Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a condition that progresses quickly and can damage the eyes, skin and other mucus membranes. What is particularly troubling is that scientists know little about how it occurs, but it has been linked to numerous drugs like Dilantin, Lamictal, and even antibiotics. People who suffer from excess uric acid are also more likely to develop it if they take allopurinol, marketed as Zyloprim, which is used to treat gout.

Doctors must be careful because sometimes the medication has more risks than benefits. While it can be used in people with renal problems and it is more cost-effective than other treatments, skin disorders are common. In addition to SJS side effects, patients may also develop hepatitis and even decreased bone marrow while taking allopurinol. Part of the problem is that many people are very sensitive to the medication.

Gout requires rapid treatment, of course. If uric acid continues to build up in the body it can lead to kidney failure and Zyloprim may be one of the last options because it does not harm the organ. Yet doctors and patients must still be very wary over the course of treatment. As Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuits have shown, SJS can progress quickly.

In fact, many victims say that they developed flu-like symptoms like a fever and chills and the SJS rash on the face and extremities. Within 24 to 48 hours without palliative care, it can turn into toxic epidermal necrolysis, the medical term for skin death. In one rare case, a woman lost more than 70 percent of her skin.

All medical decisions should be made with the help of a doctor, but one way to avoid SJS side effects is to read all the information provided by a pharmacy. Otherwise, a growing number of people may need to consider Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuits.