One of the main reasons Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is such a dangerous disease is because of how quickly it can progress. Unfortunately, SJS is often misdiagnosed or missed altogether, resulting in a serious problem for the patient, including death. As Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers, we have seen firsthand how costly these errors can be. While many people are unfamiliar with SJS, those who have been impacted know all too well just how devastating it can be.

SJS is a rare allergic skin reaction that basically causes the top layer of skin to peel completely off. There are numerous causes of SJS, but in most cases, it develops as a result of an allergic reaction to a specific medication. Some of the medications that have been linked to SJS include:

• Antibiotics
• Sulfa drugs
• Allopurinal or Aloprim
• Zyloprim
• Dilantin
• Depakote
• Levaquin
• Diclofenac
• Penicillin
• Barbiturates
• Sulfonamides
• Phenytoin
• Azithromycin
• Oxcarbazepine
• Zonisamide
• Gout medications
• Seizure medications

This is an extensive list, to say the least. Depending on the person, the allergic reaction may not start right away and can even take more than a week after the medicine was started. In most cases, the first symptoms are high fever, sore throat, fatigue, or tiredness. These symptoms are quite common and often associated with other conditions, such as the flu. Because these symptoms are not so unique, doctors often misdiagnose SJS. Unfortunately, when this happens it can be catastrophic for the patient.

Treating SJS Quickly is a Must

As SJS settles in, it becomes a very serious medical emergency. All medications the patient is taking should be stopped immediately in order to determine which is causing the symptoms. This is especially true if the patient is taking any of the medications known to be associated with SJS. Treatment for SJS is very similar to that of burn patients, as they will need to be given IV fluids and parenteral feedings. Once SJS is diagnosed and the patient is given the supportive care they need, nothing can be done to reverse the damage that has already been done. This is the main reason why it is absolutely imperative that doctors act quickly and catch SJS before it worsens. In some cases, SJS can turn into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), an even more serious version of the skin disease.

Permanent Injuries Linked to SJS

If SJS is left untreated or progresses without detection, it can lead to a wide range of very serious, permanent injuries. Some of these injuries include:

• Blindness
• Scarring
• Chronic and severe pain
• Loss of teeth
• Damage to the organs, such as heart, lungs, or kidneys
• Death

As experienced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers, we understand just how devastating this diagnosis can be. If your doctor failed to diagnose you or if you did not receive the care you needed in a timely manner, you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. To learn more about your rights, please contact our McKinney SJS lawyers today.