A family from Indianapolis has been rocked, but remains strong, after their daughter developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome, most likely from common antibiotics.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or SJS, is an autoimmune reaction usually caused by taking certain medications. In autoimmune reactions, the immune system goes haywire, and attacks the body in the same way it usually fights invading bacterial or viruses. With Stevens Johnson Syndrome, the immune system attacks the skin, the largest organ of the body.

In this case, 14-year-old Lauren M. developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome while taking antibiotics for a kidney infection. The teenager started complaining of back pain — muscle aches are often an early SJS symptom.

At that point, her mother wasn’t concerned. The early SJS symptoms closely resemble symptoms of other diseases like cold and flu. However, the teen’s SJS symptoms began to escalate.

The teenager’s lips began to swell, and she developed painful sores and blisters in her mouth. She also had pain and burning in her eyes.

At this point, the teenager’s mother took her to a local hospital, where she was diagnosed with an allergic reaction and told her to stop taking any medication, and discharged her. However, her SJS symptoms continued and she was re-admitted to the hospital with a swelling face and oral blisters at this point, medical staff recognized Stevens Johnson Syndrome and treated her accordingly.

As her mother researched the condition, she learned how serious this rare condition can be. She found pictures of Stevens Johnson Syndrome patients with disfiguring skin damage, rendered all but unrecognizable.

Lauren’s mother continued to encourage as the teen battled the condition, keeping her spirits up even as the damage spread to her internal organs and she was moved to the ICU. At this point, Lauren began to have trouble breathing.

During the teenager’s difficult recovery, family and friends banded together. Friends, family and acquaintances through school, church, and the community at large came out to help support Lauren and her family.

It is difficult for doctors and medical researchers to study Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Stevens Johnson Syndrome is relatively rare, and it is nearly impossible to predict what patient will develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome from what drug.

But it is known that the majority of cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome occur after a patient takes drugs. However, everything from Tylenol to powerful seizure drugs has been linked to individual cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

SJS lawsuits have been filed by patients and their survivors who allege that drug companies have not done enough to protect the public from the risk of Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Doctors often misdiagnose Stevens Johnson Syndrome until the disorder is already an emergency, making treatment and recovery more complicated.

SJS lawsuits typically seek to recover the cost of medical care, lost wages, lost income potential, and other costs allegedly linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome.