In a recent case of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), this disease has proven to have worldwide impact as a young computer analyst from the United Kingdom found himself a victim of the condition.

Patient Andrew B. visited his doctor for what he thought was pink eye on Sept. 9, 2015. However, he ended up being admitted to the hospital shortly thereafter, fighting for his life. His condition started out as SJS but had developed into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), a more severe version of SJS.

Andrew had been prescribed Zithromax to treat a bacterial infection, to which experts attribute the horrific reaction.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an extremely rare and severe allergic reaction, typically caused by a medication. The condition is  characterized by red or purple skin lesions on the skin that later peels off, taking layers of skin with it.

This exposes inner tissue to potential infection and further complications that could result in permanent skin damage, blindness, or organ damage. Differing from SJS, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis develops faster, has more severe symptoms, and covers up to 90% of surface area in skin lesions.  Stevens Johnson Syndrome, in contrast, affects less than 30% of the body.

It is important to note that both SJS and TEN can be fatal, so patients should be hospitalized as soon as possible once diagnosed. Patients often need skin grafts to replenish lost skin, and can suffer permanent side effects.

This was the case for Andrew, as he was quickly checked into the Royal Jubilee Hospital for intensive care as his Stevens Johnson Syndrome quickly morphed into TEN.

Andrew had to be connected to a ventilator to breathe, had to be fed through a tube and had to be sedated because the pain of TEN was too much. Andrew’s condition was so severe that pictures have not yet been released due to their graphic nature.

Overview of Stevens Johnson Syndrome Complications

While Andrew is expected to survive, his life has already been devastated by Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. He had started up his own computer enterprise, which had to be shut down due to his overwhelming health condition.

While he is recovering, his wife is struggling to support him while paying the bills.  A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help the couple during this crucial time.

Despite losing his business and being stuck in the ICU, experts state that he is still relatively lucky compared to most other patients diagnosed with SJS or TEN. As mentioned before, these conditions can turn fatal quickly and should be treated upon discovery.

Unfortunately, no expert has a solid solution in preventing SJS because there is no pattern in the medications indicated to cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome. In the United States alone, 300 cases of SJS are diagnosed every year, meaning it is an extremely rare occurrence.

Even though experts are unsure as to what medications induce SJS, it has been determined that the condition begins with flu-like symptoms, which will occur during the first two to eight weeks of starting the medication. Additionally, experts believe that patients with a history of medication sensitivity or those of Asian Pacific descent may be more vulnerable.

At the same time, Stevens Johnson Syndrome could occur in potentially any patient, so patients should be on alert for any abnormal reactions that may be from the medication.

Due to the condition’s rarity, Stevens Johnson Syndrome is seldom mentioned on drug warning labels. This puts patients in potential danger and does not forewarn physicians of potential SJS reactions.

A number of patients have already filed SJS lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies for failing to protect them against this adverse effect, including drug manufacturer Pfizer who is facing Zithromax SJS allegations.