Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is an adverse allergic drug reaction, which can result in permanent skin damage or death.
A Stevens Johnson Syndrome diagnosis is an extremely rare occurrence, with fewer than 1,000 cases diagnosed per year in the United States.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome Diagnosis
While the skin lesions are the most infamous of the SJS symptoms, patients often suffer flu-like symptoms before the lesions appear. Fatigue, malaise, achiness and sore throat may precede any skin conditions develop.
Soon after the flu symptoms emerge, the characteristic red or purple skin lesions appear and cause the top layer of skin to peel off.
Patients may develop a faster and more aggressive version of Stevens Johnson Syndrome called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). The main difference between TEN and Stevens Johnson Syndrome diagnosis is the amount of skin consumed by the lesions, with SJS at 30% or less and TEN taking up to 90% of skin surface area.
Due to the fact that SJS is so rare, physicians often do not recognize the initial stage of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome Treatment
Stevens Johnson Syndrome treatment can be just as harrowing as the condition itself, as it can take patients months or even years to fully recover.
The first step of treatment is to have the patient stop taking whatever medication caused the allergic reaction.
Oftentimes patients must be treated in the burn units of hospitals, because skin grafts are used to replenish lost flesh. Patients undergoing Stevens Johnson Syndrome treatment may have to be in the intensive care unit, to prevent bacterial infection to the skin.
There is no cure for Stevens Johnson Syndrome, and measures used to keep the patient hydrated, nourished, free from infection and in less pain are the only real measures that can be taken until the disease resolves on its own.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome Prognosis
The prognosis for SJS varies. Some patients are able to make a full recovery in a couple of weeks. For others, the Stevens Johnson Syndrome prognosis is not so encouraging. Some individuals take months to years to recover and may sustain continued damage.
Permanent damage from SJS can include conditions like vision loss or blindness and organ damage. These conditions may remain long after the patient’s other symptoms resolve.
The mortality rate resulting from the Stevens Johnson Syndrome prognosis is approximately 5-10%. The prognosis for Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis is more grim at about a 25-35% death rate.
Tamiflu and SJS
In one Stevens Johnson Syndrome case that was reported a few years back, a teenage patent survived an extreme case of SJS that was the alleged result of a common flu medication.
According to the Dec. 16, 2010 issue of The Oxford Times, Samantha had been prescribed Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) to prevent swine flu and developed SJS symptoms within 72 hours of starting the drug.
Tamiflu is a very popular antiviral medication that is typically used to block types A and B influenza virus types in the body. This drug can also be used to treat flu symptoms in influenza patients, as long as they have not suffered symptoms beyond two days.
Samantha’s SJS soon evolved into TEN. Samantha was put on life support, lost the entire top layer of her skin, and had to learn how to walk again. Despite having two eye surgeries during her ordeal, doctors are unsure if she will regain her sight. While Samantha survived her ordeal, the treatment process had been difficult and may possibly left blind as result of her condition.
SJS Lawsuit Information
Patients who have received Stevens Johnson Syndrome treatment and survived their ordeal may seek legal action against their respective drugs’ manufacturing companies. Those who lost a loved one due to a death caused by SJS or TEN may also be eligible to seek compensation under a wrongful death claim.
Patients could potentially file a product liability suit against the pharmaceutical company for failing to warn them of the possibility of developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
These claims could potentially help victims be compensated for medical bills and other forms of financial damage as a result of their condition and can help hold manufacturers accountable for the safety of their products.
Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The Stevens Johnson Syndrome attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual lawsuit or class action lawsuit is best for you. [In general, SJS lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.] Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.
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Help for Victims of Stevens Johnson Syndrome
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) after taking a prescribed or over-the-counter medication, you may be eligible to take legal action against the drug’s manufacturer. Filing an SJS lawsuit or class action lawsuit may help you obtain compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. Obtain a free and confidential review of your case by filling out the form below.
An attorney will contact you if you qualify to discuss the details of your potential case at no charge to you.
- First Name*
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- Were you, or a loved one, medically diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis?*
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- What year(s) were you or your loved one diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis?*
- Please select which symptoms you or your loved one were medically diagnosed with:*
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Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
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