A synthetic antibiotic known as Avelox has been linked with a serious side effect called Avelox Stevens Johnson Syndrome, which can have devastating effects.

Avelox Stevens Johnson Syndrome can be fatal, and even those who recover from the condition can be left with injuries or scarring.

Avelox Background

Avelox (also known by its generic name, moxifloxacin) is a synthetic antibiotic called a fluoroquinolone.

Avelox is the fourth generation in this antibiotic class, which were created in the hope that their synthetic properties would result in fewer side effects for patients taking them.

However, Avelox and others like it have been linked with just as many side effects as those from other drugs.

While many of these side effects are mild, which is to be expected of any drug, one complication in particular is Avelox Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised consumers and the medical community about the risk of Avelox Stevens Johnson Syndrome, referring to the condition as a “severe skin rash.”

Indeed, Avelox Stevens Johnson Syndrome begins as what may seem like a normal skin rash side effect which could go away on its own, but can quickly develop into a dangerous, painful, widespread condition that can become permanently damaging or even fatal.

Avelox Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Avelox Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a life-threatening skin condition that can be caused by taking Avelox and other drugs, and symptoms of this disease should be considered a medical emergency.

The skin condition is essentially an allergic reaction to moxifloxacin, but can become so severe the symptoms resemble burns.

Avelox Stevens Johnson Syndrome is often treated in a hospital’s burn unit due to these similarities.

At first, Avelox Stevens Johnson Syndrome symptoms may be similar to those of the flu. Patients who have SJS report chills, body aches, and fevers, which by themselves are not altogether concerning.

It is important to be highly aware of these symptoms, however, because if they lead to SJS, the condition can be fatal.

If the condition does progress, a purple or red rash spreads quickly across the skin, blistering and letting the top layer of skin die and shed off.

Avelox Stevens Johnson Syndrome rashes are painful, and can cover up to 30 percent of the body.

If more than 30 percent of the body is covered in these rashes, the condition is referred to as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, or TEN.

TEN is simply a more severe and dangerous form of SJS, and comes with a greater risk of fatality. While the SJS mortality rate is at 15 percent the rate of fatalities in TEN cases is 40 percent.

Avelox Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawsuits

Avelox Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuits accuse Bayer, the company responsible for the drug, of downplaying the severity of Avelox side effects like Avelox Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Plaintiffs claim that, had they been adequately warned of the dangers surrounding moxifloxacin, they would have chosen a safer alternative.

If you have experienced Stevens Johnson Syndrome or other serious symptoms after taking Avelox, you should seek medical help immediately.

If you or someone you know has experienced these symptoms or has been diagnosed with Avelox Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis after taking Avelox or a similar drug, you may have reason to file a Avelox Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuit.