Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are two forms of the skin disease that can cause rash, skin peeling, and sores on the mucous membranes. Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an immune-complex–mediated hypersensitivity disorder that may be caused by many drugs, viral infections, and malignancies. Often, the drugs causing the onset of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, such as Bextra, did not have warnings placed on their labels until recently. Patients unknowingly took these drugs and many developed the potentially fatal Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
In Stevens Johnson Syndrome, a person has blistering of mucous membranes, typically in the mouth, eyes, and vagina, and patchy areas of rash. In toxic epidermal necrolysis, there is a similar blistering of mucous membranes. However, in addition to blistering, the entire epidermis peels off in sheets from large areas of the body. Both disorders can be life threatening.
Causes of Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis are certain drugs in the following classes: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (both prescription and over the counter), sulfa antibiotics, antibiotics, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, anti-tuberculosis drugs, and the drug allopurinol. In rare cases SJS is caused by a bacterial infection.
If you or a loved one has taken either prescription or over the counter drugs and has been diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), please fill out the form at the right for a free case evaluation by a qualified drug side effects attorney.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome
Drug Reaction Takes Life of NBA Hero Manute Bol
Jun 23, 2010
| Parker Waichman Alonso LLP
Adverse drug reactions are the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States. Recently, one such reaction called Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or SJS, took the life of beloved NBA hero Manute Bol. According to the Associated Press, Bol died last week at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, where he was being treated for severe kidney trouble and Stevens Johnson Syndrome. It is believed Bol contracted the skin disease as a reaction to kidney medication he took while in...
Health Canada Warns of Accutane Skin Reactions
Feb 16, 2010
| Parker Waichman Alonso LLP
Health Canada has issued a public health alert regarding Accutane and its association with severe, and possibly fatal, skin reactions, including erythema multiforme [EM], Stevens-Johnson syndrome [SJS] and toxic epidermal necrolysis [TEN].According to Health Canada,a review of the Roche global safety database found that as of November 22, 2009, 66 cases of severe skin reactions including EM, SJS and TEN, in adults and children have been reported worldwide in association with Accutane. Two of...
Intelence Linked to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Other Serious Skin Reactions
Aug 27, 2009
| Parker Waichman Alonso LLP
Intelence (etravirine), an HIV medication made by Johnson & Johnson's Tibotec division, has been associated with serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. The company recently sent a letter to health care providers informing them that the prescribing information for Intelence would be updated to include information about systemic hypersensitivity reactions, sometimes accompanied by liver failure, that have occurred in...
Revlimid Linked to Steven-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Sep 19, 2008
| Parker Waichman Alonso LLP
Revlimid, a blood cancer drug made by Celgene Corp., has been associated with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, serious and potentially fatal skin disorders. A spokesperson for Celgene told The Wall Street Journal that it is likely the label for Revlimid would be updated in the future to include reports of the skin reactions.Revlimid was the first of Celgene's new class of oral cancer drugs called IMiDs (immunomodulatory drug). IMiDs modify or regulate the...
Family of Girl Blinded by Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Sues Maker of Children's Motrin
Jun 16, 2008
| Parker Waichman Alonso LLP
The family of a young girl blinded as a result of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome blames Children's Motrin for her injuries, and has taken the maker of the over-the-counter pain reliever to court. The family's lawsuit is seeking better labeling for the pain reliever, as well as compensatory and punitive damages from McNeil PPC, and its parent, Johnson & Johnson. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a sometimes life-threatening hypersensitivity complex affecting the skin and the mucous...
