Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare but serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. It is usually caused by an allergic reaction to sometimes-common medications.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are aware of the chance of contracting SJS after taking their medications, but many consumers are unaware of this dangerous risk. Class action lawsuits and SJS lawsuits are being filed against these manufacturers for having inadequate warnings on their products.

SJS Symptoms

Like many diseases and disorders, Stevens Johnson Syndrome begins with flu-like symptoms. What sets SJS symptoms apart is the painful red or purplish rash that spreads across the skin and blisters. The blistering is so extreme that the top layer of the affected skin dies and sheds.

Other SJS symptoms include facial or tongue swelling, hives, burning eyes, blisters on your skin or the mucous membranes of your mouth, nose, eyes, and genitals.

The most important symptoms to look for are unexplained pain or blisters on your skin and mucous membranes and a spreading red or purplish rash on the skin. If you have these symptoms, please see a doctor immediately.

SJS is a very serious disorder and requires immediate medical attention. Recovering from SJS may take a few weeks or a few months depending on the severity of the case. Recovery focuses on controlling the source of infection and minimizing medical complications.

SJS Causes

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is typically an allergic reaction to a medication. Drugs that have the ability to cause SJS include some anti-gout medications, pain relievers, and medications used to fight infection or treat seizures. Infections like Herpes, Pneumonia, HIV, and Hepatitis might also cause SJS.

Severe SJS can cause Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which causes large amounts of skin to literally fall off, leaving the body susceptible to other infections, sepsis, and even death.

There are about 300 new cases of SJS every year. About 5% to 15% of patients diagnosed with SJS and 30% to 40% of patients diagnosed with TEN die. There are also severe complications associated with SJS and TEN as well, including sepsis and internal organ damage.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawsuits

SJS can be caused by many common medications including Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, and Tylenol. Hundreds of people are seeking action against the companies that allegedly caused their SJS. Class action lawsuits and personal injury SJS lawsuits are being filed against drug manufacturers whose medication trigger SJS and who inadequately labeled their products, not warning the public enough about the dangers of contracting SJS.

One drug that has been repeatedly linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome is Dilantin, a medication used to manage seizures. Dilantin’s manufacturer, Pfizer, allegedly failed to inform their patients or the medical community of the SJS risk associated with their drug, despite organizations such as the World Health Organization confirming Dilantin as a cause of SJS. Multiple drug users have filed a Dilantin SJS lawsuit seeking compensation from Pfizer for failure to warn about Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a very serious condition. Many drugs associated with SJS have inadequate warnings on the product labels. Class action lawsuit investigations are underway, seeking to hold drug manufacturers liable.

If you or a loved one begins to display Stevens Johnson Syndrome symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. You should also discuss your situation with an experienced Stevens Johnson Syndrome attorney. If your SJS or TEN diagnosis was caused by an allergic drug reaction, you may be able to obtain compensation from the drug manufacturers.