Allopurinol drugs like Aloprim and Zyloprim have been linked with a severe skin condition known as Steven Johnson Syndrome.

According to new research, Asians and blacks are at a higher risk of Steven Johnson Syndrome when using drugs like Aloprim or Zyloprim.

Steven Johnson Syndrome Risk

The study, conducted by Dr. Hyon K. Choi and colleagues from Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital, reported that, when taking these drugs, the risk of Steven Johnson Syndrome is 12 times higher for Asians and 5 times higher for blacks than for white or Hispanic populations.

The significantly increased risk for such a severe and even life-threatening disease should be taken seriously.

Researchers reported in Seminars in Arthritis & Rheumatism that these findings correlate with the genetic predisposition to developing hypersensitivity to Zyloprim or Aloprim.

The allele linked with this genetic predisposition is carried by 7.4% of Asians, 4% of blacks, and 1% of Hispanics and whites, the researchers state.

The researchers responsible for the study believe their findings necessitate caution.

“Given its market dominance and established association with SJS/TEN, our findings support the use of vigilance in these minorities when considering [these drugs],” said the authors of the study.

According to Choi, screening Asian or black gout patients for the allele linked to this hypersensitivity would make the treatment much safer.

That way, if a patient tests positive for the allele, doctors can recommend alternative medications to avoid placing those patients at an increased risk of Steven Johnson Syndrome.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2012 found that use of drugs like Aloprim and Zyloprim made up 96.8 percent of urate-lowering drug use.

During the study period, 606 patients were hospitalized because of Steven Johnson Syndrome. Nine percent of these patients died in the hospital, and the rest were left with severe and permanent scarring.

On average, Steven Johnson Syndrome necessitated a 14 day hospital stay, which cost patients around $157,334.

Despite the fact that the Asian and black population of the U.S. are minorities, there was an abundance of these minorities represented in the study. 27 percent were Asian, 26 percent black, and 29 percent white, indicating that increased risk.

Choi noted that, in most cases, the reports of severe adverse events such as Steven Johnson Syndrome occurred between 3 and 6 months after patients began treatment.

Patients who have been taking Aloprim or Zyloprim “almost certainly” are safe if they have not experienced a severe adverse reaction after 6 months, Choi said.

While the American College of Rheumatology has already recommended screening for this allele to determine the relative safety of a patient’s drug use, many are completely unaware of the potentially increased risk.

According to Dr. Donald Miller of North Dakota State University’s School of Pharmacy, “Overall, I think the risk of SJS/TEN… is somewhat underappreciated, so this study is a good reminder of the need to identify and manage patients at high risk.”

Severe Steven Johnson Syndrome reactions are relatively uncommon, but they can be fatal, and are at the very least life-altering. Some patients respond by filing Steven Johnson Syndrome lawsuits.

SJS lawsuits allege that drug manufacturers failed to adequately warn the public about the risk of SJS associated with their drugs.

Filing a lawsuit cannot make up for a patient’s physical pain and suffering, but plaintiffs involved in SJS lawsuits seek to recover medical expenses and lost wages.