If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), there’s a good chance you feel overwhelmed and unsure what to do. While many people have never heard of the rare skin condition until it affects them personally, SJS and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are actually not as uncommon as previously thought. Both SJS and TEN are most commonly associated with an allergic reaction to a specific medication, such as many over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Some of the most common drugs linked to SJS include:

• Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc), and naproxen sodium (Aleve)
• Medications that fight infection, such as penicillin and amoxicillin
• Anti-gout medications, including allopurinol
• Medications manufactured to treat seizures and mental illness (anticonvulsants and antipsychotics)

There are also many different infections that can cause SJS, including:

• Herpes virus
• Pneumonia
• HIV
• Hepatitis A

Some of the other risk factors of SJS include:

• An HIV infection – People who have been diagnosed with HIV are 100 times more likely to develop SJS than other individuals
• A weakened immune system – If your immune system is not strong enough, you may be at a higher risk of developing SJS. There are numerous factors that can result in a weakened immune system, such as an organ transplant, autoimmune disease, and HIV or AIDS.
• A past history of SJS – If you have had SJS in the past, there is a chance the condition will reoccur if you use the medication that caused SJS.
• A family history of SJS – If someone in your immediate family has been diagnosed with SJS or TEN, you may be more likely to develop it than others.
• You have the HLA-B*1502 gene – Individuals with the HLA-B-1502 gene have an increased risk of SJS, especially if they take medications for seizures, mental illness, or gout. Individuals of Chinese, Southeast Asian, or Indian descent are much more likely to carry this gene than others.

There are numerous complications that can arise with SJS and TEN. Some of these complications that we see more frequently than others include:

• Cellulitis (a secondary skin infection)
• Blood infection (sepsis)
• Eye problems
• Lung problems, including acute respiratory failure
• Permanent skin damage

While it is difficult to predict who will develop SJS, there are certain things you can do to lower your chances. For example, if someone in your family has had SJS, it may be in your best interest to undergo genetic testing before taking certain drugs. These tests can also determine whether or not you have the HLA-B*1502 gene, which puts you at a higher risk. If you have had SJS in the past, be sure and avoid the drug that caused the condition and encourage your family members to do the same.

SJS is a very serious skin condition that can have a long-lasting impact. If you were diagnosed with SJS and your primary care physician missed it, you may be able to file a lawsuit. To learn more about your legal rights following an SJS diagnosis, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger today and schedule a free consultation.