Stevens Johnson Syndrome, also referred to as SJS, is an allergic drug reaction that may occur in response to a number of different types of drugs.

When a patient exhibits an SJS drug reaction, it initially may appear to be the flu.

Individuals may present with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, chills, aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, insomnia, itching or a mild rash.

These same symptoms are often also listed as mild side effects of the drug a drug taken for a particular condition.

Sometimes, these symptoms may mimic the condition itself for which treatment was sought. Yet other times, patients may simply think they are coming down with a cold or the flu, and it is unrelated to any other conditions or reactions to the drug.

An SJS drug reaction can occur with any type of drug. However, SJS drug reaction occurrences have been more closely linked with certain types of drugs.

Ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), antibiotics such as Zithromax, anti-epileptic medications such as Dilantin, and anti-gout medications are common triggers of an SJS drug reaction.

An SJS drug reaction can occur to any drug at any time. It does not matter if a patient has previously taken a drug and has had no ill effects from its use. An SJS drug reaction can develop the very first time a drug is used or can develop after months or even years of use with no prior warning.

Symptoms of an SJS Drug Reaction

After the initial flulike symptoms of an SJS drug reaction present, the patient begins to develop the characteristic SJS rash. This rash typically consists of purplish or red blisters that appear on the skin and mucous membranes of the body.

If the rash covers less than 30% of the body, Stevens Johnson Syndrome is diagnosed., However, when the rash covers more than 30% of a person’s body, a more severe diagnosis of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is diagnosed.

The SJS rash causes the affected skin cells to die and slough off, sometimes in large sheets. The result appears to look like a person’s body has been burned, and oftentimes, patients are treated in the hospital’s burn unit.

In addition to the rash that appears on the person’s body, patients suffering from an SJS drug reaction may also experience tongue swelling, facial swelling, skin pain and hives.

There is no cure for an SJS drug reaction. Patients must be hospitalized for this emergency condition, and the offending drug must be stopped. While hospitalized, patients receive wound care, pain management, IV hydration and nutrition and other measures to keep them comfortable as the reaction subsides.

Patients may remain hospitalized for several days up to several months depending on the severity of the reaction. The mortality rate of SJS is approximately 5 to 15%, and for those suffering from TEN, the mortality rate is between 25 and 35%.

Some patients suffering from an SJS drug reaction will make a full recovery with little to no lasting side effects. Others may have permanent organ damage and vision loss as a result of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

It is important for patients taking any kind of medication for any length of time to be aware of the possibility of an SJS drug reaction. Being on the lookout for such a reaction and getting prompt medical intervention can be the difference between life and death.