Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare skin condition that isn’t very well known. However, the disease has made headlines in recent months. One disturbing story involves a North Hollywood high school student whose skin “melted off” after taking a drug called Lamictal. One of the most common symptoms of advanced cases of SJS is when the skin blisters, bubbles, and eventually peels off, as was the case with 14-year-old Ashley Silverman. Lamictal happens to be one of the drugs most commonly linked to SJS. An anti-epileptic medication, or an anticonvulsant, Lamictal is often prescribed by mental health service providers to help with mood disorders, manic depression, bipolar disorder, as well as epileptic seizures. Unfortunately, the drug is often over-prescribed or prescribed without consideration of other outside factors.

As experienced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers, we understand how devastating these types of cases can be. SJS is a severe skin condition that can be fatal if left untreated. In some cases, SJS can turn into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), an even more deadly disease. Although SJS and TEN were once thought to be different conditions, the healthcare industry now considers them the same condition of varying degrees. If you have taken Lamictal and noticed any of the symptoms we will discuss below, seek medical attention right away. The key to treating SJS is early diagnosis and treatment. This condition is often misdiagnosed or missed altogether because it is so rare. If this was the case for you, contact our Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers and let us get started on your case.

Today we are going to take a closer look at one of the most disturbing SJS cases to hit the news lately. We will also go over some common SJS symptoms, risk factors, and what you can do if you’ve been diagnosed with SJS. 

SJS in the News

14-year-old North Hollywood high school freshman Ashley Silverman nearly died from side effects of taking the prescription drug Lamictal. Like many teenagers, Silverman had been experiencing mood swings. She eventually went to a Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) counselor, who recommended a North Hills therapist at a non-profit clinic. It was there that a psychiatrist prescribed Lamictal to help “stabilize” her mood swings.

Lamictal’s primary purpose is not to treat mood swings, but rather seizures, epilepsy, and bipolar disorder in individuals over the age of 16. The drug comes with a strict Food and Drug Administration (FDA) black box warning that cautions: ” Serious rashes requiring hospitalization and discontinuation of treatment are associated with the use of Lamictal.” These warnings include the risk of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

But Silverman was never told of these potential side effects when given Lamictal for her teenage mood swings by a registered psychiatrist. And while the family has been transparent about not doing their own research on the drug, the psychiatrist “assured them it was safe.” Just two weeks after starting the prescription, Silverman noticed a red rash on her face. In the days to follow, she would complain of a headache and fever that didn’t break 104 degrees for two days. After going to the emergency room with no luck, Silverman was transferred to Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. It was there that the condition began to worsen, causing more spots on her face, neck, and chest. Soon thereafter, the skin started to “bubble” along with a burning sensation. Disoriented and scared, Silverman was eventually diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and, once again, transferred – this time to a burn unit.

Thankfully, Silverman recovered. But not everyone is so lucky. The young teen and her family want others to understand the dangers of taking certain prescription drugs and, with this, the importance of being aware of any potential risks. While Lamictal has been known to help treat numerous conditions, it also carries inherent dangers that should not be taken lightly.

Symptoms of SJS

There are many reasons why SJS is challenging to diagnose, namely that its initial symptoms mimic those of other illnesses. Here is a look at the most common symptoms of SJS:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Fever
• Cough
• Body aches
• Unexplained skin pain all over the body
• A reddish or purplish skin rash that spreads after one to three days
• Blisters on the skin
• Blisters on the mucous membranes around the mouth, nose, eyes, and genitals
• Drooling
• Eyes sealed shut from blisters and swelling
• Painful urination

If you experience any of the above, see a doctor right away. These symptoms often get worse very quickly and require immediate attention and treatment. The longer SJS is left undiagnosed, the more difficult it is to recover from.

Diagnosing and Treating SJS

As was the case for Ashley Silverman, many SJS patients are treated in burn units. Once the condition is diagnosed correctly, the physician will decide what treatment is best. In the majority of cases, admittance to a burn center’s intensive care unit is the best course of action. Some of the ways we diagnose SJS include:

• Physical examination
• Examine the affected skin
• Skin biopsy
• Skin or oral culture
• Imaging tests
• Blood tests

All of the above will help your doctor determine if your symptoms are in line with SJS. If treatment is delayed, or your doctor misdiagnosis your condition, you may have a medical malpractice lawsuit on your hands. To learn more about your rights or to see if you have a case, contact our McKinney Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawyers today. SJS is a severe condition that can have a long-lasting impact on a person’s life. If your doctor missed your initial symptoms, or if you were prescribed a medication like Lamictal without being told of its potential side effects, contact us today. Cases like Ashley Silverman are unfortunately common and should carry some recourse for those responsible. Drugs like Lamictal can help treat many conditions, but they also come with harmful side effects that patients are often in the dark about. To schedule your free consultation, give us a call today.