Avelox, a synthetic antibiotic, can result in mild allergic reactions, but according to the FDA it has also been linked with the painful and even fatal allergic reaction known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Avelox Basics

Avelox (moxifloxacin) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Avelox is in the fourth generation of this family of antibiotics, which are the first entirely synthetic family of antibiotics.

The first generation of these drugs was manufactured in the 1960s. Researchers hoped that their synthetic nature would bring about fewer side effects in patients.

However, despite this hope, researchers found that Avelox and others in its family have about the same number of side effects as other antibiotics.

One of these potential side effects  is Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA published a document advising consumers and the medical community that Avelox may cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome. The FDA documentation referred to the reaction as a “severe skin rash.” While this may not sound like the most terrible allergic reaction, the condition is extremely severe and can even be fatal.

Avelox Allergic Reaction

The serious side effect Stevens Johnson Syndrome has been associated with a number of different antibiotic medications, including Avelox.

If an antibiotic side effect or allergic reaction appears to be bothersome (painful, getting in the way of daily activities) or otherwise serious, immediately seek medical help. In some cases, patients may need to be taken off the antibiotic, but in other cases the allergic reactions are manageable and can be treated while on the original antibiotic treatment.

Mild antibiotic allergic reactions are usually a simple skin rash or something similar. However, it is important to note that these kinds of antibiotic side effects can progress into something more harmful, or even fatal.

What is Moxifloxacin SJS?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a life-threatening skin condition, 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. SJS is often treated in a hospital’s burn unit due to these similarities.

At first, Avelox SJS 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.

SJS 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 (still a concerning number), the rate of fatalities in TEN cases is 40 percent.

Avelox SJS Lawsuits

Avelox lawsuits accuse Bayer, the company responsible for the manufacture of the drug, of downplaying the severity of Avelox side effects like 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 Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis after taking Avelox or a similar drug, you may have reason to file an Avelox SJS lawsuit.