Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)

You take the drugs your doctor prescribes in order to improve your health and well-being. But when a medication causes serious damage, pain, and suffering, you should be informed about its problems and compensated for your losses. If you, or a loved one, have been diagnosed with Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TENS), two forms of the same life-threatening skin disease, you’ll want to know how your condition may be linked to the medications you have taken, and you’ll want to know what you can do. Call us at the Monsour Law Firm. We will help.

Understanding Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis Syndrome (TENS)

What is Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS)?

What is toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TENS)?

What are the symptoms of Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TENS)?

What causes Stevens Johnsons syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TENS)?

How are Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TENS) treated?

What should I do if I, or a loved one, is suffering from problems linked to Stephens Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TENS)?

What is Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS)?

Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a serious disorder in which your skin and mucous membranes react severely to a medication or infection. Stevens Johnson syndrome often begins with flu-like symptoms. These are followed by a painful red or purplish rash that spreads and then blisters. The drugs most commonly linked to this condition are anti-convulsants, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. The disorder occurs in all age groups, but most frequently in older patients. However, a number of victims are children, and some cases have been reported in children as young as 3 months of age. More female cases have been reported than male cases. Stevens-Johnson syndrome presents a medical emergency that usually requires hospitalization. Patients with severe SJS die in 3-15% of cases.

A painful conjunctivitis may also occur in the eyes, frequently with a pus discharge, and can lead to corneal scarring and in some cases a loss of vision. In addition to the mucous membrane lesions, fever and exhaustion are common symptoms for those suffering from Stevens Johnson syndrome.

What is toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TENS)?

Like SJS, toxic epidermal necrolysis is a life threatening skin disorder frequently linked to medications including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anti-convulsants. TENS can cause large sheets of the skin to peel off, leaving large areas that appear scalded. The loss of skin causes fluids and salts to ooze from damaged areas making them susceptible to infection.

What are the symptoms of Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TENS)?

Both Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis can start with non-specific symptoms such as cough, aching, headaches, burning eyes, feverishness, vomiting and diarrhea. This may be followed by facial swelling, tongue swelling, hives, and a red rash across the face and the trunk which can spread to other parts of the body. Blisters then form in mucous membranes such as those in the nose, mouth, eyes, and genital areas. The mucous membrane becomes inflamed. Mouth lesions may prevent eating, and there may be recurring oral ulcers. Conjunctivitis can occur and may lead to corneal scarring and a loss of vision.

Approximately one-third of patients have pulmonary involvement. In fatal cases, renal failure and even pneumonia can occur. With toxic epidermal necrolysis, layers of the skin can also peel away in sheets leaving exposed flesh that is highly vulnerable to infection. The hair and nails can come away in some cases, and patients can become cold and feverish. Both Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are potentially deadly.

If you or a family member is experiencing any of these side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately.

What causes Stevens Johnsons syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TENS)?

Some infections, such as herpes (herpes simplex or herpes zoster), influenza. HIV, diphtheria, typhoid, and hepatitis can cause these conditions. The most common cause of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, however, is an allergic drug reaction. The drugs that are usually linked to these reactions are some NSAIDS (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs), anticonvulsants, and antibiotics and include:

• Allopurinol
• Antibiotics
  • Rifampin
  • Ethambutol
  • Streptomycin
  • Penicillins
  • Amoxicillin
  • Ampicillin
  • Peperacillin
  • Cepahlosporins
  • Cephaloxin
  • Erythromycin
  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Vancomycin
  • Tetracycline
  • Doxicillin
  • Minacycline
  • Zithromax
• Anticonvulsants
  • Dilantin (Phenytoin)
  • Carbamazepine
  • Phenobarbital
  • Valporate
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Bextra (valdecoxib)
  • Daypro (oxaprozin)
  • Arava (leflunomide)
  • Celebrex (Celecoxib)
  • Vioxx (Rofecoxib)
  • Clinoril (Sulindac)
  • Oxicam
  • Naprosyn
  • Enbrel (Etanercept)
  • Feldene (piroxicam)
  • Remicade (Infliximab)
  • Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), acetominophen (Tylenol), and Naproxen
• Sulfa Drugs
  • Sulfamethoxazole
  • Sulfacoxine
  • Sulfasalazine
  • Co-trimoxazole (Bactrim, Cotrim, Septra, Bethaprim, Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim, Sulfatrim)
  • Pyrimethamine

The onset of symptoms in drug related Stevens-Johnson syndrome may not appear for one or two weeks after first taking the drug.

How are Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TENS) treated?

Stevens-Johnson syndrome presents a medical emergency that usually requires hospitalization. The progression of the disease happens fast .Treatment will focus on eliminating the underlying cause, such as discontinuing the problem medication, then controlling symptoms and minimizing complications. Specific treatment for toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome may include isolation to prevent infection, protective bandages, and intravenous fluid and electrolytes.

Recovery after Stevens-Johnson syndrome may take weeks or months, depending on the severity of your condition. If your doctor determines that your case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome was caused by medication, you'll need to permanently avoid the medication and all others related to it.

What should I do if I, or a loved one, is suffering from problems linked to Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TENS)?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome (TENS) Lawsuits

What are the grounds for a SJS or Tens lawsuit?

There are many possible grounds for an SJS or TENS lawsuit including failure to warn, defective design, fraud, breach of warranties, wrongful death, and negligence. Litigation may seek both compensatory and punitive damages.

Do you have a case?

The cost of treating Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TENS) can be expensive and have a devastating impact on every aspect of your life and the lives of your loved ones. Even if you have not contemplated litigation before, if you or your loved one has suffered because of Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TENS) you should consider seeking compensation.

What are the next steps to take?