Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Associated with Allergic Reaction to Medications
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), which is also known as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) in a more severe form, is a painful and debilitating condition frequently caused by an allergic reaction to a medication, including antibiotics, anti-convulsants and pain killers. It has been linked to common over-the-counter drugs such as Ibuprofen found in Advil and Motrin.
SJS Symptoms
The beginning stages of SJS are called erythema multiforme (EM). It usually begins with skin rashes or lesions that often start on the face, fingers and/or hands. These lesions begin to spread throughout arms and legs, and as they progress they begin to cause blisters throughout the skin. Many people also report severe itching, especially when the rash spreads over more of the body. In its severe form, SJS irritates blood vessels and mucous membranes under the skin which can result in the skin shedding or "sloughing" off. When SJS occurs over more than 30 percent of the body, the medical community refers to it as TENS--a serious medical condition that is potentially fatal if left unchecked. SJS and TENS can also spread to internal organs such as the lungs-causing respiratory failure, eyes, genitals, kidneys and liver. It can cause permanent scarring, horrific pain, blindness and even death.
SJS Treatment
Unfortunately, many parents sometimes do not recognize when their children suffer from an allergic reaction to these medications, as symptoms can often begin with common cold or flu-like symptoms, and they mistakenly continue or even increase the medicine's use.
Because SJS is often caused by a severe allergic reaction to a drug, it is important to identify all medications administered over a period of several weeks leading up to the first symptoms. Drugs that are commonly associated with SJS, such as Bextra (valdecoxib) and antibiotics (more below) should be discontinued immediately. Ask your doctor if a prescribed medication should be discontinued or if there is an alternative drug.
Treatment of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a long process and victims usually require extensive care in a burn treatment center- sufferers should be treated as burn victims: Immediate treatment includes fluid replacement and electrolyte correction. Complications are often similar to second degree burns: As the skin peels off, the sufferer becomes susceptible to dangerous and potentially fatal infections. Currently, there is no cure or treatment to stop the progression of SJS.
Who is Responsible?
Partly because so many common, over-the-counter medications have been linked to SJS, many cases go unreported or are not diagnosed correctly. As well, The Food and Drug Administration does not require that manufacturers or doctors report such drug reactions, so consumers and even some doctors are unaware of the risks these drugs can potentially cause. For example, both Advil and Children's Motrin have been linked to severe cases of SJS in young children who will never fully recover due to negligent drug manufacturers. Children's Motrin caused a seven-year-old girl to suffer an SJS-related allergic reaction so severe that it eventually caused permanent blindness. At the time of the incident, there was no warning on the packaging of this medication to warn parents of the potential risks.
Drug manufacturers are responsible to adequately warn users of any possible side effects. When these companies do not give adequate notice of any potential danger, they are legally negligent-they have the ethical and legal responsibility to provide a safe medication--and in the case of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, negligence can cause death.
Legal action can hold pharmaceutical companies liable for their actions; lawsuits ensure that drug makers keep consumer safety their number one priority (rather than profit) and legal action can help prevent further negligence that could hurt or kill others.
The following drugs have been associated with SJS or TENS: Ibuprofen (Motrin, Children's Motrin, Children's Advil, Advil), Zithromax, Daypro, Diflunisal, Feldene, Mobic, Clinoril, Relafen, Diclofenac, Naprosyn, Flagyl, Diflucan, Neurontin, Cerebryx, Topamax and other drugs. Other drugs that have been linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome include some other NSAIDS (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs),
If you or someone you love has been injured from SJS-related complications linked to medication use, you should get legal help. Due to the statute of limitations, it is advisable to contact an SJS attorney sooner than later.
