Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a rare but serious condition of the skin and mucus membranes.

Medical professionals are not always able to to identify the exact cause of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), but they believe the condition is usually triggered by adverse medication side effects such as an allergic reaction to Lamictal.

Causes of Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is almost always the result of adverse medication side effects. Drugs that can cause SJS include anticonvulsants and medications that treat seizures and mental illness like Lamictal.

Lamictal is a popular anticonvulsant on the market often prescribed by medical professionals to treat mood swings in adults with bipolar disorder as well as to treat seizures in adults and children.

In some cases, Stevens Johnson Syndrome may not be related to adverse medication side effects. Some people develop SJS after suffering from infections such as herpes, pneumonia, and hepatitis. Others are genetically predisposed to developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome, especially when taking certain medications like Lamictal or if there is a family history of SJS.

SJS Symptoms & Treatment

Stevens Johnson Syndrome often begins with flu-like symptoms. Patients may experience a fever, cough, burning eyes, fatigue, or a sore throat and mouth. Several days later, the patient will generally develop a quickly spreading read or purple rash. Eventually the top layer of affected or blistered skin dies and sheds off the body.

Other Stevens Johnson Syndrome symptoms include:

• Facial swelling
• Tongue swelling
• Hives
• Blisters on the skin and mucus membranes (including the mouth, nose, genitals, and eyes)

In serious cases the afflicted person may experience the shedding of large patches of skin. In severe cases patients may develop Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) also known as Lyell’s Syndrome. TEN shares the same symptoms as SJS but reaction often covers a much larger area of the body.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is considered a medical emergency and patients who experience the physical symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Treatment for SJS generally involves relieving the symptoms and keeping patients properly hydrated.

Patients are usually treated in the hospital burn unit and hospitalization may be required for several weeks to months depending on the severity of the condition.

One of the first steps for treating Stevens Johnson Syndrome involves stopping any medications that may be causing the symptoms. Patients considering discontinuing any medications should first talk to their prescribing physician prior to stopping any treatment.

Patients being treated for SJS will generally receive fluid replacement, nutrition, and wound care and be watched carefully for signs of infection or sepsis. Losing layers of skin can cause a significant loss of fluids in patients and avoiding dehydration is important. Health care professionals may also apply cool compresses to affected areas and may help remove dead skin.

People who have taken Lamictal and have suffered from Stevens Johnson Syndrome may be able to bring a Lamictal lawsuit against the pharmaceutical manufacturers. These lawsuits may ask for damages in relation to the pain and suffering endured by the plaintiffs as well as compensation for past and future medical bills related to Lamictal SJS injuries.