You may have heard of someone getting diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome, also referred to as Stevens Johnson disease or SJS.
Several questions that that will likely pop into your head after hearing the term: how do you get Stevens Johnson Syndrome, what symptoms does the disease cause, and what are possible complications? All of these questions will be explored.
How Do You Get Stevens Johnson Syndrome?
Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a skin reaction brought about by the body’s response to a medication, or in some rare cases, an infection. Many prescription pharmaceutical drugs have been associated with the development of SJS, but some common household over-the-counter medications are also a common culprit.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome can occur any time a medication is taken. While it may occur upon first taking a new medication, it can also happen after continued use of a medication, without a clear explanation as to why it occurred.
Though just about any medication can cause SJS, there are a number of medications that pose a greater likelihood that an individual may develop an SJS reaction. These include:
- Pain Relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve)
- Antibiotics and other infection-fighting medications (Zithromax, Cipro, penicillin, others)
- Anti-gout medication (allopurinol, others)
- Antiepileptic and antipsychotic drugs (Dilantin (phenytoin), Lamotrigine, others)
- Radiation Therapy
- Other medications (Protonix, others)
Certain infections can also cause SJS. The four that have been commonly linked are:
- Hepatitis
- Herpes (herpes simplex, herpes zoster)
- HIV
- Pneumonia
What are the Symptoms that Stevens Johnson Syndrome Causes?
Initially, the symptoms of SJS mimic those of a common cold or the flu. Achiness, fatigue, malaise, sore throat, and fever are common. Many individuals dismiss the early symptoms. Shortly thereafter, however, the telltale SJS rash begins to develop, with reddish or purple blisters in the mucous membranes of the body as well as on the skin.
As the rash spreads, the skin cells begin to die and the epidermal layer of the skin separates from the dermis, causing the skin to slough off in sheets. After the skin dies and flakes off, a patient often looks like he or she has developed severe burns.
If the SJS rash covers more than 30 percent of an individual’s body, the condition is referred to as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).
What Complications May Arise from SJS?
In addition the rash affecting the skin and mucous membranes, SJS can affect other parts of the body as well. Further complications of SJS and TEN include:
- Vision loss or blindness
- Damage to internal organs
- Permanent skin damage
- Secondary skin infection
- Sepsis (often due to secondary skin infection)
How is Stevens Johnson Syndrome Treated?
SJS and TEN are considered dermatological medical emergencies and hospitalization is required. Most patients are treated in the hospital’s burn unit, if they have one, or in the intensive care unit due to the severity of the condition.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for SJS and TEN, and the only treatment that can be offered is supportive, palliative care. The drug that is thought to have sparked the condition is stopped immediately. Patients receive IV fluids and nutrition, pain relief medications, and care is taken to prevent any infection or further damage from the condition.
What is the Prognosis of Stevens Johnson Syndrome?
Stevens Johnson disease usually resolves more quickly than Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, and can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to clear up. Patients suffering from SJS have a 5-10 percent mortality rate, while the mortality rate for TEN patients is closer to 30-40 percent. Some individuals are able to make a full recovery, while others are faced with lifelong complications and damage as a result of the disorder.
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*
- Last Name*
- Street Address*
- Apt. #
- City*
- State*
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific
- Zip Code*
- Phone*
- Email*
- Please list an emergency contact name and phone number:*
- What is the best time to call you?*
- Were you, or a loved one, medically diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis?*
YesNo
- 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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Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.
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Not Listed (please detail the symptoms in the comments section if this is selected.)
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No diagnosis/injury
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- ¿Necesita un orador español?
- Yes
- No
- Please enter any additional details you would like the staff reviewing your submission to know.*
- Have you already retained an attorney to file a Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuit or a Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis lawsuit?
NoYes
- I understand and agree that submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship and that the information I submit is not confidential or privileged and may be shared.*
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Yes
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