Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is one of the deadliest adverse reactions a patient can have from a medication, which has been reportedly associated with many popular drugs.

One of these drugs recently linked to SJS is Aldactizide, the popular hypertension medication.

What is Aldactizide?

Aldactizide is manufactured by GD Searle LLC and was approved by the FDA in 1982 for various treatment purposes relating to cardiovascular attack. These approved purposes include high blood pressure, heart failure, and reducing extra fluid building up in the body.

Aldactizide is a diuretic drug, which works by helping the body filter out excess salt and water. By doing this, the blood vessels relax, which allows blood to flow normally through the body and filters out the excess salt and fluid through urination This drug also helps treat low potassium blood levels and blocks the natural substance aldosteron to prevent edema.

By lowering the body’s blood pressure, it lowers the chances of the patient experiencing cardiac attacks and kidney problems. Overall, Aldactizide would encourage patients to live a healthier lifestyle, as well as increase their life expectancies.

Unfortunately this drug has been alleged to have induced SJS symptoms in patients, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Overview of SJS Symptoms

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an extremely rare and devastating allergic skin reaction, which is specifically caused by one or more medications like Aldactizide.

It is characterized by the red or purple skin lesions that appear on the body, which later detach and create a melting-like appearance. This exposes inner tissue and muscle to potential bacterial infection, further compounding the patient’s condition.

Beyond the painful SJS rash and risk for infection, SJS can cause the throat to swell up, internal organ damage, and may even be fatal. This condition evolves rapidly and often leaves survivors with permanent skin and vision damage. SJS patients are often treated in the burn units of hospitals, due to the need of skin grafts.

Despite the severity of this condition, SJS is seldom mentioned on medication labels because the likelihood of patients encountering it is very low. There are approximately 300 cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome diagnosed per year in the United States and has been found to be more common in patients of East Asian and African descent.

Patients with a history of drug sensitivity may also be at risk, with former SJS patients facing a likelihood of recurrence.

The FDA released a public warning regarding Aldactazide SJS in 2011, stating that GD Searle needed to update its warning label to include Stevens Johnson Syndrome.