A Louisiana man recently suffered from Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis after ingesting a common antibiotic medication.

Wayne A., 31, had been prescribed a common antibiotic to fight a bacterial infection and a few days after beginning the drug, he felt as though he had symptoms of the flu.

Symptoms began with a severe headache followed by a persistent fever. After that, the man began experiencing vomiting, skin rashes and skin discoloration.

Despite multiple visits to the doctor, Wayne was not diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome immediately. Instead, he was misdiagnosed several times with variations of hand, foot and mouth disease.

By the time doctors realized something more serious was at work and he was admitted to the hospital for more testing, Wayne was reportedly near death. According to his wife, “He was dark purple. It was all the way down to his waist. His mouth had crusted over.”

Finally, doctors recognized Wayne’s symptoms for what they were: aspects of the severe and life-threatening condition known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or SJS. The patient was treated in the hospital’s burn unit due to the severity of his reaction.

What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a reaction that causes extreme rashes, very similar to burns, all over the body. Extreme cases of this condition, where more than 30 percent of the skin is covered in these burns, is known as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Wayne was diagnosed with both.

SJS and TEN are both usually reactions to either a medication or an infection. These skin disorders involve blisters forming on mucous membranes and severe epidermal peeling.

Wayne spent weeks in surgery in the hospital’s burn unit. He underwent surgical debridements in order to get rid of the unhealthy, diseased tissue. While the risk for major complications such as organ failure or infection during these kind of Stevens Johnson Syndrome surgeries was high, Wayne survived.

This Louisiana man was very lucky. Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a life-threatening condition, and the extreme form of the condition, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, has a 40 percent fatality rate.

Though he survived these skin conditions, the patient has been left with severe scarring, which is normal for SJS and TEN survivors. He also continues to carry other medical problems and has to see dermatologists, gastroenterologists and eye specialists in order to carry on with his recovery.

Symptoms of SJS

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

Drugs Linked With SJS

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

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

SJS Lawsuits

Many victims diagnosed with SJS as a result of various drugs are now coming forward with their stories, and more lawsuits are being filed by and on behalf of patients who have suffered from SJS or TEN due to exposure to certain medications.

If you or someone you love has experienced these symptoms or has been diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome or TEN after taking one of these drugs, you may have a reason to file a SJS lawsuit.