For those who have been impacted by Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), it can be difficult to know how to proceed and what your rights are. This life-changing skin condition is not as well-known as many other diseases, which can lead to numerous problems for patients. SJS is often misdiagnosed or missed altogether, which can result in the condition worsening and the patient suffering serious repercussions. We are often asked, “do I have an SJS lawsuit?”, which is something we discussed a few weeks back. There are many factors that will go into whether you have an SJS lawsuit on your hands, which is why we encourage you to contact us if you believe you either developed SJS after taking a prescription drug or your doctor misdiagnosed your symptoms as a different condition.

Today we are going to look at some of the most common questions we field surrounding SJS. We understand what a sensitive subject this is and will do everything we can to ensure you understand your rights and how you may be able to proceed legally.

What is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?
As we’ve discussed in the past, SJS is a serious condition that affects the skin and mucous membranes. Even though it is rare, it can be extremely serious and even result in loss of life. If left untreated, SJS may develop into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which has a higher fatality rate than SJS and is very difficult to diagnose.

What Are the Top Symptoms of SJS?
As we have discussed in the past, some of the most common symptoms of SJS include: flu-like symptoms, high fever, peeling skin, rash or redness, swelling of the eyelids, painful blisters, sores on the mouth, eyes, throat, intestinal tract, genital and anal areas. In some cases, the individual’s skin may peel off in larger areas.

Is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Referred to as Anything Else?
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is often referred to as SJS, as you may have guessed. Other names for SJS include Erythema Multiforme Major, Erythema Multiforme Minor, and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). When SJS advances to TEN, death is a result in nearly one-third of all cases.

When Was SJS First Diagnosed?
The first case of SJS was diagnosed nearly 100 years ago in 1922 by pediatricians A.M. Stevens and S.C. Johnson. While not all SJS cases involve children, the very first case was diagnosed after a young child had a serious reaction to a prescription drug.

What Group of People is SJS Most Common Amongst?
SJS can affect anyone of any age, however, research indicates that females are more at risk than males. Furthermore, anyone taking a prescription drug or over-the-counter medication may be at risk of developing SJS.

Determining whether you have the legal right to pursue an SJS lawsuit isn’t as cut and dry as many people would like, which is where we come in. The Stevens-Johnson Syndrome attorneys have the experience and resources to sit down and go over your case with you, looking for signs of misconduct and coming up with a strategy that has your best interests in mind. If you have any questions about SJS lawsuits that were not answered above, or would like to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys, please do not hesitate to contact us.