Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a serious skin condition that can turn deadly if it is not caught early on. This condition is not widely publicized or known amongst the general population, which is one of the reasons why it is so dangerous. This condition causes a series of severe skin reactions, such as rashes, blisters, and even third-degree burns. In many instances, SJS is linked to adverse reactions to common drugs such as ibuprofen. Because there is a relative lack of awareness surrounding SJS, its symptoms are often misdiagnosed or even overlooked by medical professionals. When this happens, the condition’s severity can worsen – sometimes even resulting in death.

Many people who have been affected by SJS are unsure of how to proceed legally. If a doctor or other medical professional misdiagnosed your symptoms as something other than SJS, or overlooked them entirely, you may be able to file a lawsuit. SJS lawsuits are becoming increasingly common in the United States, as many people are discovering their doctor should have caught the condition before it turned more severe.

Causes of SJS

There are numerous different causes of SJS – some of which we are not even aware of. However, we do know that SJS is oftentimes caused by a reaction to – or a side effect of – several different types of drugs, such as:

• Antibiotics
• Some anticonvulsants or seizure medications
• Barbiturates
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Sulfa or drugs that contain sulfa
• Chlormezanone
• Allopurinol

In addition to these drugs, SJS may also be caused by:

• Malignant diseases
• Viral infections
• Bacterial infections

Because the symptoms of SJS are quite general, they can be difficult to pinpoint. As the disease progresses, its symptoms can become far worse and result in the following:

• Blisters or lesions on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, eyes, genitals, urinary, or respiratory tracts
• Flu-like symptoms
• Skin blisters or rashes
• Ulceration of blisters
• Skin shedding

Do I Have a Medical Malpractice Case?

If you have experienced any of the above symptoms after taking any of the medications mentioned, you may have a medical malpractice lawsuit on your hands. It is imperative you contact an SJS lawyer today so we can discuss your case with you and determine whether or not you have the legal right to file a lawsuit.