Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a life-threatening skin disease that can cause a rash, peeling skin, and sores on the skin and mucous membranes. In addition to the skin, it can affect the mouth, eyes, and genital areas.

Although SJS is a life-threatening condition, it is often misdiagnosed and under-reported by many physicians.

Emergency facilities and doctors often do not recognize SJS symptoms, causing a delay in treatment and increasing the harmful effects of the reaction.

What Causes Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens Johnson syndrome is a rare and unpredictable reaction. While the exact cause is unknown, the condition is usually triggered by a medication.

Patients most likely to develop SJS are extremely allergic to antibiotics or painkillers like ibuprofen. Most cases occur in adults between the ages of 20-40 years, but SJS has been diagnosed in children as young as three months old.

Anyone who takes prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs runs the risk of developing an allergic reaction or serious health problems like Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Some drugs that have been linked to Stevens Johnson syndrome include:

• Anti-gout medications, such as Allopurinol
• Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve)
• Medications to fight infection, such as sulfas and Bactrim
• Medications to treat seizures or mental health issues, such as Lamictal or Lamotrigine

This is not a complete list, and it is important to note that any drug has the potential to cause an SJS reaction in an individual.

SJS Symptoms

Stevens Johnson Syndrome symptoms may include:

• A rash and skin that begins to turn red or purple
• Hives
• Skin pain
• Blisters in the mouth, nose, eyes and genitals
• Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, sore mouth and throat, fatigue, cough, itching or burning eyes

Stevens Johnson Syndrome Complications

Complications from SJS can include blindness, dry-eye syndrome, esophagus and lung damage, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, arthritis, and chronic fatigue syndrome. In some SJS patients, the pores scar shut, causing the patients to retain heat. If left untreated, SJS can be fatal.

Once Stevens Johnson Syndrome begins, there is no treatment to stop it. The only course of action is to treat the illness’ many symptoms. Since SJS victims often have serious blistering and ulceration, many SJS patients are referred to burn treatment centers.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome requires immediate medical attention. A person should seek emergency medical care if they begin to experience any SJS symptoms, especially if they have recently begun a new medication.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawsuits

Pharmaceutical companies are obligated to follow strict laws and protocols when it comes to prescription drugs and products they manufacture for consumer use. Companies that fail to abide by these laws could be liable to those harmed by their product or drug.

Several high-profile SJS lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar jury awards to patients who developed drug-induced Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Oftentimes these SJS lawsuits are filed by the victim’s family due to the young age of the patient or their unfortunate death from SJS complications.