There have been over 100 different medications linked to the severe allergic skin reactions Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and its more aggressive cousin Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

Some of the medications linked to SJS include common over the counter drugs used for everyday ailments like pain or fever, but very few patients develop this extreme of a reaction.

The medication Azulfidine (sulfasalazine) has also been linked to SJS, after a case study found a potential connection in a female patient admitted to the hospital for an adverse drug reaction soon after being prescribed the medication.

The case focused on a young woman, who was admitted to the dermatological unit for a severe skin reaction that developed soon after taking Azulfidine.

She reportedly developed symptoms just 15 days after taking Azulfidine, with her complaining of fever and discomfort when swallowing.

According to medical records, 18 percent of her skin had begun detaching with blisters developing around the body. Skin biopsy testing had confirmed the skin sample was compatible for SJS and TEN, which allowed doctors to administer proper treatment.

After being treated for 17 days, the patient reportedly recovered; she was taken off Azulfidine. Azulfidine is often used to treat ulcerative colitis, which is a specific kind of bowel disease, and to reduce symptoms like fever, stomach pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.

While Azulfidine does not cure the condition, it reduces the severity of the condition and increases the amount of time between bowel attacks. This medication works by reducing irritation and swelling in the patient’s large intestines, which eases the patient’s overall condition.

Even though there was only one patient in the case study, it is enough for the medical community to be concerned over a potential connection between Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Azulfidine.

Overview of Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is often characterized by red or purple skin lesions that can appear all over the body, often consuming up to 30% of skin surface area. It often attacks the mucous membranes.

While Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis causes the same symptoms, the skin consumption can go as high as 90% and is reported to be much more aggressive. The initial symptoms of SJS are flu-like (fever, chills), which can occur a few weeks after starting the medication.

Patients who are lucky enough to survive Stevens Johnson Syndrome are treated in the burn units of hospitals, where they are kept clean and sterile, and  if needed, given skin grafts to replenish lost skin.

Survivors often have to contend with permanent skin damage and possibly some degree of blindness if the eyes were impacted. There is also the potential chance of recurrence.

Even though Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a very dangerous condition, pharmaceuticals companies often fail to mention it on medication labels due to the condition’s rarity.

Patients who suffered Stevens Johnson Syndrome may be able to file legal action and should contact a specialized lawyer to determine eligibility.