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SJS Bactrim "Almost Did Me In"

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Zebulon, NCAlmost a year ago, Anthony was prescribed Bactrim for a staph infection, but didn't finish the treatment—and that may have saved his life. "I took about half the pills but stopped because I got a terrible rash in my mouth, under both my arms and around my shoulder blades," he says. To this day, he still suffers from a recurring rash and blisters; Anthony believes he still has Bactrim Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

Bactrim Victim"Along with this rash I had a fever of 102 degrees and it must have been from the Bactrim because I didn't have a fever with the infection," says Anthony. "Even though I discontinued taking this drug it took months to get it out of my system because I kept having these horrible symptoms coming back.

The rash got worse and moved down my arms then it came up in blisters everywhere. I would scratch them in my sleep and to this day I have scars on my arms. Also I went to a gastrologist who put a tube down my upper and lower stomach and small intestine. I had developed deposits like little blisters and had internal bleeding. They couldn't find the cause. Next I had a pill-cam--a little scope that took pictures of my small intestine. This miniature TV was strapped to my side like a belt that tracked this pill and I was instructed to do 'everyday activity' for 8 hours.

Still, they found nothing. But it was just too coincidental that these symptoms occurred within days of taking Bactrim and developing a skin rash. Now I know that SJS affects the internal organs as well as the external such as skin. Since I developed these symptoms I have done some research on the Internet about SJS and determined that Bactrim was either one cause or a contributor to this illness.

I recovered from the internal bleeding but it made me really weak. And I still have blisters flare up on my skin which leads me to believe that Bactrim is still in my system. It's like this drug did something to my body chemistry. And another thing: I can't take my blood pressure medicine—it doesn't seem to work anymore.

My neighbor's son also took Bactrim and he wound up in the hospital for about 6 months; his family didn't think he was going to make it. The reason kids are having a harder time recovering from SJS is because they haven't got such a strong immune system. If it wasn't for the fact that I am really healthy (besides getting the staph infection) and stick to a really good diet, SJS might have done me in.

The manufacturer of Bactrim has made me really angry; I want to go after these guys for putting a dangerous drug on the market because I had no idea that Bactrim could cause SJS."

Bactrim, a brand name for an antibiotic treatment, is used to treat a variety of problems, from ear and urinary tract infections in children to bronchitis, travel-related diarrhea, and pneumonia. It has also been associated with many adverse side effects, including the potentially deadly Stevens-Johnson Syndrome--an allergic syndrome most often caused by viral infection or by certain drugs that causes one's immune system to turn on itself; in other words, it burns the sufferer from the inside out.

As well, Bactrim is often prescribed in combination with Septra; this combined antibiotic treatment is known as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. There are numerous side effects associated with this drug duo, including kidney problems, urinary obstruction and bleeding. But the most common side effect is the increased risk of SJS and TEN (Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis).

Symptoms of SJS usually begin with a rash. Generally, blisters develop on the lips and mouth that spread to the throat, tongue, skin and mucous membranes. At the same time, SJS can destroy internal organs, which can lead to death. Up to 15 percent of patients affected with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome will die—Anthony was one of the lucky ones.

If you have taken Bactrim and/or a combination of Bactrim and Septra, seek medical help immediately--even if you suspect any signs of this deadly and horribly painful illness.

READ ABOUT SJS BACTRIM LAWSUITS

READER COMMENTS

Posted by

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I've been prescribed this antibiotic after taking one dose I woke up with a fat lip and little water blisters along my lip line. I've taken this medication before for uti but never before had any reaction. It is a generic version. Is it possible generics are not exactly the same as bactrim and so many different generics for bactrim by different makers should I report this to my pharmacist as well as the doc?

Posted by

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My son who was 32 years old took bactrim and died two months later suffering in ICU. from liver kidney pancreas and bleeding failures

Posted by

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I was given Bactrim by the VA hospital and nearly died several times from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/TENS. I spent 3 weeks in a coma, and 3 months in the hospital. I had to learn how to walk again. I now have a scratched cornea, Neuropathy in both feet that give me pain level nine 24 hrs a day, and my mind is so scrambled I can hardly stay on a subject long enough to complete a task. Before all this, I was a software developer for a major software company (team lead), and I graduated college Summa Cum Laude. Now I have been reduced to a disabled nub, hobbling around. It takes my all morning just to take care of simple daily self cleaning tasks, and I am on 8 meds. Please someone help me, I must have some type of case against this drug manufacturer or something.

Posted by

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I recently took bactrim for very bad throat infection. I managed to take almost half and I began to see a blister in the middle of my tongue...it began to be hard to eat. I took one more dose the following morning. At that point I could barely swallow the pill. By the end of the day I had a larger sore developing on my tongue. I threw the rest of the medication away. My throat is now worse, my tongue has a sore that is getting larger and more painful by the day, and I can barely eat anything at all. Not to mention, the horrible headaches I'm suffering from now. I feel worse than ever. I'm going to the hospital tomorrow. I do not recommend this medication for anyone.

Posted by

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I just stop taking bactrim as i woke up pain from my tongue an inside my mouth its been 5 days an no change pain is a 9 out of 10 an thats with pain meds. Does anyone have any suggestions its going to my throat

Posted by

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Took Bactrim for a rash that I got from fiberglass with cleaning my pool filter. The pool filter was old and on the exterior were shards of fiberglass that you cannot see. Long story shot broke out in a rash where my hands touch my body. When prescribed I just took the required doses and noticed my rashes getting worse but didn't think anything of it so continued till it was over. The rash was so bad that I couldn't do anything for a week and a half. The rash is on my nose, above the lips and chin were the hair follicles are and on my private and anus. It's been 2 months since the last break out and now the rash is back. It's not as bad but I can tell its from Bactrim. Do I have SJS?

Posted by

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my sister was 77 yeas old and was given bactrim for urinarty trac infection after two pills she developed blisters around her mouth she became so sick we took her to the er after test the doctor said she had steven johnson syndrom she was put in intensive care where 3 days later she passed away please please get the drug off the market my sister suffered so much it was undescribable this drug is deadly

Posted by

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I took Bactrim for a week to help rid myself of a 2 week cold, because I was planning a two month visit to Germany to see my daughter's family in about 1 1/2 months. The day after I stopped, I woke up with swollen scabby lips, my tongue was swollen and sore. I immediately went to my doctor,who prescribed liquid Prednisone along with Prednisone tablets. That evening it continued to get worse. During the night I had a fever of 102, the lining of my mouth and tongue was dissolving and I woke up with flat wine colored spots over my body. Mostly on the torso area. My mouth was so painful,I couldn't eat or drink, but forced myself to stay hydrated. I went to emergency that evening, but that didn't diagnosed it as SJS. They just gave me pills and sent me home. I found on the Internet the link between Bactrim and Steven Johnson Syndrome and Ten. I had all the symptoms. I was frozen with fear at the mortality rate 50-50. The next day was Sunday. My doctor returned my call, then drove all the way across town to met me at his office. When I showed him my rash, his faced looked so concerned and said " you have TEN". I said "do you mean Steven Johnson Syndrome". He said "yes". He said I should put you in ICU but I really don't want to do that. I'm afraid you might get an infection with all the people around you. I said "I'll do whatever you want". He asked me to come to his office as much as I could so he could keep checking me. The next day He checked my platelets. Then the next day he told the results were good, and to continue my prednisone. I would continue to heal. I lost the whole lining of my mouth, lost about 7 pounds in 5 days, and still have the scars from the rash. Lost all my tastebuds.(took 3 weeks to return) At least I'm alive. Thank God! I healed just in time for our trip. This drug should not be on the market!

Posted by

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I had been prescribed Bactrim for what they called Prostatitis, after about 2 weeks of taking the drug I was hospitalized for Acute Renal Failure. I went from frequent needs to void to renal failure. The really sad thing is the day before being hospitalized I had received a letter from the urologist letting me know that the CT scan I had did not show anything concerning. All the while I was feeling worse, my blood pressure dropped to 68/45 and I felt jittery, this led to unclear thought processing, and just a sickening feeling that death was on the agenda for me. Fortunately for me I have a wife and 4 daughters in the medical field that saved my life. After 2 days in the first hospital only having more complications they were able to get me moved to another hospital that saved me, I am 3 months from discharge date and still am not recovered from the toxic effects my entire body suffers through from this BAD DRUG.

Posted by

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I was prescribed Bactrim for an abscess that wouldn't heal. Shortly afterwards I developed blisters on my back and legs. I also have lupus. During my research about my disease. I learned it is a sulfa base drug and should never be given to patients with Lupus. I would love to sue the nurse practioner and hospital who prescribed it to me knowing I was a lupus patient. The incompetence of our medical professionals is getting pretty bad. Are they trying to heal us or kill us?

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My mother was prescribed this medicine. She almost died after taken this drug for only 5 days. She developed a rash all over her body including her eyes that looked like the worst case of measles 10 times over. She has 5 brain seizures, along with passing out and no heart beat. I called 911 and between them and myself we saved her life. She sees the neurologist tomorrow because the staff at Mason County Hospital here in Shelton, WA. said somehow she "SHORT CIRCUITED." She was much better off before taking this drug. I and the family believe this drug has destroyed her health and happiness. This has happened just between 2-3 weeks ago. She is suffering so many complications now and she is to the point where she is afraid to go to sleep because she does not know if she will wake up or not. I WANT TO SUE THIS DRUG MANUFACTURER FOR PAIN AND SUFFERING, MEDICAL BILLS AND GET THIS DRUG OFF THE MARKET NOW. THIS IS VERY SAD FOR US TO SEE OUR MOTHER GO THROUGH THIS. She is supposed to be getting better not worse.

Posted by

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why is this still on the market?I had neck pain headache and blood shot eyes rash all over I told them what I was on and and hospital I went to had no idea what happened all liars.

Posted by

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I have been on bactrim for 3 days ive been in and out of the hospital all my mucous membranes are red rashy swollen and fire blisters i cant eat drink work sleep or pee. It keeps getting worse and i stopped the meds but now my tongue is swelling i was prescribed 2 pills twice day i hurt alk over with sweats im in soooooo much pain

Posted by

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I was Prescribed Bactrim in 2009 and it caused me to get C-DIFF collitas. I was bleeding very bad in my stomach and could not hold any food down. The worst of it I was Hospitalised for quite a while offf and on seemed like forever. I couldn't eat any food for over a month I had to eat thru an IV.

Posted by

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I have folliculits(stap infection) that has lasted almost two months. I first took minocycline and the following two weeks I use bactroban. I still have it on my shoulders and neck but it is no longer red(active) as it once was. I have now been prescribed bactrim. Should I consider another drug? Will folliculitils eventually go away on its own because I have already used a combination of minocycline and bactroban? Any advice would be really appreciated.

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