Ampicillin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic, has allegedly been linked with several cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a painful and often dangerous skin condition.

On July 1, eHealthMe.com published a study on the risks of developing SJS as a result of taking Ampicillin. According to the report, which draws on reports provided to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other sources, 484 patients reported experiencing SJS side effects when taking Ampicillin.

Of these patients, 12 reported developing SJS in less than a month after beginning their ampicillin treatment. Over 90 percent of ampicillin SJS victims were female consumers and three-quarters of all ampicillin SJS victims identified in this report were over the age of 60.

Because of the pain and suffering SJS victims endure, as well as the medical expenses associated with treating SJS, many alleged Ampicillin SJS victims may choose to file Stevens Johnson Syndrome class action lawsuits.

What is Ampicillin?

According to the 2013 World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines, ampicillin is listed as one of the most important medications necessary for basic health care. This drug belongs to a group of penicillin antibiotics and has roughly the same efficacy as amoxicillin.

Ampicillin is commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections, including ear, respiratory, and sinus infections. On occasion, it is also prescribed to treat urinary tract infections, meningitis, and salmonella infections.

Because of this antibiotic’s wide use, the alleged reports of Stevens Johnson Syndrome as a rising ampicillin side effect use is a great concern among consumers. Many individuals may join SJS class action lawsuits after developing this painful skin condition after taking a course of ampicillin and/or other prescription and over the counter medication.

What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a painful, and sometimes life-threatening, skin condition that presents as an allergic reaction to some prescription and over-the-counter medications, like ampicillin.

SJS can also lead to a related skin condition Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which covers more than 30 percent of the body.

SJS victims experience unbearable pain and skin sensitivity after developing this skin condition. SJS victims initially exhibit flu-like symptoms and high fevers, but eventually, in later stages, a patient’s top most layer of skin separates from the deeper, more sensitive dermis layers. After this, the exposed mucous membrane may become infected and blister and scar.

SJS patients must be hospitalized for weeks to months after the initial skin reaction, so they may receive treatment and medical monitoring. In some cases, because of the age of patient and the trauma sustained to the body, a patient may die from SJS.

Some common SJS symptoms to watch for in Ampicillin patients include:

• Painful blistering of the skin and mucous membrane
• Flu like symptoms and high fever
• Sloughing off of skin
• Severe eye conditions such as severe conjunctivis, iritis, palpebral edema, conjunctival and corneal blisters and erosions, and corneal perforation.