Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a possible side effect of drugs so commonplace that many patients may be surprised to find themselves at risk for the condition. One of those medications is Altace, a drug used to treat high blood pressure and cardiovascular conditions.

Altace, also known by its generic name ramipril, is FDA-approved as a treatment for hypertension. Altace is also indicated for prevention of major cardiovascular events in older patients and for treatment of heart failure immediately following a heart attack. It’s one of a class of blood pressure medications known as ACE inhibitors – the ACE standing for angiotensin converting enzyme.

Altace has been on the market since the FDA first approved it for sale in 1991.

Altace and Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Unfortunately, like many other drugs, Altace’s medication side effects can include a potentially deadly condition called Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS). As the warning label for Altace reflects, instances of severe dermatologic problems have been reported in conjunction with Altace treatment. Some of these medication side effects have developed into full-blown Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or its related condition Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

Though SJS is rare, when it does occur it’s most often associated with a medication like Altace. As a result, it’s been the subject of some drug lawsuits that resulted in substantial settlement payments or jury awards for the plaintiffs.

The first symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome tend to resemble those of the flu. Within a few days, skin erosions may appear on the face and chest, then begin spreading to other parts of the body.

These areas can develop blisters that enlarge into entire areas of skin that peel away, exposing the sensitive underlayer of skin. These SJS erosions can resemble the results of a severe burn with hot water.

Similar symptoms can affect the mucous membranes, the soft tissue that lines the mouth, throat, inside of the nose, or elsewhere throughout the digestive system. This can make swallowing, talking or breathing difficult or painful. Eye symptoms can also develop into conjunctivitis or corneal damage. Blisters can also appear inside the urinary tract or genitals.

The amount of affected skin area is what defines the difference between SJS and TEN. Generally, SJS affects less than 10 percent of the body’s surface area; TEN affects more than 30%. There is a wide difference in mortality between the two conditions: SJS is fatal in about 10% of patients, while TEN is fatal in as many as 50 percent.

It’s the loss of skin that can expose the victim to some damaging complications. Victims of SJS are at risk for developing bacterial infections or sepsis that can lead to shock, multiple organ failure, or death.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome Drug Lawsuits

While money alone can’t fix the damage caused by SJS or TEN, some victims have successfully waged Stevens Johnson Syndrome drug lawsuits against the manufacturers of medications like Altace that can lead to SJS.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently let stand a $140 million judgment awarded in a case where a young girl was left blind due to her medication side effects. Her TEN had affected 90% of her skin and had taken 80 percent of her lung capacity.

Another young victim was awarded $10 million in compensation by a Philadelphia jury. That award was upheld on appeal in July 2014.