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including bronchitis and urinary tract infections. The brand name of this medication is discontinued, but generic versions may be available.

Maxaquin is also used to prevent UTIs prior to surgery. Patients who use Maxaquin to treat a urinary tract infection may be at risk for a deadly skin reaction known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a serious, sometimes life-threatening skin disease. The most common cause of Stevens Johnson Syndrome and related Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is through an allergic drug reaction. Stevens Johnson Syndrome and TEN are mild-to-life-threatening adverse reactions that have been described after exposure to fluoroquinolones or quinolone antibiotics such as Maxaquin.

That is often followed by blistering, usually in places such as the eyes, mouth, nose and genital areas. Mucous membranes become inflamed.

In some cases, a more severe form of SJS, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), may develop. TEN is diagnosed when a victim’s skin also begins to fall off in large amounts.

Quinolones and Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Quinolone antibiotics have been a concern for years over adverse side effects. The Maxaquin fluoroquinolone side effects may cause patients to be hospitalized, and leave victims to contend with numerous long-lasting consequences, such as SJS.

While a rare occurrence, Stevens Johnson Syndrome is devastating when it strikes, often leaving victims scarred and bed-ridden. Additionally, the rarity of Stevens Johnson Syndrome and TEN makes it especially dangerous to patients because doctors often do not recognize the SJS symptoms right away.

SJS symptoms normally appear within the first few weeks of starting the medication, and begin with flu-like symptoms. In almost all cases, Stevens Johnson Syndrome requires hospitalization and patients must be treated the same as burn victims.

While there are no statistics available to specifically address Maxaquin’s likelihood to cause this condition, there have been reported cases that indicate the possible correlation.

Maxaquin Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawsuits

There are approximately 300 new cases of SJS reported each year, which means it is a very rare occurrence among the billions of American patients. Because this condition is so rare, drug companies that manufacture quinolone antibiotics such as Maxaquin neglect to mention it on their product’s labels.