Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is one of the most popular antibiotics in the United States, but it has been linked to a handful of cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS). Cipro is a part of the medication group called quinolones, with other drugs in this class being potentially linked to SJS in patients.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a severe allergic skin reaction, specifically caused by medications. It is often characterized by the red or purple skin lesions that appear on the skin, later peeling off and exposing inner tissue and muscle to the possibility of infection.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome progresses quickly and can be fatal if not treated in time, so any medications indicated to cause this condition should include it on the warning label. Despite being a very rare condition, Cipro has been indicated to be a potential trigger for SJS in multiple patients.

According to a case study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, eight cases of SJS were observed in Sweden between 1988 and 2000. In the study, the researchers observed a potential connection between Ciprofloxacin and Stevens Johnson Syndrome. The researchers estimated that .045 per 100,000 patients are effected by Cipro SJS.

In a more recent survey listed on the popular medication side effects website ehealthme, thousands of side effect reports were gathered from patients who submitted them through social media or the FDA.

The survey indicated at as of 5,481 patients who were prescribed Ciprofloxacin, February 21, 2016, 23 (.42%) patients reportedly developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome after taking Cipro. While these results are from self report and FDA data and are not from clinical studies, they may give an idea of how SJS may occur following Cipro use.

Overview of Cipro SJS Association

Ciprofloxacin is the most popular of the quinolone antibiotics, making up 80% of fluuoroquinolone prescriptions and is prescribed to about 20 million Americans per year. Approved by the FDA in 1990 and manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Cipro became a popular choice to treat respiratory infections and urinary tract infections.

There are currently six quinolones approved by the FDA under brand and generic names, and takes up about 16.6% of the global market for antibiotics. However with Cipro being one of the most popular quinolones, it is concerning to see a potential association with Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

As mentioned before, SJS can be potentially fatal and can leave patients with life-altering conditions. Oftentimes survivors are left with permanent skin damage and some degree of blindness, and may be vulnerable for recurrence. Due to the nature of these injuries, patients often need to be treated in the burn unit of hospitals to replenish lost flesh.

Cipro patients should be wary for any signs of flu, as they are the beginning symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Furthermore if SJS were to occur, usually it would be within the first two to eight weeks of starting the medication.

Cipro patients who may have developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome may be eligible to file legal action against Bayer for failing to warn them against the condition. Potential claimants should contact a specialized lawyer to see if they qualify to file an SJS lawsuit.