Certain medications linked to Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a fatal skin reaction

SJS drug reactions: who is affected?

Have you developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis after taking a medication?

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a serious skin reaction that occurs after taking certain medications. Medications related to SJS include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers (Tylenol, Advil, Aleve and other NSAIDs)
• Antibiotics
• Anticonvulsants
• Antipsychotics
• Sedatives
• HIV medications (generic nevirapine, Viramune, Viramune XR)
• Gout medications (allopurinol)

SJS can cause serious complications such as dehydration, sepsis, eye problems, lung damage, and permanent skin damage. Unfortunately, patients may not have enough warning that their medications could cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome, leaving them shocked and unprepared when the dangerous rash occurs.

Patients can take legal action against drug manufacturers if they were not adequately warned about the risk of SJS before taking certain medications. A Stevens-Johnson lawsuit could help patients obtain compensation for medical bills and other damages.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome: overview

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare skin reaction usually caused by medications. The skin reaction begins with flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, burning eyes, and sore mouth and throat. After a few days, a red or purple rash appears, causing blisters on the skin and mucous membranes of the body. A few days after the blisters appear, the skin dies, falls off and begins to heal. When the rash covers more than 30% of the skin surface and causes significant damage to the mucous membranes, SJS develops into toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is usually treated with topical steroids, painkillers, antibiotics, and other systemic medications. If the cause of SJS is quickly identified and the reaction can be stopped, recovery can begin within a few days after the reactions appear. However, in severe cases, full recovery can take months. Even after recovery, patients may remain with permanent scarring or damage.

Unfortunately, even though the rash itself is simply painful, life-threatening complications can arise during the healing process. Complications of Stevens-Johnson syndrome may include:

• Dehydration
• Sepsis
• Eye problems (inflammation, dry eye, sensitivity to light, visual impairment and blindness)
• Lung damage (acute respiratory failure)
• Permanent skin damage

Medications Related to SJS

Although scientists are not sure why certain medications cause SJS and why only some patients develop this reaction, several medications have been proven to be linked to this condition. Medications that can cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers (Tylenol, Advil, Aleve and other NSAIDs)
• Antibiotics
• Anticonvulsants
• Antipsychotics
• Sedatives
• HIV medications (generic nevirapine, Viramune, Viramune XR)
• Gout medications (allopurinol)

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is extremely rare; Most people who take these medications will not develop any adverse reactions. Certain pre-existing conditions like HIV, cancer, and diabetes can increase the risk and severity of SJS. However, aside from these risk factors, there is no clear indicator of when a patient will develop a skin reaction and, if reactions do occur, whether they could be life-threatening.

Participate in a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Drug Reaction Trial Investigation

Patients who developed SJS after taking a medication can sue if the medication manufacturer failed to adequately warn them and their doctors about the risk of a skin reaction. An SJS drug reaction lawsuit could help obtain compensation for:

• Medical fees
• A permanent disability
• wrongful death
• And more

If you have developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome after taking one or more medications, you may be eligible to participate in this SJS Drug Reaction Trial investigation.

Please fill out the form on this page to see if you qualify for a FREE case evaluation.