More and more SJS lawsuits have been filed after patients were diagnosed with the painful skin disorder caused by certain drugs, including both prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products. Already, hundreds of SJS lawsuits have been filed against major drug manufacturers, alleging they failed to adequately warn against the potentially deadly side effects of SJS and TEN.

What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or SJS, is a severe autoimmune disease that attacks the skin. SJS causes the skin to peel and blister. While patients who have a minor case may only suffer some painful blistering, some patients lose some of their skin due to the severity of SJS. Many patients can lose up to 30 or 40 percent of their epidermal layer of skin because of a drug induced SJS reaction. 

Stevens Johnson Syndrome begins with flu-like symptoms before developing into a painful rash. SJS patients often suffer from open sores that can lead to secondary infections, sepsis, and even death. Roughly five to 15 percent of all SJS cases are fatal. SJS requires immediate hospitalization, and recovery can take anywhere between two weeks to two months, depending on the intensity of the case.

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is the diagnosis given when the SJS rashes and blisters cover more than 30 percent of the body. Some patients have been reported experiencing TEN side effects on 90 percent of their body. As a result, many TEN patients often lose large amounts of skin. When the epidermal layer becomes filled with fluids, the skin can slough off the body in large sheets. Due to the dramatic increase in skin loss for TEN patients, the fatality rate rises.

Both TEN and SJS are allergic reactions to drugs. Although relatively rare conditions, their severity has caused many members in the medical community to become concerned. TEN and SJS blisters can cover the skin as well as the mucous membranes of the body (nose, eyes, mouth, throat, and vaginal area). Some patients are left with permanent scars, organ damage, or even blindness if the blisters reached the eyes.

Many TEN patients are treated in burn wards because of the similarity between fire-caused wounds and TEN side effects. Patients suffering form TEN can take months to recover from their ordeal. 

Many individuals who have suffered from SJS or TEN have claimed that these side effects were not adequately warned against on many drug labels and have subsequently filed SJS lawsuits.

SJS Lawsuits

SJS lawsuits may be filed against drug manufacturers for failure to warn and negligence. Plaintiffs may file for compensation to pay for medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. Family members of loved ones who died from SJS or TEN may file wrongful death lawsuits.

Drugs such as Advil, Cleocin, Dilantin, Ibuprofen, and more are currently being investigated in a SJS class action lawsuit investigation.