Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a very serious skin condition that is usually caused by an allergic reaction to a specific medication. While many people have likely never heard of SJS, there have been numerous stories in the news of late surrounding the deadly skin disease. In the middle of February, an L.A. teenager’s skin “melted” off following a severe reaction to a prescription drug. In this particular case, the drug (lamictal) had a black box FDA warning, which is the strictest the FDA can issue. Lamictal is a popular drug prescribed to treat seizures, epilepsy, and bipolar disorder. However, the FDA has warned about its potentially dangerous side effects, including SJS. Lamictal is one of the drugs most commonly linked to SJS cases in teenagers and adults alike.

If you have been given an SJS diagnosis like the California teenager mentioned in the story above, it is imperative you understand what this means and what your next steps are. SJS often worsens quickly, which is why it is important you seek medical attention as soon as you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Flu-like symptoms to start (including a sore throat, cough, fever, and burning eyes)
• Hives
• Blisters
• Red or purple skin rash
• Shedding of skin
• Skin pain
• Swelling of the tongue
• Swelling of the face

While this was not the case with Lamictal, many of the drugs linked to SJS do not carry adequate warnings on their prescribing labels, boxes, or package inserts. Because of this, patients are often continued to be prescribed these drugs that can result in SJS and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

What Happens Once I’ve Been Diagnosed with SJS?

Unfortunately, SJS is often misdiagnosed or missed altogether. This is because it carries many symptoms similar to other conditions and illnesses, such as the common flu. If your physician misdiagnosed SJS and you suffered as a result, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger today. We have represented countless patients in similar cases and are prepared to do the same for you.

If you have been diagnosed with SJS, the first thing you should do is seek immediate treatment. SJS can worsen quickly, which can have long-term effects on your health. In many cases, SJS patients will need to be treated in a burn unit, as their symptoms are similar to those who have suffered burns. There are also a handful of complications that may develop with SJS, including:

• Meningitis
• Sepsis

People who have been diagnosed with SJS often experience eye problems, damage to internal organs, and permanent skin damage. If you have or believe you may have, SJS, seek medical attention right away and stop taking any medications that may be causing the reaction. To learn more about your rights following an SJS diagnosis, please contact us today.