Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a life-threatening reaction to medication. Allergic drug reactions are a major cause of death in the United States, causing more than 100,000 deaths among patients each year. Along with SJS, other adverse drug reactions include Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Symptoms (TENS) and Lyell's Syndrome.
Patients who have suffered or died from SJS have been reported to have been taking over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, prescription pain relievers and antibiotic drugs: Advil, Ibuprofen, Bextra, Arava, Bactrim, Cotrim, Septra, Remicade, Daypro, Topamax, Children's Motrin and Bactrim Pediatric.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome has been linked to the use of the painkiller Bextra, manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. and Arava, manufactured by Aventis. Both drugs are prescribed to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Due to the dangers of Bextra, the FDA asked Pfizer to remove the pain medication from the U.S. market in April 2005, Canada and the European Union quickly followed.
Symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome
Stevens Johnson Syndrome can begin with a fever, sore throat and headache and over a few days or minutes can turn into skin lesions and blisters.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome is characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, eyes, genital tract and intestinal tract. Ulcers inside the mouth are the most common, irritation to the throat, tongue, gums, and lips. Affected individuals may also have skin lesions, blisters and bleeding in the lips, eyes, mouth, nasal passage and genital areas.
As Stevens Johnson Syndrome evolves, the skin literally sloughs off in sheets. Patients are typically treated in a hospital's burn unit. If the skin lesions become infected, or the patient develops lesions in the lungs, it can cause death.
Other symptoms and complications of Stevens Johnson Syndrome include:
- permanent blindness
- dry-eye syndrome
- photophobia
- lung damage
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- asthma
- permanent loss of nail beds
- scarring of the esophagus and other mucous membranes
- arthritis
- chronic fatigue syndrome
Those most likely to develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome are extremely allergic to drugs like Arava and Bextra, as well as other painkillers and antibiotics. Most cases occur in adults between the ages of 20-40 years but SJS has been diagnosed in children as young as 3 months old. It is noted that up to 15% of patients with severe Stevens Johnson Syndrome may die.
Anyone who takes prescription or OTC drugs, has a risk of developing allergic reactions and developing serious health problems like Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Drug companies who place profit above people must be held accountable for their negligence and the damage they cause to innocent victim's lives. Our Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawyers have helped thousands of clients win millions of dollars from the manufacturers and suppliers of unsafe drugs and products.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome Articles
SJS Robs Girl of Her Childhood
For the past 16 years Helen has undergone countless eye surgeries and endured ongoing pain. It all started when she was eight years old and was innocently given a headache remedy at a birthday party. Helen had an allergic reaction to the drug, a reaction known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS).
Teenager's Close Call with SJS
Sherri's daughter Amanda was prescribed the antibiotic Bactrim DS to clear up an infection that appeared a month after she had had a piercing. One family doctor and two different emergency ward visits later, Amanda luckily escaped a close call from misdiagnosed symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, an allergic reaction to drugs.
SJS Scars Child for Life
Len is 27 now, but no amount of time will erase the psychological scarring he still suffers after an almost fatal childhood occurrence of Steven-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), an allergic reaction to a drug.
Bactrim Causes Third-Degree Burns Inside and Outside Body
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A Terrible Ordeal
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: Popping a Pill Could Mean Hell on Earth
SJS Will Never Go Away
Antibiotics Caused Stevens Johnson Syndrome
Stevens Johnson Syndrome: August is Awareness Month
Antibiotics Caused Stevens Johnson Syndrome
Two More Drugs that led to Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
The Agony of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Stevens Johnson Syndrome: One Woman's Agony
Stevens Johnson Syndrome - Called a Fate Worse than Death
Bactrin: Another Drug linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome
The Frustration of Stevens Johnson Syndrome
Stevens Johnson Syndrome in the News
DEC-20-07: The FDA is recommending that certain patients considering taking drugs containing carbamazepine have a genetic test first. The FDA is concerned about serious skin reactions including
Stevens-Johnson syndrome. [
FDA NEWS: SJS]
DEC-13-07: The FDA announced that some epilepsy drugs will receive a stronger warning about the risk of
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. The warning will be moved into an existing black box warning and will recommend that patients with Asian ancestry have a genetic test before taking the drugs. [
WALL STREET JOURNAL: STEVENS JOHNSON SYNDROME]
NOV-28-07: The FDA has recommended that a serious warning be added to Provigil noting the drug should not be used for children under 16 years old. One of the more serious side effects of Provigil is
Stevens Johnson Syndrome. [
REUTERS: SJS]
AUG-01-07: The
Stevens Johnson Syndrome Foundation announced that August 2007 has been designated SJS Awareness month. SJS affects over two million Americans each year. [
BUSINESS WIRE: SJS]
MAR-19-07: Woman left blind after allergic reaction to penicillin causes her to develop
Stevens Johnson Syndrome. [
THE NATION: SJS]
OCT-12-06: GSK trials reveal one in 700 patients treated with Lexiva developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome and 19% of patients developed skin rashes. [
DOCTOR'S GUIDE: SJS]
APR-22-06: Eleven-year-old girl contracts
SJS from taking antibiotics and looks like she has second-degree burns. She must wear a pressurized suit for a year. [
HERALD TRIBUNE: SJS]
MAY-03-05: In the United States, allergic drug reactions are the fourth leading cause of death. A 17-year-old California girl had an allergic reaction to the bi-polar drug, Lamectal. Her symptoms included inflammation of the eyes and mouth and a dramatic rash. She had
Stevens Johnson Syndrome, a diagnosis with a 50% - 60% mortality rate.
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KVBC LAS VEGAS: STEVENS JOHNSON SYNDROME]
If you or a loved one has suffered from Stevens Johnson Syndrome, you may qualify for damages or remedies that may be awarded in a Stevens Johnson Syndrome class action or lawsuit. Please click the link below to submit your Stevens Johnson Syndrome complaint to an attorney who will review your claim at no cost.
