Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) has been linked with several over-the-counter and prescription drugs over the years.

The leading causes of SJS are Ibuprofen, Ketek, Bactrim, anticonvulsants such as Dilantin and Lamictal, COX-2 inhibitors such as Bextra and Celebrex, and others.

What is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

SJS is a rare but serious disorder
affecting skin and mucous membranes. SJS is a severe allergic reaction, often producing a red or purple rash that spreads and blisters across up to 30 percent of the skin. Eventually, the top layer of the affected skin dies and sheds.

Patients with SJS are often in serious enough condition that they have to be treated in the hospital’s burn unit, because the symptoms of SJS are similar to major burns.

SJS is a medical emergency, and recovery can take weeks to months. It is also a life-threatening condition — between five percent and 15 percent of SJS patients die.

Survivors are often left with serious scarring and other side effects. There is a more severe form of SJS called TEN, or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

The disease has become TEN when more than 30 percent of the skin is covered by blisters. TEN patients have a heightened risk of death – between 30 percent and 40 percent.

Many people taking these drugs are not aware of the serious side effects which, though unlikely, do occur.

Stevens Johnson syndrome is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Stevens Johnson Syndrome symptoms include:

• Facial swelling
• Tongue Swelling
• Skin Pain
• A red or purple skin rash that spreads within hours to days
• Blisters and shedding of skin
• Hives
• Blisters

Dilantin SJS

Dilantin, known in its generic form as phenytoin, is the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug for adults. Dilantin is a mood stabilizing, anticonvulsant drug effective in treating bipolar disorder, but the side effects can be dangerous or even fatal.

Dilantin is sold by Pfizer, Inc., and has included warnings about SJS since at least 2011. The labeling also notes the potential risk of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

Dilantin SJS lawsuits are currently being filed by patients and families who feel that the manufacturers of Dilantin did not adequately warn consumers and the medical community of the severe risks involved with taking Dilantin, and therefore developed either Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis as a direct result.

Lamictal SJS

Lamictal (lamotrigine) is an anti-seizure drug used to help adults and children with epilepsy. The Food and Drug Administration approved Lamictal for the treatment of epilepsy in 1994, and the drug has always included several warnings in its labeling.

This prescription medication is sold by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and is a common treatment for epileptic children and adults.  Lamictal is available as an extended-release pill, an orally-disintegrating tablet, and a chewable tablet.

The Lamictal Warnings & Precautions label includes a prominent warning about the risk of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), as well as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

Zithromax SJS

The FDA issued a warning letter to Pfizer about the risk of SJS from taking Zithromax in 2012. In this letter, the FDA claimed that the drug company did not adequately warn users about the risk of developing Zithromax SJS, minimizing and omitting risks while simultaneously claiming to treat conditions the drug had not been approved to treat.

These kinds of failures to inform the public as well as the medical community qualify as negligent marketing. Patients have reported multiple cases of failure to disclose Zithromax’s risks properly.

Many injured parties have filed Zithromax SJS lawsuits against Pfizer because of its alleged failure to adequately warn about SJS side effects. Though Pfizer did include information about early SJS symptoms, such as rashes or blisters, many claim that this is not enough of a warning to convey the seriousness of SJS or the real risk of contracting it.

Drug makers like Pfizer have a legal responsibility to make medical professionals and consumers aware of the risks their products hold. In 2012, Pfizer received a warning from the FDA for a Zithromax brochure which did not adequately disclose the drug’s risks,

Zithromax has also been linked to heart attacks, kidney failure, liver failure, and birth defects.

Other Drugs Linked With SJS

SJS can be caused by many different medications, including antibiotics, anticonvulsants, sedatives, and painkillers. The leading causes of SJS are:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, and Nuprin)
• Bactrim, a sulfa drug
• Ketek, an antibiotic
• Dilantin, an anticonvulsant
• COX-2 inhibitors such as Bextra, Vioxx, and Celebrex
• Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs such as Daypro, Feldene, and Naproxen (Aleve)