Cancer Cures Increase Stevens Johnson Syndrome Risk
By John Curran
Scientists, as well as patients, are continuing to see a number of novel cancer drugs come on to the market to improve outcomes. For patients who are already in a weakened state thanks to chemotherapy, some of the side effects may seem like a poor bargain, including Stevens Johnson Syndrome. That disorder attacks the skin and mucous membranes, and can be difficult to treat for those who already have compromised immune systems.
Patients who read drug warning labels carefully noted that it was a side effect of Nexavar, an Onyx Pharmaceutical drug used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma and cancer of kidney cells. However, there are many other cancer treatments that have either just come on to the market or will soon that carry warnings for Stevens Johnson Syndrome side effects. The disease may be fairly rare, but it can transform into toxic epidermal necrolysis.
When swaths of skin start falling off, a cancer patient’s already compromised immune system has basically no chance, but even with Stevens Johnson Syndrome it can be problematic. Nexavar is not alone, and some doctors may think that advanced cancer is worth treating despite the risk. However, with more mild or non-metastatic variants, other treatment options may make more sense. While many patients do not like the idea of surgery, excisions can be very successful.
At a time when some doctors are still happy to throw pills at a problem, oncologists do not fall in that category for the most part. The drugs that are available can severely impact the immune system and there have been relatively few in recent years. At the same time, researchers believe that toxic epidermal necrolysis and its less dangerous variant force the immune system to attack the body. If that is the case, these disorders would have more of an impact.
If you or someone you know has gone from the small red stippling of a rash to hospitalization or worse, contacting a toxic epidermal necrolysis lawsuit attorney can help in terms of understanding what legal options are available. Learn more at the Stevens Johnson (SJS) & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. Filling out the short form there entitles one to a free consultation.
Determining one’s eligibility to file a claim is the next step and could result in the legal remedy the facts of the case merit. Start now with a toxic epidermal necrolysis lawsuit attorney to get started.
Updated January 31st, 2013
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