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Stevens Johnson Syndrome & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN) Lawsuits


Stevens Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) is a severe skin reaction usually triggered by certain medications. Once thought to be separate conditions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are now considered part of a continuum. SJS is the least severe and TEN is the most severe of the disease spectrum. Some victims have filed SJS/TEN lawsuits seeking compensation for their injuries.

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Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Skin Blisters Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), also known as Erythema Multiforme, Leyll's Syndrome, and in its later stages, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that causes large areas of the skin to become detached and lesions to develop in the mucous membranes.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are aware of the risks associated with their drugs, 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 SJS. Without adequate warnings, patients who develop SJS may continue to take the SJS-causing drug, which could lead to TEN.

SJS/TEN symptoms usually begin 4-28 days after the onset of drug intake. Symptoms typically start with a fever and flu-like symptoms followed by a rash—usually starting on the face and eyes in particular, moving to the genitals—that can lead to blistering, severe peeling and open sores. Often an SJS rash is not diagnosed in time, and the condition becomes life-threatening. Other Stevens Johnson Syndrome symptoms include infections caused by the loss of skin or scarring of major organ systems that can be life-threatening.

Serious complications can include pneumonia, overwhelming bacterial infections (sepsis), shock, multiple organ failure, and death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About 10 percent of people with Stevens-Johnson syndrome die from the disease, while the condition is fatal in up to 50 percent of those with toxic epidermal necrolysis. A study published in the American Journal of Dermatology (Dec. 2015) found that the mortality rates for SJS and TEN are as high as 30 percent.

Although SJS/TEN is recognized as one of the few dermatological diseases that constitute a true medical emergency, as of 2015 no internationally accepted management guidelines had been established.

Treatment includes identification and withdrawal of the culprit drug, transfer to a specialist unit, supportive care, medical treatment, communication, and provision of appropriate information and emotional support.

SJS Medications

Drugs that can cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome include:
  • Anti-gout medications, such as allopurinol
  • Medications to treat seizures and mental illness (anticonvulsants and antipsychotics), with added risk if you also undergo radiation therapy
  • Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve)
  • Medications to fight infection, such as penicillin

The leading causes of this disease are the following medications:
  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Children's Advil, Motrin, Children's Motrin and Nuprin)
  • Bactrim , a sulfa drug
  • Ketek , an antibiotic
  • Dilantin , an anticonvulsant
  • Zithromax , an antibiotic
  • 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)
  • Levaquin (levofloxacin), belonging to a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones, the antibiotic is used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus, skin, and urinary tract infections.

In January 2017, the US Department of Health and Human Services, the FDA and the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) recommended that users of over-the-counter (OTC) acetaminophen-containing drugs should be warned in labeling that acetaminophen "may cause severe skin reactions" such as skin reddening, blisters and rash.

Several prescription and OTC medications have a warning label mandated by the FDA as a result of increased risk of developing Steven's Johnson Syndrome. The following drugs have either a new warning or additional wording on the label:
  • Acetaminophen, (See FDA warning updated 2015)
  • 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)
  • Carbamazepine (marketed as Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, and generics) particularly affecting Asian and South Asian patients
  • Zithromax (see below)

Stevens Johnson Syndrome Symptoms

sjsStevens Johnson Syndrome symptoms 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 and respiratory infection. It generally affects the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat and swelling of the eyelids, and can progress to blindness and internal organ damage.

The patient's skin burns from the inside out and often requires treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU) or the burn unit of a hospital. As Stevens Johnson Syndrome evolves, the skin sloughs off in sheets. If the skin lesions become infected, or the patient develops lesions in the lungs, it can result in death.

Recognizing early symptoms of SJS and providing prompt medical attention are the most valuable tools to minimize long-term damage.

In 2016 doctors thought a young boy had chickenpox after he was given Zithromax, a powerful antibiotic, for croup. Mail One (3/16/16) reported that the boy of three was left to fight for his life on a ventilator for nine weeks in the hospital.

Donna Rushing from Tampa told the Outbreak News This Week Radio Show (03/17/17) that her SJS symptoms started with “a flat, red rash on my face and my upper body” and recovery is not over. Her sense of taste has been affected, she has scars in her mouth and she also lost 60 pounds as a result of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Who Is at Risk for Stevens Johnson Syndrome?


Allergic drug reactions cause more than 100,000 deaths among patients in the United States each year, and adverse drug reactions are one of the leading causes of death in the US.

Adverse drug events (ADEs) account for more than 3.5 million physician office visits and 1 million emergency department visits each year, and preventable medication errors impact more than 7 million patients, according to the CDC (Sept 2016).

Those patients most likely to develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome are extremely allergic to antibiotics or painkillers like Ibuprofen. Most cases occur in adults between the ages of 20-40 years, but SJS has been diagnosed in children as young as three 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.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawsuits

Stevens Johnson Syndrome attorneys are investigating SJS cases and filing claims for "failure to warn." Many drugs, including generic drugs associated with SJS have inadequate warnings on the product labels. If a drug has a black-box warning, SJS attorneys may consider a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Lawsuits have been filed against a number of drug makers whose medications are allegedly linked to an increased risk of Stevens Johnson syndrome. One such lawsuit resulted in a $63 million award to the family of Samantha Reckis, who developed Stevens Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis when she was seven years old, after being given repeated doses of Children's Motrin. Reckis' family filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson for failure to warn, and a jury awarded Reckis and her family $63 million. Johnson & Johnson appealed the award but the US Supreme Court refused to hear Johnson & Johnson's appeal.

Khaliah Shaw, age 26, was prescribed lamotrigine, an anticonvulsant drug sometimes prescribed for depression. After two weeks of taking the required dosage, Shaw was in "excruciating pain, she told local news station 11Alive. Shaw believes she was prescribed the wrong dosage of lamotrigine, which led to the development of SJS. She filed a lawsuit in early 2017, alleging her condition is the result of "pharmacists being too rushed, too busy, filling too many prescriptions," which can ultimately put the patient at risk. Shaw is looking for compensation to help with her $3.45 million medical bills for previous and future care related to SJS.

In 2016 defendant Johnson & Johnson prevailed in court after fighting a claim involving a young man who took his own life after taking Motrin and developing Stevens Johnson syndrome.

Also in 2016, the US Supreme Court upheld a huge award for an SJS plaintiff. Johnson & Johnson's application to appeal was rejected and a $63 million award handed to Samantha Reckis and her family after the young girl developed TEN, which was allegedly caused by her use of Children's Motrin.

A lawsuit was filed by Charlene Monk against Johnson & Johnson and Wal-Mart after her six-year-old daughter was diagnosed with SJS following a severe allergic reaction to medication. According to Courthouse News Service (11/4/16), Monk's daughter was treated with PediaCare Multi-Symptom Cold medication that contained acetaminophen in October 2014 and a few weeks later was given a generic children's ibuprofen to treat a fever. The case is Monk et al v. Johnson & Johnson et al, case number 1:16-cv-10273.

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.
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STEVENS JOHNSON SYNDROME (SJS) LAWSUITS


STEVENS JOHNSON SYNDROME (SJS) LEGAL ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS

Woman's Skin Melts Off From Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Woman's Skin Melts Off From Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
May 13, 2017
Snellville, GA: A Georgia woman claims that her skin melted off when she contracted Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) after being given an incorrect dosage of an antidepressant by a pharmacist. READ MORE

Stevens Johnson Syndrome Victim Has Permanent Scarring in her Mouth
Stevens Johnson Syndrome Victim Has Permanent Scarring in her Mouth
April 17, 2017
Tampa, FL: Donna Rushing is a resident from Tampa who developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome from a medication she had been taking. While she was spared hospitalization and more serious SJS side effects that can often include massive loss of skin and life-threatening infections, her battle with Stevens Johnson skin disease was enough to cause her to lose weight, affected her eating and has left her with permanent scarring in her mouth. READ MORE

Texas Woman Suffers Stevens Johnson Syndrome from Bipolar Medication
Texas Woman Suffers Stevens Johnson Syndrome from Bipolar Medication
March 19, 2017
Houston, TX: The majority of patients and plaintiffs touched by the scourge of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) can usually track, or at the very least suspect with a reasonable hypothesis that Stevens Johnson Syndrome symptoms materialize through the use of pharmaceutical drugs and medications including standard, everyday products such as over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication. READ MORE

READER COMMENTS

Posted by

on
I got SJS after taking Bactrim 4 years ago but still have symptoms. Is it to late to seek compensation?

Posted by

on
On the day Vioxx was taken off the market/nuked.. that would be September 30, 2004... my life changed. While I asked my physician if I could simply switch back to the NSAIDS I had taken for years, I got an extremely hard sell on Bextra. It took about 5 to 7 days for the blisters to show up. God knows what was going on with the nonvisible inside organs SJS likes to snack on. Several unsuccessful NSAID trials later, the Bextra hustling doc threw up his hands and told me someone else would have to help me treat this alleged ALLERGY.

Fast forward to opioid trials, topamax, gabapentin, etc. And resultant migraines and double vision. Then epidurals and even multiple nerve ablations to dull the pain. Finally get my meds, therapy, army of docs lined up, and the government starts taking away and/or lowering the dosage of the only two meds that allowed me to live a halfway normal life.

I have consulted a well known allergist. I asked him if I could try some of the drugs to see if the sensitivity had worn off after several years. He adamantly told me I COULD DIE if I were to do that.

Where my rheumatologist at the time had me schlepping an epi pen with me, the allergist told me to toss it. With the type of reactions I'd had to these drugs, no epi pen was going to help.

I am now in more pain than ever, trying to advocate for myself and be a full time caregiver to a loved one who has been through a terrible physical ordeal and requires a LOT of physical help as he recovers. ...and whose pain meds have also been screwed with, which makes things more difficult for both of us.

Side note: a few yrs. ago one of my doctors really wanted me to try one of the anti depressant drugs that's also used for pain control. When I called Eli Lilly they would not disclose the frequency of SJS or TENs cases associated with their drug. I had to employ the FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT to get the data. The next year I started noting references to SJS symptoms in their warning copy. I now need to take a pill for high blood pressure. Available research tells me the SJS rate is higher than I'm comfortable with. Here we go again, but at least the discussion this time will be with an internist.

PS: Like one of the other contributors, I also wound up with neuropathy, cause unknown, after becoming an SJS'er.

Also, I was told by a law firm in 2005 that basically because I hadn't died or been injured enough, I wouldn't be able to join any of the large lawsuits suing the manufacturer of Bextra.

Posted by

on
A list of things we can take.would be a big help to me.Lamictal got me in 2005.Its gotten worse.btroke my spine 2015.Even when I mention My allergy to anyone for treatment.Drs.act as if They are lost,I take what least affects me of my medicines as I'm able ,I often thank not Am.in tears due to I'm suffering because there isn't anyone who realizes the pain and constant struggle with my body suffering from the pain.Of the SJS ,on top of what Might be able to take to not take away but Ease my pain.You either have to have a prescription And look like a drug seeker.And there's the neorological aspect of how to tax something so naturally to help with depression and seizures or episodes as I call them.This really sucks pain on top of pain .No ease without being labeled or it being illegal some I'm ready to eat plants and flowers.Maybe I'll be able to be more functional in this world find even the smallest amount of painmanagement.Pressurepoints don't always get rid or help with a headache so suffer or suffer and get sick .Would to know someone cares and actually understands not to mention the additional suffering From my non fixable broken spine.Help.....

Posted by

on
I had SJS in 1966 after being given several different drugs for unknown illness. Penicillin, aspirin, anti-biotics in the penicillin family. I was 15 years old with 106 degree fever brought to Ceders Hospital, a teaching hospital where most doctors had never seen anything like what has been described above. I had the worst blistering everywhere, 100% of my body, mucous membranes included, terrible pain, & no medication as they didn’t know what would kill me. In those days all they could do was give plasma and IV. How I remember everything was I stayed as alert as possible because I was so afraid I would close my eyes and the world would disappear when I opened them. When I got well, it took at least five years or more to mentally adjust I wasn’t going to die . It was horrifying.

Posted by

on
My son had a reaction to a sulfa drug in 1999, a servers reaction. He had Steven-Johnson Symdrome, he almost died, he was put in ICU he stayed there about a month or more and he was in a fetal position it hurted him so to move, it peeled all him skin off. He was blistered on the outside and the inside. He had the most worst case they ever seen. He changed colors , from light to dark. He had to learn to walk and talk and write all over again. He was 5 at the time when that happen, he spent his birthday in ICU, still have scars, and vision is bad.

Posted by

on
I took bactrim for a uti and ended up in hospital with sjs allmost died blisters all over my body and burning from inside out hurt when people touched me and 8 difrent ives do to my vains blowing out every tine they put a iv in me it was the worst pain i ever went through now i dont know what i can and cant take for meds and scared to take anything do to the sjs bein triggered

Posted by

on
I was given Levofloxacin 750mg an in just 2 days I was pretty messed up and no one knew anything about it at all. Finally I went to a different hospital and they knew right away. I find it difficult to understand that we put our life in these peoples hands and they don't care after you get messed up!

I was sent to a burn center and was told that I had SJS and they removed my remaining skin. 55% damage to skin and liver damage, plus 20% loss of cornea in the left eye.

I am finding it difficult to find legal representation in Ohio where I live in order to seek compensation, due to the fact that I am not able to work. If anyone has legal advice please email me so I can get support.

Posted by

on
My mother, who was 87, was prescribed keflex for an infection in her artificial knee. After over 16 days on the meds, she developed flu like symptoms and a rash. I had called the doctor's office twice before this happened, and asked them why they did not want to have a list of her medications she was on. The first time I was told they counted on the pharmacy to say if there was a reaction. The second time, after she was feeling ill do to the antibiotics, I was told to have her family doctor send over a list. I did this both times. She did not take the antibiotic that the pharmacist said would have a reaction. The other antibiotic made her sick to her stomach. So the doctor switched her to Keflex. Ater over 16 days she was ill. She stopped the meds, called the doctor, who agreed. Two days later I took her to the doctor. She was worse. He looked at her, said that it was a reaction to the meds, said it was rare to have it happen after this long on the medication. He said to never take an antibiotic again. Said she would have to "deal" with the knee. Said "we don't want to kill you". Never touched her. Never looked into anything further. Told me to get Benedryl. Gave her a script for five days of prednisone. Twenty days later, my mother was dead of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Posted by

on
I had shoulder surgery on my right shoulder in 2008 and then reinjured it and a January ice storm in 2016. My doctor prescribed 120 800 milligram ibuprofen for me. The amount taken was to be morning noon and night but knowing I'm sensitive to drugs I just took them in the morning to get through the day and at night to sleep because of the pain in my right shoulder. My cousin noticed a little spot under my right eyelid which in one day grew to be an inch long bright red. I immediately took myself off of ibuprofen and after several days the rash went away but there is no question in my mind it was directly related to the ibuprofen since I am also allergic to penicillin and penicillin related antibiotics. I am very glad I caught it early because I constantly read about the medication I am taking.

Posted by

on
I am a SJS survivor from 1999 and I stayed in the hospital for over a week with a life threatening condition from Daypro.. When a doctor tell the nurses to make a patient as comfortable as possible because they will probably die in 2days..I know for a fact that God is real because he spared my life..I still have some complications withy vision and extremely dry skin and so often I have sick spells but glory be to God.,. Anyone that have suffered from SJS need to be reward from the drugs that caused some of us to survive and some died,no matter how long its been.what lawyer will take the risk and help.I need a fighter on my side!!! Thank You.

Posted by

on
8/5/2015 I was prescribe Bactrim, the pharmacy didn't have it available until 8/8/2015 A drug I have never took in my life. I'm 35 yrs old and been over seas, US ARMY VETERAN. out of all the doctors I get one that said this's will help your skin infection. About 15 days later I get burning sensation in my eyes and blisters in my mouth. What gets me is if it's a allergic reaction it should happen the first dose. But 15 days later that's something crazy! I went to the nearest hospital Dekalb Medical on 8/25/15. They said as soon as I arrived to the ER I had Steve Johnson syndrome. So Tuesday all day, Wednesday all day, Thursday all day. No improvement , I was dying the blisters multiplied by 100% and I couldn't wen swallow anymore. Friday they decided to send a Ambulance to take me to Grady Hospital Burn unit ! I am thankful to the Doctors there ! The went immediately to work. I just remember the first hour of arrival when the where cutting the blisters in my mouth or something of that sort. Then I woke up with a awake tracheostomy for me to breathe while they worked to Heal me. Blisters on my face legs arms and midsection ! I'm scars all over. Weak , and recovering ! It's tough to experience and either the pharmaceutical company needs to take responsibility ! 15 days is too long for a sorry you may get Steve Johnson Syndrome. I'm mentally emotional at times but awareness is important and maybe that pharmaceutical should just stop making Bactrim.
Ricardo Vasquez
Love kept me alive
God kept me alive
Good Doctors keeping me alive

Posted by

on
My wife has been diagnosed with SJS which has evolved to TENS,she had to be transported to a burn center in Georgia and is now on a ventilator,feeding tube and 24hr dialysis;she is on max level with the medications but her body isn't responding properly to the meds,her organs are trying to quit. It's been a week since I've heard my wife's voice and I would give anything to trade places with her or ease her suffering.My wife has been a dialysis patient for the past 8 yrs but shes never lost her faith in God and her love for life,always maintaining a strong spirit. So I'm struggling with the decision of whether my wife would want me to pursue legal action against this very prestigious hospital in NC where she had internal imaging done but excessive contrast was used,which she is highly allergic to(uncertain of what other drugs were used)but I do know that they prescribed prednisone on the day before the procedure to counteract the allergic reaction,But something went terribly wrong...IF THERE IS ANYONE OUT THERE THAT CAN GIVE ME SOME SENSIBLE ADVICE PLEASE

Posted by

on
I am fortunate after hip surgery I was prescribed 500mg Naproxen as an anti-inflammatory after the second day of starting the medication I felt tingling, burning and itching but ignored it. I then noticed swelling in my legs and became concerned of a possible clot. called the surgeon and went to the ER but took my night meds prior to going. By the time I had gotten their my hands started swelling, while sitting in the ER trying to get the doctor to even look at my hands and not just be focused on a clot, I developed some chest pain and the glands on my right neck, blisters started developing on my hands and feet and became bright red by the time I was admitted upstairs. I pointed all of this out to the floor doctor and was later brought in by the nurse Naproxen and a blood thinner. Being a nurse myself I refused them and abruptly left the hospital and went home and took Benadryl for the next three days. However I had never heard of or had seen SJS in any of my patient contacts. I was certain it was an allergic reaction and not a clot, however; I did not know it was the naproxen because I had also started Plavix at the same time. so when the rash went away I tried the naproxen first. My mistake I had an immediate return of itching within an hour of taking it so I took a dose of Benadryl and thru the medication away. When I returned to the surgeons office to have the sutures removed I explained my symptoms and he immediately told me what it was.

Posted by

on
Blistering all over my body, blurry vision.

Posted by

on
I was diagnosed with SJS/TEN in 2010 and nearly died. Now I suffer from so many long-term conditions (blindness, scarring, arthritis, lung damage, nerve damage, etc) that I am on disability and am unable to work. Because of this, I have financial difficulties and have to have a personal care assistant live with me. My life has been changed drastically and will never go back to the way it was.

Posted by

on
In hospital for 3 weeks, 10% of skin dislocation, still have the scars. Also diagnosed with neuropathy one year later - the drug I was prescribed had a black box warning out 2 months before I was prescribed it.

Posted by

on
Zithromycin, and Omnicef caused me to be legally blind; extreme sensitivity to sun and heat. Destroyeed tear ducts, abnormal fatigue, recurring pneumonia, PTSD, anxiety, lack of sleep, overall nerve damage, trouble concentrating. Extreme skin sensitivity. Need help with daily chores.

Posted by

on
I am a 36 y/o female who unexpectently went into respiratory distress due to blistering of the lips, mouth, swelling of the tongue, that progressed into a complete body rash with extreme dryness, swelling and redness of the eyes. Then abnormal MRI of the brain.

Posted by

on
Severe allergic reaction to Motrin, which burned my body from the inside out.

Posted by

on
I was given a generic form of Bactrim 800 for a urinary tract infection. I had never had any allergic reaction to anything, so when I started to hallucinate, I didn't think anything of it. I then started falling all over the place. After six days I ended up in the hospital with a rash all over my body. I have no memory of the Sunday before I went to hospital or the first 4 days that I was in the hospital. When I woke up, my entire body was as red as a lobster. It burned and it itched like crazy. I was very disoriented. I could barely stand on my own. I was in the hospital until the next Monday and was sent home with oxygen and a walker. To this day I still have bouts of disorientation and occasionally have trouble standing up. My skin still burns but I have no rash.

Posted by

on
Stevens Johnsons has caused my son to have severe eye irritation and redness; Mouth and throat soreness and swelling, which limits his ability to eat; His physical ability also has been limited and he sleeps the majority of the day. He has to learn how to walk and eat all over again. My son's physical appearance has also been impacted, 1st layer of skin removed and some of his hair came out. He does not look like himself and he can only go outdoors for limited amounts of time, due to the sun irritating his eyes. SJS has really hit my son hard and I am thankful to God that he is still alive. He is only four, but he has a heart of a champion. He also has to miss the remainder of Pre-K for the school year, due to this illness.

Posted by

on
My son was diagnosed at 3 with SJS/TEN. He is 8 now but still has limitations.

Posted by

on
My son had an allergic reaction when taking lamictal and motrin. He swelled and had a rash. His eyes were swollen shut. He was in the hospital for a week and in icu when his blood pressure dropped. He was diagnosed with SJS. His skin peeled off like a burn. He has since recovered but I am not sure about any other effects. He was hospitalized a second time after for swelling but had a less severe case. I am worried that the medicine he currently takes (prozac, abilify, methalyn) will interact again with other over-the-counter treatments for common illnesses children may come down with, such as a cold or flu.

Posted by

on
She was admitted to Kosairs in Louisville and diagnosed with sjs/ten....blisters/peeling over 30 percent of her body.

Posted by

on
Chris is hospitalized to where he almost died. He was on his way into full cardiac arrest ,covered with scabs, on a respirator, a feeding tube in his stomach.

Respiratory problem, skin disorder, blurred vision. Were told feet may have to be amputated, on breathing machine to a tube in his throat. Lost 45lbs.

Posted by

on
Hospitalized for 17 days for skin melting off. Had severe pain, stomach sickness, loss of appetite/weight, and severe itching. Have pictures after three weeks of being treated. I almost died because of this. It happened about four months ago.

Posted by

on
Toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Stephen johnson syndrome.

Posted by

on
Rash all over the body with blisters. Painful itchy sensation in the skin and scalp. Pain when swallow .

Posted by

on
Skin lacerations, rashes, eye infections (eyesight permanently affected), bleeding.

Posted by

on
Steven Johnson syndrome with rash head to toe, Skin peeling on feet & hands, skin problems in various places on the body, Mucousal blisters, GI irritation and possibly ulcers, eye sight changes. I've lost time from work & have been taking FMLA as well. I can only eat yogurt & mashed potatoes. I've lost 14 lbs thus far. The reaction started on April 29th 2012.

Posted by

on
Multiple internal and external burns all over the body and loss of vision.

Posted by

on
Eye problems, facial discoloration and skin.

Unable to describe well. Would like to speak with someone pls.

Posted by

on
My skin burnt off all over my body, everywhere but my face, thank goodness. When recovering from that, I ended up needing emergency surgery, had to have my lympnods cleaned out, had a bad infection, ended up being mercer, from my immune system being weak.

Posted by

on
After 1 week I woke up with a fever of 104 degrees, my skin looked as if I had a bad sun burn. I had a cough and my glands were swollen on my neck. My skin was painful to touch. My doctor treated me with antibiotics saying I was just "sick" and the drug did not cause my symptoms.

Pain, out of work for a week.

Posted by

on
I was given a sulfa drug, even though the doctor was aware I was allergic to it. I had a burn like rash on my face, eyes, neck. and arms. Doctors caught it before it spread over my entire body. I had sores in my nose, throat and eyes.

Posted by

on
I was never told there could be a rash or anything. Within 2 weeks I developed SJS and was hospitilized for 6 days. I could not breathe and my entire body was covered in rashes and blisters, I have not been able to eat and have lost over 15 pounds and have suffered more pain and suffering than one should have to endure.

I have permanent skin discolorization, scarring on my arms and legs. I have massive blisters on the bottoms of my feet preventing me from being able to walk for long period of times.

Posted by

on
SJS...The reaction was so bad that when I walked into the Emergency Room the ER nurse looked at me and said SJS.

Posted by

on
I was diagnosed with Steven Johnson Syndrome in March of 2007. Along with SJS I also had liver failure and developed pneumonia while in the hospital. It was discovered that it was caused by Lamictal, a drug I was taking for my Bi-Polar disorder. I was hospitalized for two weeks and it wasn't until a few days before I was released and a liver biopsy that they discovered that my liver had failed and that I had Steven Johnson Syndrome. I had been taking Lamictal and had been instructed to take the medication all the way up until the time that they discovered what was causing my symptoms. Two weeks after taking the medication I noticed I had little red bumps forming on the base of my feet, and within another three weeks they had spread throughout my body, including inside my mouth and down my throat. They burned and were extremely painful and sore.

Posted by

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Fortunately my reaction wasn't as severe as some that I have read. However, I felt it was important to let someone know in an attempt to get this product off the market. I had an almost immediate reaction from Bactrim, 2 pills is all it took to set my face on fire. I described it to my family and work as a 2nd degree burn feeling. (Being from Florida I know this burn) My face was swollen and bright red, my body itchy, and it caused pain in my entire body that made it impossible to sleep it off. These symptoms caused sleepless nights and time missed from work. I contacted my Physician and left a message regarding this reaction and to my disappointment never received a return call from him or the office. A major disappointment! Upon which case I contacted a friend of mine who is a licensed paramedic that suggested trying Benadryl to subside the reaction. After consistently taking Benadryl for a couple days my symptoms subsided. It has now been almost a week since this has happened and since my face and lips have been peeling and still remains to do so. I seem to finally be in recover mode. I hate to think of what would have been had I taken just one more pill!!

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On my 7th day taking Bactrim I woke with diarrhea and had that all morning and afternoon (10 times). Then I got hives all over my body that night and they got worse and worse throughout the night. I went to the ER and he said I should just take benadryl. I did and went to bed. When I woke, my lips were 10 times bigger than normal, my eyes had black circles and puffiness, the rest of my face was puffy, I felt like I was going to faint and the rest of my hives were even bigger and there were more. I went to the ER a second time because my throat was starting to close up and I could not breath well - I was scared because I thought it might close completely. They gave me an iv with solvnedral, pepcid, benadryl and ativan. While in the hospital I noticed my forehead felt warm and when I touch it the skin hurts (not a headache), my face swelled up, dark around eyes, my blood pressure was 77/43 and it has never been that low (normal is 80-90/60). My chest started having pains, my hands started to ache, my temp was 99.9. So I am convinced I am going to miscarry or have birth defects because of Bactrim and what it did to me (and additional medicines I had to take because of it).

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Prescribed Bextra by Pain Mgmt MD. Experienced skin reaction of huge liquid filled blisters over torso of my body. Also, experienced complete and sudden cessation of menstrual periods. I reported the above to prescribing MD who immediately dismissed any possibility of causal relationship and insisted that blisters were a result of burns from sleeping with heating pad (pain tx utilized for past 20 years). Dismissed menstrual cessation as "something to be expected with a female of your age." I was in my late 40's and internist had recently advised me that based on blood work results that I "was not even close to menopause." I was not satisfied with the MD explanation & given the lack of pain decrease response I opted to d/c Bextra on my own. Also, I referred to print-out from pharmacy which warned of SJS side effect including potentially fatal outcome. Reported concerns at later time to other MD's. Dr. Rosenthal (allergist), unlike other two doctors, took the time to look Bextra up on his medical info site. He reported that both side effects are indeed documented as potential response to Bextra & supported my consumer awareness & d/c of med in light of disinterested and/or ignorance of prior medical advice. Large assymetrical fluid filled blisters which caused considerable pain both before & after release of underlying fluid; cessation of menstrual periods. Long-term but eventual resolution of scarring from lg. fluid filled blisters.

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Hello, I have a sister who has SJS with Her2 Breast Cancer. The HMO she has will only treat for her Cancer, but will not treat her for the SJS. She been fighting the HMO to get treatment for both her health problems. One of the HMO Doctor told her if she got treatment for the cancer that the SJS would get to the point that she would be bed ridden or in a wheel chair because the cancer treatment would only make the SJS intensify.

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