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Mother Loses 98 Percent of Skin to Stevens Johnson Syndrome

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Dallas, TXBeing diagnosed with a serious condition is stressful enough, but developing a severe allergic reaction, such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), to the medication makes a bad situation into a terrifying ordeal. Unfortunately, many patients are not aware of Stevens Johnson syndrome symptoms, so they do not know when they break out in a rash they may be on the brink of a medical emergency. And, because some drugs warn only about a rash but not about SJS, patients are not aware of the risks of a life-threatening condition.

One woman in Europe knows how terrifying Stevens Johnson Syndrome can be. The 46-year-old mother from Chichester, Sussex, experienced her horrific reaction to Quinoric (known generically as hydroxychloroquine and sold in the US as Plaquenil) after taking the medication for lupus. According to the Daily Mail (8/27/12), she lost 98 percent of her skin and all of her hair. Her eyeballs peeled and she was covered in third-degree burns.

Mary Holder's ordeal began in January 2011, when she was diagnosed with lupus and prescribed Quinoric. After only four pills, Mary suffered shortness of breath. Initially, a doctor prescribed steroids as a treatment, but Mary's condition worsened. By the time she was diagnosed with SJS, it was almost too late. Medical professionals advised Mary to say good-bye to her family, but she pulled through, although she suffered permanent damage.

Since her ordeal, Mary has fought to ensure the risk of Stevens Johnson Syndrome be included on the information package for Quinoric. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has since asked the maker of Quinoric, Bristol Laboratories, to provide a pamphlet highlighting the potential for side effects associated with the drug.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome and its more severe form, toxic epidermal necrolysis, are serious allergic reactions to medications. They can arise at any time, even if the medication has previously been well-tolerated, and are linked to a variety of common medications, including ibuprofen. Patients are often treated in hospital burn wards because their skin can peel off and they suffer burn-related injuries including severe blistering. Some patients who develop SJS do not survive, while those that do often have permanent injuries including photosensitivity, pain and scarring.

Lawsuits have been filed against some drug companies for failing to adequately warn about the risks of Stevens Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

READ ABOUT STEVENS JOHNSON SYNDROME (SJS) LAWSUITS

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READER COMMENTS

Posted by

on
I've been taking plaquenil now for about 2 years. I've also experienced excessive amounts of hair loss and now unexplained blotches on forearms, chest,and lower legs. My daughter had told me she saw something online that might explain the unexplained blemishes and dark patches. Also other side effects may be linked to said drug. We most definitely need serious attention brought to these matters and if any compensation is offered for damages this SHOULD BE PUBLIC NOTICE NATIONALLY.

Posted by

on
i was prescribed the drug plaquenil for R.A.after about 15 days i began to blister .I contacted my med. Dr. who told me to stop taking it .the next day I went back and discovered my bp and heart rate were out of order.He immedicately put me in hospital where I stayed for a week. my entire skin blistered and came off.even to inside ears and nose. my hair more then half came out I still have problems with my skin.I have several pictures showing my condition.I contacted several lawyers.No one would even meet with me.My daughter told me to check on line and I found this site.maybe you can help me to get something done about this medicine.There was only a tiny notice on label,,may cause rash.I will appriciate any help.

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