Phenytoin Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) is an allergic reaction to medicinal treatment. The symptoms and consequences of this disease can be very severe and take months to heal.

SJS is believed to be caused by a base disorder of the immune system which is exacerbated by the use of Dilantin, or as it is known generically, phenytoin.

What is Dilantin or Phenytoin?

Dilantin (phenytoin) has a long-standing history as an anti-convulsant drug used in the treatment of acute, full-body, grand mal (tonic-clonic) seizures, partial-body seizures, and seizure disorders. It has also been used to treat heart rhythm irregularities and nerve pain.

Phenytoin can be taken orally or injected. The injectable version is generally only used to bring a condition known as status epilepticus under control. Status epilepticus is a continual epileptic state that is quite dangerous if left unabated.

Phenytoin is on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) List of Essential Medicines. Its effectiveness is unquestioned as it has been in use since 1936.

It is also one of the cheapest medicines available wholesale worldwide. This fact makes its association with phenytoin Stevens Johnson syndrome even more problematic.

What are the Symptoms of Phenytoin Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Phenytoin Stevens Johnson syndrome can begin with symptoms that in part resemble influenza. The sufferer may just develop a high fever, sore throat, headache, and muscle aches to start, which makes early diagnosis a little complicated.

The telltale sign of Stevens Johnson syndrome, a disease that has been linked to other medications as well, is the development of a skin rash.

The rash may look reddish and then become purple in color and involve sometimes severe blistering. It can likely be in or around mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes, nose, throat, and genitalia.

Swelling of the tongue, face, or other affected area is also not uncommon with phenytoin Stevens Johnson syndrome. Also, not uncommon among symptoms is the development of ulceration within the mouth.

Treatment and Prognosis of Phenytoin Stevens Johnson Syndrome

After a few days, the skin areas affected by phenytoin Stevens Johnson syndrome might start to slough and peel. Underlying skin can be sensitive and tender and be prone to infection. Infection can lead to a septic condition which can be life-threatening.

Treatment for this disease is the removal of the inducing drug, phenytoin or Dilantin. Since other anticonvulsant treatment might need to be administered to prevent recurring seizures ─ a serious medical event in its own right ─ this withdrawal should be overseen by a qualified physician.

Long-term complications of phenytoin Stevens Johnson syndrome can be disfiguring skin damage, eye problems, and problems with the function of internal organs.

Skin grafting has been known to help in some cases with disfigurement. This treatment takes healthy skin from one part of the body and surgically implants in onto an area of unhealthy skin with the hope that the healthy skin cells will take over.

This is a common treatment with burn victims, but fortunately, is rarely necessary with this type of allergic reaction.

While phenytoin Stevens Johnson syndrome is still considered statistically rare considering the volume of people who take this drug, its short and long-term effects can still be harsh and cause a lot of suffering.