If you’ve been following our blog, you know just how tricky lawsuits involving Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) cases can be. SJS is a rare but deadly skin condition that many people have never heard of. However, we have seen numerous stories in the news as of late regarding just what an impact SJS can have. SJS victims often report feeling as if their “skin was melting off,” and many others are still living with complications and side effects caused by the disease.

This brings us to our blog topic today – should doctors be held accountable? Unfortunately, SJS is often misdiagnosed or missed altogether, putting children and adults alike at risk. One of the main reasons this happens is that SJS carries many of the same symptoms as other common conditions, including the flu.

What are the symptoms of SJS?

Before we go any further, here is a reminder of the most common – and initial – symptoms of SJS:

• Fever
• Widespread skin pain
• Reddish or purplish rash that will spread as the disease progresses
• Blisters all over the skin
• Shedding of the skin after the blisters form
• Lesions on the mucous membranes, usually around the mouth, nose, eyes, and genitals

If you are experiencing the following symptoms after you notice a rash, seek immediate medical attention:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Pain in the mouth, nose, eyes, or genitals
• Extreme tiredness
• Cough
• Burning sensation in the eyes

If you see a doctor with the above symptoms and he or she misses diagnosing SJS, you may be able to file a lawsuit.

Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim

It is absolutely critical that SJS is caught and treated in its early stages. If this does not happen, it may develop into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which is an even more deadly condition that could lead to more serious complications.

Across the country, we have witnessed countless SJS lawsuits being filed against doctors, pharmacists, and others responsible for not diagnosing the condition. There are many common over-the-counter and prescription drugs that have been linked to SJS, including:

• Antibiotics
• Sulfa drugs
• Allopurinol
• Dilantin
• Depakote
• Levaquin
• Diclofenac
• Penicillin
• Sulfonamides
• Barbiturates
• Anti-seizure medications
• Gout medications

It is imperative that doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants are aware that a patient may develop SJS after taking these drugs. If they are unaware and symptoms are missed, the results could be catastrophic. If you have developed SJS, and your doctor did not catch the condition in its early stages, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger to learn about filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. The key to recovering from SJS is a quick diagnosis. When this does not happen, the patient may be at a heightened risk of life-threatening side effects and complications.