Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is one of the most devastating drug-related side effects a patient can suffer. Despite how dangerous this adverse effect is, a number of popular prescription drugs and over the counter medications omit warnings of SJS from their labels.

What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome
is an extremely rare, allergic skin reaction that is specifically caused by one or more medications. It is most identifiable by the red or purple skin lesions that can cover up to 30 percent of the body; these lesions later cause the infected skin areas to essentially melt off.

Its more severe form, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), causes the same health concerns as SJS, but is more aggressive and can cover up to 90 percent of skin surface area. When patients suffer from TEN, their skin cells die and leave them vulnerable to various epidermal infections and further complications or death.

Beyond the skin scarring, SJS side effects could leave patients blind, weaken their immune system, and leave them susceptible to recurrence. Additionally, SJS or TEN can be a fatal condition for patients, as it can inflict irreversible internal organ damage or cause the throat to close.

Obviously, if patients are not diagnosed quickly, SJS can quickly progress, decreasing the chances of survival and treatment options. For this reason, medical experts warn pharmaceutical companies to include Stevens Johnson Syndrome on any of their medications’ labels.

Medications Linked to SJS

Medications indicated to cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome include popular prescription drugs like Dilantin (an anti-seizure medication) or popular over the counter painkillers like Ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Other drugs linked to SJS include, but are not limited to:

• Allopurinol
• Diclofenac
• Tamiflu
• Penicillin
• Sulfonamides
• Azithromycin
• Modafinil
• Lamotrigine
• Tegretol

Currently, it is not known as to what exactly causes or triggers Stevens Johnson Syndrome in certain patients, or if SJS is an isolated side effect of only a few medications, or if it is a potential danger with any medication. It is also said that patients of either Asian or African-American descent are more vulnerable to SJS due to a certain genetic trait. Individuals who have either a personal medical history or family medical history of Stevens Johnson Syndrome are also likely to contract this skin reaction.

Warning Signs of SJS

SJS is an extremely rare reaction, with only 300 cases diagnosed per year in the United States. Unfortunately, its rarity causes reluctance in pharmaceutical companies to include SJS or TEN as a potential side effect on drug warning labels in order protect their products’ market value. However, medical caretakers urge drug companies to include this side effect so patients and doctors can be informed of the potential danger of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

As indicated, there are several medications reported to cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome. While SJS and TEN are most easily identified by the peeling skin lesions, there are early-stage signs that may help diagnose the condition before it wreaks major havoc on the patient. According to experts, SJS will strike within the first two to eight weeks of starting a medication and will begin with flu-like symptoms.

Once these flu-like symptoms progress into the SJS rash, patients are encouraged to seek emergency care immediately in order to stop the reaction in its tracks. Treating Stevens Johnson Syndrome means eliminating the underlying cause (the medication), minimizing symptoms, and soothing complications.

Recovery of Stevens Johnson Syndrome tends to be just as strenuous as the condition itself, as it often takes between weeks to months depending on the severity of the case. Doctors will most likely keep the patients away from the medication that led to SJS, and require patients to frequently see them for medical examinations.

Legal experts advise any patients who suffered Stevens Johnson Syndrome to speak to an attorney to see if they have a case. Many patients who developed SJS have sued pharmaceutical companies for failing to protect them against the dangerous side effects of their products.