Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or erythema multiforme, is a rare but serious illness that can result from having a severe allergic reaction to a multitude of over-the-counter and prescription medications. Lamictal (lamotrigine), an anticonvulsant medication used to stabilize mood in bipolar disorder patients, is one of the many drugs associated with risks of developing Steven Johnson Syndrome.

Most cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome that are linked to Lamictal occur early during a patient’s treatment regimen, often when the Lamictal dosage has been rapidly increased.

What is Steven Johnson Syndrome?

Although scientists do not know every possible cause linked to developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome, scientists believe that many patients fall victim to the illness due to a severe allergic reaction to various medications. The allergic reaction causes an inflammatory eruption of a person’s skin and mucus membranes. According to scientists, the inflammation causes the mucus membranes to literally burn from the inside out, causing blisters and severe skin burns to form. Children and young adults are most frequently affected by Steven Johnson Syndrome.

What are the SJS Symptoms to Look For?

Approximately 300 cases of Steven Johnson Syndrome are diagnosed and reported each year. In its early stages, Steven Johnson Syndrome appears as flu-like symptoms. Patients often complain of headache, fever, sore throat, cough, burning eyes, diarrhea, and vomiting. From there, the disease develops as a skin reaction, often in the form of a quickly spreading read or purple rash.

While flu-like symptoms can be indicative any number of issues, medical experts suggest patients visit a doctor if they experience any sort of serious skin reaction while taking medication. Patients should also inform their doctor of any flu-like symptoms they previously experienced prior to developing any sort of skin rash or blister.

Other serious symptoms of Steven Johnson Syndrome include: widespread skin pain, swelling of the face and or tongue, blisters on mucus membranes (specifically the mouth, nose, eyes, or genital area), hives, and the shedding of skin.

In a small percentage of patients, Steven Johnson Syndrome can develop into Toxic Epidermal Necrosis (TENS). TENS can cause disfigurement and is fatal in 5% of cases. TENS causes areas of a patient’s skin to slough off, and at this point patients are at a higher risk of developing infections, sepsis, or death. Any person suffering from the symptoms of Steven Johnson Syndrome should seek medical attention immediately.

Steven Johnson Syndrome Lawsuits

Patients who develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome or TENS often spend weeks or even months recovering in hospitals. This can create a huge financial burden on patients trying to recover from the physical and mental trauma that can result from the disease.

Attorneys across the nation are investigating cases of Steven Johnson Syndrome. These attorneys are filing SJS lawsuits against major pharmaceutical companies for failing to warn the medical community and general public about the potential risks involved in taking certain medications. For many patients these Steve Johnson Syndrome lawsuits are their only chance at easing the financial burden they incurred while seeking treatment.