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Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a life-threatening illness, usually caused by a severe allergic reaction to a medication. Also known as Erythema Multiforme, Leyll's Syndrome and in its later stages, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), SJS causes large areas of the skin to become detached and lesions to develop in the mucous membranes. Infections caused by the loss of skin or scarring of major organ systems can lead to debilitation of the patient or death.



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Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are aware of the risks associated with their drugs and the potential for adverse events to occur such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), yet proper warnings are for the most part inadequate. Many over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as Ibuprofen--found in Advil and Motrin—have been linked to this horrific disease. Without adequate warnings, patients who develop SJS may continue to take the SJS-causing drug which could lead to life-threatening TEN.

SJS Medications

SJS is caused by almost any medication, including antibiotics, anticonvulsants sedatives and pain killers. The leading causes of this disease are the following medications:
  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Children's Advil, Motrin, Childrens Motrin and Nuprin)
  • Ketek, an antibiotic
  • Dilantin, an anticonvulsant
  • COX-2 inhibitors Bextra (Valdecoxib),Vioxx (Rofecoxib), Celebrex (Celecoxib), and Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID's) including Daypro (Oxaprozein)
  • Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory drugs such as Feldene (Piroxicam), Naproxen (Aleve)
In May, 2006 the FDA updated several prescription and over the counter (OTC) medications with a warning label as a result of increased risk of developing Steven's Johnson Syndrome. The following drugs had either a new warning regarding SJS or additional wording:
  • Tolectin 600 Tablets (Tometin Sodium)
  • Tolectin DS Capsules (Tometin Sodium)
  • Advil Allergy Sinus Tablets (200 mg ibuprofen / 30 mg pseudoephedrine HCI / 2 mg chlorpheniramine maleate)
  • Advil Cold & Sinus Tablets (200 mg ibuprofen / 30 mg pseudoephedrine HCI)
  • Advil Liqui-Gels (200 mg ibuprofen capsules)
  • Advil Migraine Capsules (200 mg ibuprofen)
  • Children's Motrin Chewable Tablets (50 mg ibuprofen)
  • Motrin Junior Strength Chewable Tablets (100 mg ibuprofen)
  • Motrin Cold & Sinus Tablets (200 mg ibuprofen / 30 mg pseudoephedrine HCI)
  • Motrin IB Tablets (200 mg ibuprofen)
  • Motrin Infants' Drops (50 mg / 1.25 mL ibuprofen oral suspension)
Symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome

sjs Stevens Johnson Syndrome can begin with a fever, sore throat and headache and over a few days (or sometimes even minutes) can turn into skin lesions and blisters. It generally affects the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, eyes, genital tract and intestinal tract. Ulcers inside the mouth are the most common with irritation to the throat, tongue, gums, and lips. If left untreated, internal organs are affected.

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 (which results in about 15-20 percent of cases).

This horrific and painful disease frequently causes blindness. Recognizing early symptoms of SJS and providing prompt medical attention are the most valuable tools to minimizing long-term damage.

Who is at Risk?

Allergic drug reactions are a major cause of death in the United States, causing more than 100,000 deaths among patients each year.

Those patients most likely to develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome are extremely allergic to drugs such as Ibuprofen, 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. Anyone who takes prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs runs the 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.


Register your Stevens Johnson Syndrome Case

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.


Posted on Nov-19-04
Updated on Nov-17-09

STEVENS JOHNSON SYNDROME (SJS) ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS

Seven-Year-Old Oregon Girl Back from the SJS Brink
Seven-Year-Old Oregon Girl Back from the SJS Brink Portland, OR: She's only seven and already a survivor of Stevens Johnson Syndrome. The good news is that Mackenzie Armstrong has fought the symptoms that threatened to rob her of her sight and potentially her life. [ Read More ]

"I Wouldn't Wish SJS on My Worst Enemy"
"I Wouldn't Wish SJS on My Worst Enemy" Dover, DE: "I had a urine infection earlier this year and my doctor prescribed Bactrim," says Grace. "I started to get headaches and a fever but I thought it was the flu. Never in a million years did I think it could be Stevens Johnson Syndrome; I'd never even heard of SJS until the hospital doctors told me. I was even more shocked to discover this life-threatening disease was caused by an antibiotic and that some victims can develop SJS simply from taking Ibuprofen or Children's Motrin!" [ Read More ]

SJS Risk Increases with Increase in Medications
SJS Risk Increases with Increase in Medications San Francisco, CA: The seriousness of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is fostering research into the debilitating and sometimes fatal condition, even though it is rare. Part of the reason why Stevens Johnson Syndrome skin disease is not falling through the cracks, is due to what often triggers it: medication. Given the growing list of medications and various other drugs that Americans routinely take for everything from everyday aches and pains, to more serious conditions—the incidents of SJS are bound to increase. [ Read More ]


STEVENS JOHNSON SYNDROME (SJS) SETTLEMENTS

82 Year Old Awarded $6 Million in SJS Lawsuit


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