Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a serious and often deadly skin disease that we are starting to learn more and more about. The majority of SJS cases can be attributed to an allergic reaction to a medication, which is one of the reasons why it is so mysterious. There are currently more than 200 medications that may be linked to SJS, and an estimated 500 people are affected by the condition every year. If left untreated or misdiagnosed, SJS can be life-threatening and may develop into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which is the more deadly form of the skin disease.

The symptoms of SJS are often confused with other, less serious conditions, which can be detrimental to the health of the patient. SJS commonly starts out similar to the flu with a fever, but the disease can quickly progress and patients may have the following symptoms:

• Unexplained skin pain that is widespread
• A red or purple rash
• Blisters on the skin and the mucous membranes of your mouth, eyes, nose, and genitals
• Shedding of skin after the blisters form

If you notice any of the above, it is imperative you contact your physician right away. If caught early, SJS is highly treatable. However, if the disease is left untreated, it can progress rapidly and turn into TEN, which has a much higher death rate than SJS.

Common Medications Linked to SJS

 One of the scariest aspects of SJS is that it is linked to common medications like ibuprofen and Tylenol. If you have recently taken any drug, no matter how common it may seem, and you have a reaction that includes the above, go the emergency room right away. Even though SJS can stem from an allergic reaction to virtually any medication, there are certain drugs that may trigger it more than others. For example, sulfa-based drugs are often linked to SJS, as well as the following:

• Penicillins
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and celebrex
• Barbiturates
• Anticonvulsants

The list of medications that are linked to SJS cases is long and constantly changing. If you are feeling rundown, like you have the flu, and have a rash, seek medical attention immediately. Many people start out with a typical cough, fever, and sore throat, but the disease quickly becomes more visible and affects the deeper layers of the skin, sometimes within just hours.

Everyone is at risk of developing SJS, but due to a large number of medications given out in nursing homes and hospitals, these individuals are at a higher risk. If you have recently been in the hospital, be sure and watch for allergic reactions and tell your doctor about any adverse reactions you have to certain medications. The faster SJS is detected, the better chance a patient has a full recovery. If you have recently been diagnosed with SJS because you were prescribed a certain medication, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger today. Or if you had a loved one who contracted SJS and did not survive, give us a call so we can help you seek damages for your losses.