Stevens Johnson Syndrome Linked to Bactrim

Bactrim was approved by the FDA in 1973. Since that time, Bactrim and the combined antibiotic treatment of Bactrim and Septra (known as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) have caused severe allergic reactions in countless patients, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TENS).

Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare inflammatory skin disorder that can be life-threatening. The disease causes lesions in the mouth, eyes and on the body. Stevens Johnson Syndrome can occur at any age although the majority of cases range between the ages of 20 and 40. One-fifth of the cases occur in people under the age of 20.

Symptoms of SJS include: fever, sore throat, and headache, difficulty breathing, inflammation/swelling of throat, lips, tongue and face, hives, skin lesions, blisters, and unusual bleeding.

In some cases, permanent skin damage and scarring occur. Lesions on internal organs can cause serious inflammation of the lungs, heart and kidneys. Up to 27 percent of those affected by Stevens Johnson Syndrome or related illnesses incur long term eye damage or vision loss. Upwards of 15 percent of patients with this syndrome die from the condition.

SJS can become deadly and requires medical attention as soon as allergic reactions are noticeable.

Those with kidney or liver disease are not advised to take Bactrim; the drug is not approved for infants under 2 months old and it is classified by the FDA as category C, since the effects of Bactrim on a fetus are unknown.

Bactrim SJS Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered from Stevens Johnson Syndrome after taking Bactrim, please click the link below to send your complaint to a lawyer to evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.