Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a serious skin condition that results in a red/purple rash all over the skin. This rash, sometimes referred to as erythema multiforme, may also be coupled with a fever and a range of other flu-like symptoms. SJS most commonly occurs as a result of an adverse reaction to certain medications. While the initial onset of SJS is typically not very severe, if it is left untreated it can become deadly. In extreme cases SJS can turn into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which is a severe life-threatening disorder. SJS and TEN are differentiated by how much of the skin’s surface has been affected by the rash. According to a report published in 1993, SJS affects less than 10% of the skin surface area, whereas TEN affects more than 30%.

SJS and TEN are often used interchangeably, but it is important to note that TEN is far more serious than SJS on its own. For this reason, it is of the utmost importance you seek medical attention if you have any of the below symptoms:

• Rash, blisters, or red splotches on the skin
• Constant fever
• Blisters in mouth, eyes, ears, nose, and genital region
• Swelling of eyelids
• Red eyes
• Flu-like symptoms
• Recent history of taking a prescription drug (such as Lamictal) or over-the-counter medication (like ibuprofen)

SJS can be extremely hard to diagnose, especially because many of the symptoms of reminiscent of other conditions and diseases. If your medical practitioner believes you have SJS, it is imperative you stop taking the drug in question right away. This is the first step to prevent further complications and stop the condition from worsening and turning into TEN.

Some of the medications that are known triggers of SJS include:

• Anti-gout medications
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) for pain
• Penicillin and other drugs in that family
• Anticonvulsants
• Drugs used to treat narcolepsy and other sleep disorders
• TNF-alpha antagonists

If you have been prescribed any of the above and notice any symptoms associated with SJS, please contact your physician right away. SJS can become extremely serious if left untreated, even leading to death.

Treat SJS Immediately

If SJS is not treated right from the start, it can progress and turn into TEN. This disorder may then lead to a wide range of very serious conditions, including:

• Blindness
• Hearing loss
• Organ failure
• Death

Treatment for SJS/TEN will depend on the severity of your particular case. In some cases, patients will require hospitalization in burn centers or the surgical removal of damaged tissue (referred to as debridement). Those with SJS can take weeks or as long as several months to fully recover from their symptoms. Patients with SJS are literally burning from the inside out, which means a team of specialists who have experience caring for those with SJS are required.

If you or someone you love has developed SJS after taking a specific drug, please contact the SJS lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger. Our McKinney SJS lawyers have represented countless patients in lawsuits and are prepared to do the same for you.