Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a life-threatening skin disease that often happens as a result of an allergic reaction to a medication. It is believed there are more than 200 medications that may be linked to SJS, making it difficult to know how to protect yourself from this dangerous condition. Thankfully, SJS is a rare disease that affects just 500 people each year. However, it is extremely dangerous and comes with serious complications, especially if left untreated or undiagnosed.

If you have been diagnosed with SJS, it’s important you know what the next steps are and do everything you can to get back on your feet. Unfortunately, SJS is often misdiagnosed or goes undiagnosed, as many of its early symptoms are similar to common illnesses such as the flu. This is why being aware of the most common signs and symptoms of SJS is a must. Before we go over what to do once you’ve been diagnosed with SJS, let’s look at the symptoms:

• In the early stages, flu-like symptoms such as a sore throat, cough, fever, and burning eyes
• Hives or sores around the mouth and genitalia
• Blisters
• Red or purple skin rash
• Shedding of skin
• Swelling of the tongue
• Swelling of the face

Many of the drugs linked to SJS do not include adequate warnings on their packaging. If you have been diagnosed with SJS after taking a medication you were told was safe for use, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger today.

What To Do If You’ve Been Diagnosed with SJS

 If you’ve been diagnosed with SJS, the first thing you should do is seek immediate medical treatment. If left untreated, SJS could develop into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which is a much more serious – and deadly – condition. Meningitis and sepsis are two of the most serious complications of the skin reaction that comes with SJS, both of which can be life-threatening.

Many people who are diagnosed with SJS experience eye problems, damage to internal organs, and permanent skin damage. If you suspect you have SJS or have been diagnosed, seek immediate medical care and stop taking whichever medication you believe is causing the reaction.

How a Lawyer Can Help

The Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers here at Wormington & Bollinger have helped countless individuals with their case. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your particular case, we can help you file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the drug (for failing to warn people of the possibility of SJS) or the doctor who failed to diagnose you. Our lawyers are dedicated to protecting your legal rights and will do everything we can to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment and discuss your SJS case.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a serious, potentially life-threatening skin condition that is often caused by an allergic reaction to a specific medication. Many of the symptoms of SJS mimic those of other conditions, including the common flu. Understanding what some of the characteristics of this condition are, as well as how it can be treated, may help certain people catch the disease before it’s too late. If left undetected, SJS may turn into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which is a more deadly version of the reaction.

Let’s now look at some of the most frequently asked questions we get about SJS to help you better understand the condition and what can be done about it:

What are the symptoms of SJS?

SJS is a disorder that affects the mucous membranes and skin. While the condition is indeed rare, it is very dangerous and life-threatening. Some of the symptoms of SJS include:

• Fever
• Unexplained widespread skin pan
• Blisters on the mucous membranes, usually around the mouth, nose, eyes, and genital area
• Red or purple skin rash that quickly spreads
• Shedding of skin
• Sore mouth and throat
• Fatigue
• Burning eyes
• Cough

The only way to fully recover from SJS is with medical care and attention. In many cases, patients must be admitted to burn units, as many of the symptoms of the rare condition are similar to those of burn victims.

What causes SJS?

Unfortunately, SJS is a rare and unpredictable reaction, usually to a specific drug. In many cases, doctors are unable to determine what the exact cause is. Some of the medications that have been known to cause SJS include:

• Anti-gout medications
• Medications used to treat seizures and mental illness
• Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen sodium
• Medications used to treat infections, such as penicillin and amoxicillin

Other causes of SJS include the herpes virus, pneumonia, HIV, and hepatitis A. If you have had any of these diseases and have noticed the symptoms listed above, please contact your doctor right away.

What are some of the other names for SJS?

SJS is also referred to as Erythema Multiforme Major, Erythema Multiforme Minor, and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). However, researchers have recently discovered that TEN is actually a more advanced type of SJS, not the exact same condition. TEN is very deadly, with one-third of all patients diagnosed with the disease dying.

When was the first case of SJS recorded?

The very first case of SJS was diagnosed nearly 100 years ago in 1922 by A.M. Stevens and S.C Johnson, hence the name. These pediatricians discovered the disease after a child they were treating had a serious, adverse drug reaction.

Who is at risk of developing SJS?

SJS does not discriminate and can affect both men and women of any age. However, individuals who take prescription medications and children are often the victims of SJS, and more women than men have developed the condition.

If you have been diagnosed with SJS, or if a doctor missed your diagnosis and you developed SJS, please contact Wormington & Bollinger today. Our Dallas Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers have represented countless SJS patients and are prepared to do the same for you today.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a very serious, rare skin condition that most people have never heard of. In most cases, SJS is a severe reaction to a medication you had been taking. For many people, the disease starts out with flu-like symptoms, which is one of the reasons why it is so often misdiagnosed. As it progresses, patients will notice a painful red or purplish rash that spreads and even blisters. At this point, the top layer of the affected skin will die, shed, and then eventually heal, if you’re lucky. In some extreme cases, SJS will progress into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which is far more deadly.

SJS is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention and, usually, hospitalization. Some people will need to be admitted to a burn unit in order to receive the necessary care, as the disease essentially burns the skin from the inside out. Thankfully, SJS is treatable. Treatment will likely focus on eliminating the exact cause of the disease while controlling the symptoms and stopping any complications from presenting. If SJS was caused by an adverse reaction to a medication, the patient will be told to stop taking the medication immediately. Unfortunately, many popular over-the-counter medications have been linked to SJS, including:

• Pain relievers, including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium
• Medications used to treat seizures (anticonvulsants) and mental illness (antipsychotics)
• Anti-gout medications
• Penicillin, amoxicillin, and other drugs used to fight infection

While SJS is usually caused by a medication that falls into one of the above categories, there are certain infections that have also been linked to the skin condition, including:

• Pneumonia
• HIV
  Herpes
• Hepatitis A

There are numerous risk factors that may increase your chance of developing SJS. These risk factors include:

• An HIV infection
• Compromised or weakened immune system
• A prior history of SJS
• A family history of SJS
• The HLA-B*1502 gene

If you have any of the above, it’s important you understand the potential risks that SJS carry. It is recommended that you consider genetic testing before taking any of the drugs linked to SJS and avoid the medication that triggered the condition if you’ve had it in the past.

Treating SJS will start with a stay in the hospital where medical professionals will be able to evaluate your condition. If left untreated, SJS can turn into TEN and be life-threatening. The first step to recovery is to stop taking any medications that have been previously linked to SJS. However, this can be difficult to determine. This is why it is imperative you contact your doctor and get checked out immediately. If your doctor or another healthcare professional misdiagnosed you and you developed SJS, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger today. We understand how stressful an SJS diagnosis can be and will do everything we can to fight for you. If you have been admitted to ICU or the hospital because of SJS, there’s a good chance you are facing mounting bills, and we can help. To learn more about filing a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawsuit, please give us a call today.

Many people do not know this, but adverse reactions to drugs are the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a life-threatening skin condition that is typically caused by an allergic reaction to any number of drugs, including ibuprofen. SJS affects the mucous membranes and skin, causing the epidermis to separate from the dermis because of cell death. In some more serious cases, SJS can lead to Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which is an acute, potentially-fatal skin reaction. Both SJS and TEN are now believed to be variants of the same condition, which is very important information that can save lives.

SJS and TEN are nearly always caused by medications, and the list of potentially harmful medications is long. In fact, there are more than 200 medications that have been reported in association with the rare skin conditions. Here are a few things to keep in mind in regards to what medications may trigger SJS over others:

• Drugs with long half-lives are more likely to cause SJS
• Medications that are taken systemically (by mouth or injection) are more likely to lead to SJS. However, there have been cases of TEN reported after topical use
• Only 20% of SJS/TEN cases occur as a result of no drug
• SJS/TEN are not usually associated with vaccination or infections
  • In most cases, infections are associated with mucosal involvement

Here is a brief look at some of the drugs most commonly associated with SJS/TEN:

• Anticonvulsants
• Acetaminophen
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Antifungals
• Lamotrigine
• Naproxen
• Paracetamol
• Penicillins
• Phenytoin

In 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggested all companies that manufactured NSAIDs include a warning about the potential side effects, such as SJS/TEN. However, many companies ignored these warnings. SJS is a very serious, even catastrophic allergic reaction that causes the body to essentially burn from the inside out. In very severe cases, the skin will peel off in sheets from areas of the body. Individuals who have been diagnosed with SJS/TEN often seek treatment in burn units, as symptoms are very similar to that of burns.

We’ve discussed the triggers of SJS/TEN, but here is a look at some of the serious complications of the diseases:

• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Dry-eye syndrome
• Lung damage
• Blindness
• Loss of nail beds
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Photophobia

SJS is sometimes referred to as dermato stomatitis, Lyell’s Syndrome, and Febrile Mucocutaneous Syndrome. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with SJS, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger to learn about your rights. You may be able to file a lawsuit and sue for damages, depending on the circumstances surrounding your case.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), it is important you understand your rights. In many cases, SJS is either misdiagnosed or missed altogether. Typically, SJS develops as a reaction to a medication that was recently started or taken. The symptoms may vary, but generally, people develop a painful, red or purplish rash, blisters, and fever. As the disease progresses, the skin tissue dies and peels off, resulting in burn-like areas throughout the body. If left untreated, SJS may turn into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which is far more serious and deadly. In patients with TEN, over 30 percent of the skin is infected and the disease is often deadly.

The primary cause of SJS is an allergic reaction to a dangerous drug. Some of the most common drugs linked to cases of SJS and TEN include:

• Antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and ampicillin
• Sulfa drugs
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen
• Acetaminophen, like Tylenol
• Tamiflu and Lamictal
• Anti-seizure medications
• Sedatives such as phenobarbital
• Septra

Please keep in mind that this list is by no means exhaustive. These are just a handful of the drugs known to cause SJS that patients should be aware of. SJS develops when the mucous membranes in the skin become compromised, following an allergic reaction to one of the above drugs. The first signs of SJS are typically red patches forming across the body. Over time, these patches can grow larger and become irritated and itchy. Because the skin is the body’s largest organ, when it becomes compromised, it can lead to serious illness, infection, and death.

If you start to notice the signs or symptoms of SJS, it is imperative you seek medical attention right away. The next step should be to contact an experienced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawsuit attorney. In many cases, SJS could have been avoided if the patient was properly warned about the side effects of taking a specific medication. Unfortunately, SJS symptoms are often confused with those of the flu, leading to misdiagnosis and hindering the patient’s ability to fully recover. Some of the complications of SJS/TEN include:

• Blindness
• Pneumonia
• Hepatitis
• Kidney failure
• Sepsis
• Hematuria
• Death

There are an estimated 200+ medications in the United States that can cause SJS. Due to this high number, it is believed that thousands of men and women are diagnosed every year with the dangerous skin disease. If you find yourself affected by this condition, contact a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about your rights. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your doctor or the manufacturer of the drug. These cases can be quite complicated, which is why you need an experienced McKinney Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyer on your side. Please give Wormington & Bollinger a call today to schedule a free consultation.

As experienced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers, we have seen far too many cases brought against the manufacturers of some of the drugs that have been linked to the life-threatening skin condition. You might remember the case last year of the woman’s skin “melting off” from the “inside” after taking the prescription drug Lamictal. In this particular instance, the victim, 26-year-old Khaliah Shaw, received the wrong dosage of the anti-seizure medication, resulting in her body becoming covered in blisters in a matter of weeks. Unfortunately, cases like Shaw’s are not unique.

In recent years we have started to learn more about the various causes of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), including which medications are more likely to cause it. Medication errors are one of the leading causes of SJS, and sadly, many people don’t understand their rights when this happens. SJS is a rare allergic reaction that causes the top layer of skin to peel off, as was the case with Shaw. In addition to blisters, SJS can cause infections, organ failure, blindness, and even death. If you have been prescribed a medication and notice any of the following symptoms, there’s a chance you are at risk of developing SJS:

• Fever
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Blisters
• Respiratory infection
• Swelling of the eyelids
• A quickly spreading purple or red rash
• Widespread skin pain
• Swelling of the face and/or tongue
• Blisters on the mucous membrane, particularly in the mouth, nose, or eyes
• Hives
• Shedding of skin

If you have taken Lamictal or other medications that are known to cause SJS, please contact Wormington & Bollinger right away. The FDA has issued numerous black label warnings describing the risks associated with the certain medication, including the potential to develop SJS. If your doctor still prescribed a medication, or if you were given the wrong dose, you may be able to file a lawsuit.

Contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger Today

As experienced Dallas Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers, we strive to stay on top of lawsuits brought against the manufacturers of drugs, as well as those prescribing the drugs. Also last spring, Donna Rushing of Tampa, Florida developed SJS from a medication she had been taking for a while. Thankfully, her condition was caught early on, allowing her to avoid hospitalization and other serious SJS side effects. That being said, Rushing still loses a massive amount of weight, affected her appetite, and left her with permanent scarring in her mouth.

These are just two examples within the last year of how serious SJS can be. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms similar to those listed above, seek medical attention right away. If you are wondering about your legal rights and if you may be able to pursue a lawsuit, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger to schedule a free consultation today.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare but life-threatening skin condition that is often linked to an allergic reaction to certain medications. Most people have never heard of SJS, however, millions of consumers use products that could cause this dangerous condition every single day. If you’ve been diagnosed with SJS, you may be wondering about your legal rights. In the event your doctor misdiagnosed your condition or missed the diagnosis altogether, you may have the right to file a lawsuit. But SJS isn’t the only disease you should be aware of. Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is a condition that is linked to SJS, albeit more serious. If you or a loved one have developed SJS or TEN after taking one of the many over-the-counter or prescription medications linked to the conditions, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger today. You may be eligible to seek compensation with the assistance of one of our experienced bad drug attorneys.

Medications Linked to SJS

 One of the scariest facts about SJS is that it can be caused by almost any medication, including sedatives, anticonvulsants, antibiotics, and painkillers. Some of the medications that have been linked to SJS and TEN include:

• Ibuprofen
• Bactrim
• Aleve
• Excedrin
• Lamical
• Carbamazepine
• Norfloxacin
• Penicillin and other sulfa-based antibiotics

These are just a handful of the drugs we see most commonly linked to cases of SJS. In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required that many of the above over-the-counter and prescription medications included a label warning of the increased risk of developing SKS. Some of the drugs that added this warning were Children’s Motrin, Motrin, Advil Migraine, Advil Cold & Sinus, and Tolectin.

How Do I Pursue a Lawsuit?

SJS is a scary, life-threatening disease that affects the mucous membranes of the skin, resulting in a whole body rash, blisters, and open wounds. Drug manufacturers have an obligation to ensure their products are not only safe but come with accurate instructions and warnings. This is done in order to guide doctors and other healthcare providers when it comes to making decisions pertaining to treatment. In the event a drug did not have the proper warning and it was prescribed to someone who then developed SJS, the manufacturer may be held liable.

The attorneys at Wormington & Bollinger have helped thousands of patients pursue claims against doctors, hospitals, and drug manufacturers alike after developing SJS. When a drug maker fails to fulfill their duty of care, or if a doctor does not do their research and prescribes a drug that is known to cause SJS, they may be held accountable. Some of the damage that patients with SJS may be able to recover compensation for include:

• Medical bills and expenses
• Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
• Loss of income
• Inability to work

Please contact Wormington & Bollinger a call today to learn more about your rights and what steps should be taken when filing a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawsuit.

Finding out you’ve been diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is never easy, especially if you’ve been dealing with symptoms for a very long time without any answers. Because many of the symptoms of SJS are similar to other common conditions – such as the flu – it is one of the most widely misdiagnosed illnesses out there. SJS is a serious, life-threatening condition that often affects children and the elderly, due to their weakened immune systems. In the beginning, those affected may notice symptoms such as a fever and body chills, soon followed by a painful red or purplish rash that spreads and blisters. As the condition worsens, these blisters will cause the top layer of skin to die and shed. In order to fully recover from SJS, the condition must be caught early on. When this is not the case, it can worsen and turn into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TENs), which is a much more deadly iteration of the disease.

If you have been diagnosed with SJS, your best bet at seeking compensation for your damages may be a lawsuit. In recent years, we have learned a lot about the effects of SJS and how it spreads. In most cases, individuals develop SJS due to an allergic reaction to a specific medication, such as Tylenol, Advil, or other common over-the-counter pain relievers. While the FDA warned of the potential dangers of acetaminophen (which is the common ingredient in Tylenol and other similar pain relievers) in 2012, these warnings have not been included on products.

FDA Recognizes Seriousness of SJS  

According to the FDA, symptoms of SJS typically show up within 28 days after use. However, they can occur later. If you have taken a medication such as an over-the-counter pain reliever, anticonvulsant, anti-seizure medication, or NSAIDs, and notice any of the following symptoms, please seek medical attention right away:

• Fever
• Widespread skin pain
• Red or purple rash that spreads
• Blisters on the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes, nose, and genitals
• Shedding of the skin
• Fatigue
• Burning eyes
• Cough

It is imperative you see a doctor if you notice any of the above symptoms. Your best chance of recovery is immediate medical attention. In many cases, patients are placed in medical comas and burn units. Furthermore, the condition can lead to many other life-threatening complications, including a bacterial infection that can cause organ failure, tissue damage, damage to internal organs, and permanent skin damage. If you have been diagnosed with SJS and are unsure of what your rights are, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger today.

The majority of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) cases are caused by an allergic reaction to a particular medication. However, there are certain risk factors that may contribute to the development of the rare skin condition. SJS is one of the most horrible diseases out there. In many cases, it can create a life-threatening ordeal for its victims, often children. In order to make a full recovery from SJS, it is imperative the condition is caught early on. SJS is a rare and unpredictable skin condition that seemingly comes out of nowhere for most. Unfortunately, there is no test that can help predict who is at risk of developing it.

There are a handful of factors that may increase an individual’s chance of developing SJS, including:

• Existing medical conditions – If you have an existing medical condition such as a viral infection, diseases that decrease immunity, HIV, or systemic lupus erythematosus, you may be at a higher risk of developing SJS. Individuals with HIV are approximately 100 times more likely to develop SJS than the general public.
• A weakened immune system – If you have a compromised immune system, you may have an increased risk of SJS. There are numerous reasons your immune system may be weak, such as an organ transplant, HIV/AIDS, or an autoimmune disease.
• A past history of SJS – Individuals who have already had SJS or have an immediate family member that has dealt with the condition may be susceptible to developing SJS.
• Genetics – If you carry the gene HLA-B12, you may have a higher chance of developing SJS than those who do not. This is particularly the case if you also take drugs to treat seizures, gout, or mental illness. Individuals of Chinese, Southeast Asian, or Indian descent are more likely to carry the HLA-B12 gene.

As mentioned, people who are diagnosed with SJS typically develop it because of a reaction to a specific medication. When this happens, it can lead to the top layer of skin shedding. If left untreated or if the condition has worsened, it can lead to Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which is a more deadly form of SJS.

Although not always deadly, SJS is extremely painful and can result in a series of long-term health problems, including blindness. This condition requires immediate medical attention in order to be properly treated. The most common symptoms of SJS include:

• Widespread skin pain
• Blisters on the skin and mucous membrane
• Hives
• Tongue swelling
• A red or purple skin rash
• Shedding of the skin
• High fever
• Nausea
• Flu-like symptoms

Because SJS can mimic the flu, it is often misdiagnosed. If you or a loved one had SJS and your doctor missed it, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger today.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a serious and often deadly skin disease that we are starting to learn more and more about. The majority of SJS cases can be attributed to an allergic reaction to a medication, which is one of the reasons why it is so mysterious. There are currently more than 200 medications that may be linked to SJS, and an estimated 500 people are affected by the condition every year. If left untreated or misdiagnosed, SJS can be life-threatening and may develop into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which is the more deadly form of the skin disease.

The symptoms of SJS are often confused with other, less serious conditions, which can be detrimental to the health of the patient. SJS commonly starts out similar to the flu with a fever, but the disease can quickly progress and patients may have the following symptoms:

• Unexplained skin pain that is widespread
• A red or purple rash
• Blisters on the skin and the mucous membranes of your mouth, eyes, nose, and genitals
• Shedding of skin after the blisters form

If you notice any of the above, it is imperative you contact your physician right away. If caught early, SJS is highly treatable. However, if the disease is left untreated, it can progress rapidly and turn into TEN, which has a much higher death rate than SJS.

Common Medications Linked to SJS

 One of the scariest aspects of SJS is that it is linked to common medications like ibuprofen and Tylenol. If you have recently taken any drug, no matter how common it may seem, and you have a reaction that includes the above, go the emergency room right away. Even though SJS can stem from an allergic reaction to virtually any medication, there are certain drugs that may trigger it more than others. For example, sulfa-based drugs are often linked to SJS, as well as the following:

• Penicillins
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and celebrex
• Barbiturates
• Anticonvulsants

The list of medications that are linked to SJS cases is long and constantly changing. If you are feeling rundown, like you have the flu, and have a rash, seek medical attention immediately. Many people start out with a typical cough, fever, and sore throat, but the disease quickly becomes more visible and affects the deeper layers of the skin, sometimes within just hours.

Everyone is at risk of developing SJS, but due to a large number of medications given out in nursing homes and hospitals, these individuals are at a higher risk. If you have recently been in the hospital, be sure and watch for allergic reactions and tell your doctor about any adverse reactions you have to certain medications. The faster SJS is detected, the better chance a patient has a full recovery. If you have recently been diagnosed with SJS because you were prescribed a certain medication, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger today. Or if you had a loved one who contracted SJS and did not survive, give us a call so we can help you seek damages for your losses.

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is a life-threatening skin disorder that is linked to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS). Both SJS and TEN affect the mucous membranes and skin, resulting in burn-like symptoms and raw, open sores. The rare skin conditions are often categorized as severe cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions, usually to common drugs like antiepileptics, antibiotics, and over-the-counter pain meds. SJS can develop for no rhyme or reason, but the underlying cause is often an allergic reaction to a particular medication, underlying infections, or even some cancers. Some of the first symptoms that may indicate SJS include:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Inflammation of the mucous membranes
• Painful red or purple blisters that spread
• The top layer of skin begins to shed

Anyone who is showing signs of SJS should be hospitalized immediately. If the condition is undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, it may worsen and turn into TEN. A patient’s best chance of recovery is to undergo focused treatment where all symptoms are controlled. Complications are often associated with both SJS and TEN, which is why emergency medical attention is imperative. Depending on the severity of the condition, recovery from SJS and TEN can take as long as several weeks or months.

Three Facts About TEN

In recent years we have learned more about both SJS and TEN. For today’s purposes, we are going to look at three facts about TEN and how they may impact you:

• TEN is a more severe version of SJS – It was once thought that SJS and TEN were separate conditions, but we now know that TEN is simply a more severe version of SJS. In patients with SJS, skin detachment is typically less than 10 percent of the body surface area (BSA). With TEN, most patients experience skin detachment on 30 percent or more of the BSA.
• TEN is usually caused by a severe reaction to a specific drug – The more we know about TEN, the better chance we have of treating it. TEN is now considered a rare “delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction”, which is most often linked to a specific drug. Many patients will not show any signs or symptoms for upwards of one to three weeks after taking the drug. Some of the medications that may cause TEN include:
  • Antibiotics
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Sulfonamides and penicillins
  • Antiretroviral drugs
  • Antiepileptic drugs
• Treatment requires around the clock care and determining the causative medication – In order to provide the patient with adequate care and treatment for TEN, the most important step is to determine what medication caused the reaction. Patients will also need to undergo supportive care, most likely in a burn unit in order to properly monitor and treat the sores.

Both SJS and TEN are dangerous, life-threatening conditions that are often caused by an allergic reaction to a medication. If you have developed either and your doctor misdiagnosed you, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger. We have represented countless clients in cases similar to yours and are prepared to fight for your rights today.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a serious skin condition that causes severe skin reactions, such as rashes and blisters. If it is not properly treated or caught in its early stages, it can progress into third degree-like burns or even Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). While in the past it was thought that both SJS and TEN were rare, we are now learning that these types of cases are quite common. The problem with SJS is that it is extremely difficult to diagnose, namely because many of the symptoms mimic those of other conditions. If SJS is not properly diagnosed and caught early on, it could progress very quickly and cause serious, irreparable damage. We have learned a lot about SJS in recent years, which is why we are seeing more and more cases of these devastating skin conditions occur.

It is important for those affected by SJS to not only understand their diagnosis, but what to expect in the coming days, weeks, and months. There is still a general lack of awareness surrounding SJS, but we are working hard to change that. We have seen what an impact an SJS diagnosis can have on an individual and their loved ones, especially if that diagnosis came too late. It is quite common for SJS symptoms to be overlooked, leading to the condition to progress and sometimes turn fatal.

What You Need to Know

SJS affects males twice as much as females, and the young more prevalently than the old. The most common cause of SJS is an allergic reaction to a specific medication or drug, which may include:

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), including ibuprofen
• Antibiotics such as Penicillin, Amoxicillin, and Ampicillin
• Anti-seizure medications like Tegretol, Dilantin, and Depakote
• Sedatives such as Phenobarbital
• Drugs used to treat gout, such as Allopurinol
• Drugs used to treat viral and fungal illnesses, such as Tamiflu and Lamictal
• Herbal supplements that include ginseng
• Tylenol

It is important to note that not everyone who takes these drugs will develop SJS/TEN. However, certain individuals are at a heightened risk of developing the condition. Individuals who have compromised or weak immune systems, including the elderly, children, and HIV patients, are at a higher risk than others. Some of the complications associated with SJS include:

• Pneumonia
• Myocarditis
• Hepatitis
• Kidney failure
• Blindness
• Sepsis
• Blood in urine
• Death

We have seen an increasing number of SJS patients file lawsuits in recent years, and you may be able to do the same. If your doctor misdiagnosed SJS or failed to diagnose the symptoms, resulting in the condition worsening, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger today and learn about your rights to file a lawsuit.