Stevens Johnson Syndrome Linked to Several Common Medications

SJ SJS$tevens Johnson Syndrome Linked to Several Common Medications Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a form of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) that can be caused by an allergic reaction to common over-the-counter drugs. In most cases, SJS is caused by antibiotic and sulfa drugs. SJS and TEN occur when an allergic reaction causes the epidermis (outer layer of skin) to detach from the dermis (inner layer of skin). Signs of SJS: Drugs that can Cause SJS: Advil (145 cases of SJS) In the early stages SJS presents flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, sore throat, and fever. Bextra (1,375 cases of SJS) Celebrex As SJS advances, it affects the mucous membranes such as the eyes, mouth (lips and tongue), genitals, and anus. Inflammation of the eye causes conjunctivitis (pink eye). Inflammation of the mouth causes the lips and tongue to swell making it difficult and painful for the patient to swallow. Children's Advil SJS IS FATAL Children's Motrin (46 cases of SJS) 5% OF CASES Treatment of SJS: Children's Tylenol Depakote TEN IS FATAL SJS can create a skin-related emergency that requires the patient to be treated in the burn unit There is no comprehensive treatment for severe SJS. The doctors can only provide support care and treat certain symptoms as they arise. Dilantin (945 cases of SJS) 10% OF CASES Serious cases of SJS affect skin all over the body causing rashes, blisters, breaks in the skin, and can even cause nails to fall off. Enbrel Motrin (21 cases of SJS) Many of the drugs known to have caused cases of SJS and Levaquin TEN do not have warnings on the label Tegretol (273 cases of SJS) Tylenol Serious Side Effects: Cases of SJS: Arthritis In February 2013, a Boston jury returned a $63 million award for injuries caused to Samantha Reckis by SJS when she was seven-years-old. Samantha took Children's Motrin that caused her to suffer SJS, lose 90% of her skin, and become blind. She also suffered brain damage and now has only 20% lung capacity. Asthma Blindness Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) In December 2003, nine-year-old Kaitlyn Langstaff died after a 20-month battle with SJS from taking Children's Motrin. Lung damage Permanent scarring or disfigurement In some extreme cases, SJS can be life-threatening. In September 2003, Sabrina Johnson, a six-year-old girl, was given Children's Motrin. She showed signs of SJS overnight and eventually became blind. Call d'Oliveira & Associates at 1-800-992-6878 for a free Consultation In March 2003, three-year-old Heather Rose Kiss passed away from SJS and TEN within a week of taking Children's Advil.