Several prescription and over-the-counter drugs have been linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome, a potentially deadly skin condition. Fentanyl is another such drug that may cause serious SJS side effects.

Drug makers, however, have allegedly failed to warn users that the Fentanyl could have such dangerous side effects. As a result, SJS lawsuits may be filed over this potentially fatal side effect.

About Fentanyl

Fentanyl is an opioid drug that is used in the anesthesia process. It prevents post-surgery pain. It can also be used in other applications, such as an injection, a nasal spray or a patch.

Although Fentanyl has a long list of possible side effects, as many drugs of that class do, SJS side effects are allegedly not adequately warned against. As a result, patients may develop SJS symptoms without being aware of the potential danger associated with the medication.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome

SJS is an autoimmune disease that attacks the skin. It is almost always an allergic reaction to a drug. SJS symptoms begin as flu-like symptoms and develop into a red or purplish rash.

The rash can spread across the skin and blister, causing the skin to peel. SJS side effects can cause a patient to lose skin from the severity of the blisters. SJS can also spread to the mucous membranes on the body (such as the eyes, mouth, throat, and genitals).

A patient may have up to 30 percent of their skin affected by SJS side effects. This condition is extremely painful and requires immediate hospitalization. Treatment may take a few weeks or a few months depending on the severity of the case.

If more than 30 percent of the skin is affected, the condition becomes Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, or TEN. TEN blisters can become so severe that patients lose skin in large sheets. Some patients have had 90 percent of their skin damaged by TEN.

TEN patients are commonly treated in burn wards due to the severity of the wounds caused by the reaction. Both SJS and TEN patients are often left with permanent scars as well as other possible life-long side effects. Some experience organ damage, secondary infections, sepsis, or blindness.

Five percent to 15 percent of all SJS cases are fatal. Up to 40 percent of TEN cases are deadly. These numbers are concerning to many medical professionals. Although both SJS and TEN are relatively rare diseases, their severity has led to many to try to strengthen the warning on certain drug labels to include possible SJS side effects.

Fentanyl is one such drug that is currently under investigation. SJS lawsuits may be filed against the drug manufacturer for allegedly failing to warn against these dangerous side effects.