Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a severe reaction to a medication, infection, or illness that usually requires hospitalization. The condition evolves quickly from flu-like symptoms to a skin rash, then large blisters, and eventually resulting in large patches of dead skin that blackens and falls off.  SJS is also often linked with toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Though the two are different manifestations of the same condition, you might also hear SJS referred to as SJS/TEN.

Recognizing SJS/TEN

The SJS Foundation indicates that persons of every age and both genders can be afflicted with the condition, but children and the elderly seem most susceptible to the adverse drug reactions associated with SJS/TEN.

Some drugs that have been associated with SJS/TEN include:

• Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, & Cerebyx)
• Cox-2 inhibitors like Vioxx, Bextra, & Celebrex
• Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Motrin & Advil), naproxen (Aleve), aspirin
• Antibiotics
• Diuretics
• Eye medicines

This list is not comprehensive.  Any time you or your child is prescribed a drug not previously taken or try an over-the-counter medication, it’s important to know the symptoms common with this potentially fatal condition, which are:

• Flu-like symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, burning eyes and body aches
• Flat red or purple-colored rash
• Facial and tongue swelling
• Hives
• Blistered skin
• Skin pain
• Skin that peels off or sheds

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome can create life-long complications for its victims, so if you or someone you know has been harmed by or died from this condition, contact a personal injury attorney, at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton. The legal expertise you’ll receive from this nationally-recognized leader in pharmaceutical litigation will quickly help you determine the extent of your case.

Recovering from SJS/TEN

Recovery from an SJS/TEN episode is lengthy. Several months may be required for recovery from the most severe cases. That’s due in part to the high incidence of additional complications. Those post SJS/TEN events may include:

• Secondary skin infections
• Ongoing eye troubles – dry eyes and scarring that can lead to blindness
• Internal organ damage – lungs, heart, kidney and liver can become inflamed when lesions exist on internal organs
• Permanent skin damage – spotty pigmentation, bumps, scarring, along with abnormalities in hair and fingernail/toenail growth
• Shock and organ failure

Reclaiming Your Legal Rights

Cases that involve conditions and syndromes caused by drug reactions can be extremely complicated to litigate. The Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton provide the highest level of legal expertise necessary for negotiating compensation for your pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical bills. Please fill out this form today to schedule a free consultation if you or a family member has suffered the effects of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.