Children Among Highest Risk for Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
By Andrea Gressman
Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a life-threatening skin condition that can develop in numerous ways. One of the most common reasons SJS develops is through the use of certain medications. People most often affected by SJS are children and young adults. This condition is very uncomfortable, painful, and can be deadly. Initial symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome are often non-specific such as headache, fever, body aches, and cough, which can lead to misdiagnosis. However, individuals will usually develop a rash that is red in appearance and spreads across the face and trunk before spreading to other areas of the body.
The SJS rash may eventually form blisters around the areas of the eyes, nose mouth, and genitals. Mucous membranes are very susceptible to inflammation and individuals may notice the hair and nails falling off. Even more alarming is how fast affected individuals can become both cold and fevered. It is important to watch out for the symptoms of SJS, particularly after taking any medications and when children and young adults are involved. Symptoms should be reported to a medical professional immediately.
What Causes Stevens Johnson Syndrome?
Although there are varying causes of SJS, particularly in children, medication is usually the most common factor. Among the reports of children who developed SJS were medications along the lines of ibuprofen, particularly children’s Motrin and Advil. In fact, children’s Motrin has recently fallen under scrutiny after the effects it had on one seven-year-old girl. Legal action has been brought as the family filed a Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuit in response to the symptoms the girl developed, which included fever and temporary blindness within two days because of the development of SJS after taking children’s Motrin.
Children’s Motrin is not the first medication to receive such negative attention because of its link to SJS. In fact, other medications that can potentially cause SJS are Dilantin (phenytoin), Bextra (valdecoxib), penicillin, and sulfonamide antibiotics. Bacterial and viral infections, as well as radiation therapy can also lead to SJS. Sometimes, the cause of SJS remains unknown. That is why it is so important for individuals to know what to look for in terms of possible symptoms that may arise.
It has been recommended that pharmaceutical companies, including children’s Motrin manufacturers, place proper warning labels on medication packages so parents are aware that their child may develop SJS. Furthermore, the warnings will help parents identify certain symptoms of SJS should they develop. The FDA is currently looking into this matter but that is certainly not enough for many parents who are concerned over a medication they once thought was a safe pain reliever and fever reducer to give to their child.
Filing a Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit
If you know of a child or young adult that has developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome it is important that you speak with an experienced Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuit attorney right away.
Updated December 3rd, 2012
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