Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is an allergic skin reaction caused almost exclusively by a reaction to medication. A number of SJS medications have been noted, including everything from anti-seizure drugs to common antibiotics like Zithromax. SJS lawsuits allege that drugmakers failed to adequately warn users of these risks, leading to sometimes fatal cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

It’s crucial to note that many of these SJS medications are often prescribed to vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly. Many physicians generally agree that drugs like antibiotics are widely overprescribed in general, but a growing number of plaintiffs claim that drugmakers also under-warn about the risks, especially when it comes to SJS.

A “severe skin reaction” might not sound like much, but SJS can quickly turn deadly. Once it covers more than 30 percent of the body, the diagnosis changes to Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) or “skin death.” There’s no cure for either SJS or TEN. Victims can only hope that they get a correct diagnosis and are treated in time, most often in burn units of hospitals. However, since SJS is still relatively rare, getting a wrong diagnosis happens far too often. It’s crucial to know the symptoms of SJS.

SJS Symptoms: Know the Signs

SJS often starts with a rash, which might look like a rough case of poison oak. However, once the blisters start, that’s a big red flag for SJS. Blisters most often cluster in wet or moist areas of the body, such as the groin, armpits, face, nose or eyes. This is especially troublesome because these areas can be the most sensitive or lead to permanent problems.

For example, many SJS sufferers report vision problems or even complete blindness, even if they survive the attack or never progress to TEN status. Swelling is another common symptom, especially in the face or tongue. This may or may not accompany blisters, and not every SJS victim has the same (or all of) the symptoms.

Of course, it’s unsurprising that skin pain accompanies this entire experience. There are many accounts of those with SJS being turned away from the ER as having “just a rash,” but 24 hours can make the difference between life and death, especially if the sufferer continues taking the medication that caused the reaction.

The SJS rash can be red or purple. There are some people who recall the rash spreading slowly, which in some cases was a saving grace because it allowed them to get a correct diagnosis and treatment for the symptoms. In other cases, the rash spreads in just a few short hours.

Once SJS has progressed to a worsening stage, the skin begins to peel off the body in layers. It’s described often as a “sloughing” or “sheets” of skin falling away from the body. It’s crucial that the body is kept clean to ward off infection now that everything is so exposed. This can lead to ongoing and excruciating showers in urgent care. Once this begins happening, victims are often described as looking like they’ve escaped a fire.

There are some early symptoms of SJS that may occur well before the rash happens. This can include a fever, sore throat and cough. Of course, these are also common signs of the flu and it’s easy for a wrong diagnosis to occur.

Burning eyes are another, less common, symptom. The foundation of SJS lawsuits is that many drugs linked to the reaction under-warn about the risks. Like patients, doctors rely on drugmakers for transparency so that everyone knows what to watch for, such as the early signs of this drug reaction. Without that information, it’s easy to wait until it’s too late.

When Should You Go To a Doctor?

SJS requires fast action in order to ward of TEN and to get immediate treatment and relief. If someone is exhibiting signs of SJS, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as skin pain starts. Facial swelling and hives are other signs that a trip to the emergency room is in order. Blisters, especially on mucous membranes, are the most common sign that SJS is in full effect. Also watch for skin shedding and tongue swelling.

Many SJS patients say that they needed to see numerous doctors before getting correctly diagnosed. This may be the case. It’s also important to know which medications have been linked to this reaction, although since it’s on a case-by-case basis, it’s possible that any medication may cause it, even if the patient has been taking it for years.