Parker Waichman LLP

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Disease Injury Lawsuits

  If you’ve developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome after taking an over-the-counter or prescription drug, you may be able to get compensation through an SJS lawsuit. The experienced malpractice and defective drug attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP have helped numerous victims of negligence to secure jury awards and settlements for their injuries, and we can help you, […]

Stevens Johnson Syndrome

 

If you’ve developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome after taking an over-the-counter or prescription drug, you may be able to get compensation through an SJS lawsuit. The experienced malpractice and defective drug attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP have helped numerous victims of negligence to secure jury awards and settlements for their injuries, and we can help you, too. Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER today for a free consultation with our SJS attorneys to learn about your legal rights.

What Is Stevens-Johnson Skin Disease?

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is an illness affecting the skin and mucous membranes in which a bad reaction to either a medication or viral infection can cause severe blistering and peeling of the skin. It begins with flu-like symptoms and is followed by     a painful rash that spreads throughout the body and blisters. The most severe form of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, called toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), can cause the skin to peel off in sheets. Stevens-Johnson disease requires immediate hospitalization to treat the illness and minimize complications as the skin regrows.

What Causes Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

The most common causes of Stevens-Johnson skin disease are certain types of drugs, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (both prescription and over the counter), antibiotics, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, anti-tuberculosis drugs, and gout medications. In rare cases, SJS is caused by a bacterial infection.

What Causes Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis?

In cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis, causes are the same as for SJS. The most common toxic epidermal necrolysis causes are antibiotics and anticonvulsant drugs.

How Long Does it Take for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome to Show Up?

The first symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome usually appear within one to three weeks of starting the medication that caused it. Flu-like symptoms such as fever and fatigue usually appear first, followed by a rash within one to three days.

What Does Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Look Like?

The most recognizable symptom of Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a red or purplish rash that spreads across the skin and forms blisters. The rash often leads to peeling skin; in extreme cases, the skin can be left raw and weeping, raising the risk of infection.

Which Drug Is Associated With Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Common medications linked to SJS disease include:

  • Allopurinol
  • Carbamazepine
  • Lamotrigine
  • COX-2 inhibitors
  • Phenobarbital
  • Phenytoin
  • Sulfa antibiotics
  • Sertraline
  • Sulfasalazine

Which Antibiotics Cause Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Sulfa antibiotics such as Bactrim, Septra, Eryzole, and Pediazole are among the most common culprits in SJS cases, and they’re also frequently what causes toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Does Ibuprofen Cause Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

It’s extremely rare, but at least one case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome has been reported resulting from ibuprofen use.

Can You Survive Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Yes. SJS is only fatal in about 10% of people who develop it. However, even if Stevens-Johnson disease is not fatal, it can still cause serious side effects such as blistering, pain, and scarring, which can have a serious impact on the quality of a person’s life.

What Is the Survival Rate for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

About 90% of those affected by Stevens-Johnson syndrome recover from this illness. However, in those with TEN, the survival rate may be as low as 50%.

Is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Permanent?

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is not necessarily permanent, as it can be treated. However, many of the symptoms of SJS can have lasting effects such as permanent discoloration or skin texture changes.

How Long Does it Take to Recover From Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Treatment for Stevens-Johnson syndrome can take two to four weeks, but it can take months to fully recover from this disease.

Is SJS an Autoimmune Disease?

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is believed to stem from an immune system disorder. It’s classified as an immune-complex-mediated hypersensitivity disorder that’s triggered by drugs or infections. Genetics may play a role in predisposing a person to SJS.

How Do You Test for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

The most common test for SJS is a biopsy of the affected skin. A doctor will also look at your medical history and the medications you’ve taken to help confirm a diagnosis of Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Caused by Malpractice?

Medications that can trigger Stevens-Johnson syndrome

 

In many cases, SJS disease is the result of professional negligence and/or medical malpractice. If a doctor does not inform you of the risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and prescribes a drug that triggers this illness, our SJS attorneys may be able to help you get compensation through a malpractice lawsuit. Similarly, if a medical professional fails to diagnose and treat Stevens-Johnson syndrome promptly after prescribing a medication that triggered the severe reaction, you may be able to file a SJS lawsuit with the help of an experienced medical malpractice attorney.

Can You File a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit Against a Drug Manufacturer?

Yes. If a drug company knew that their product could trigger Stevens-Johnson syndrome and did not disclose this risk on the product labeling, you may be able to hold them responsible for your injuries with the help of skilled SJS attorneys. The effects of Stevens-Johnson disease can be excruciatingly painful and devastating, with some people suffering significant and lifelong damage, and our defective drug lawyers can help you get compensation for the tangible and intangible effects of this illness on your life through a Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis lawsuit.

Has Anyone Won a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit?

Yes: Numerous plaintiffs have successfully recovered damages in Stevens-Johnson syndrome lawsuits. For instance, in 2019, a woman in New York received a $120 million settlement after proving that negligent medical professionals failed to diagnose or treat her case of SJS.

Get a Free Consultation From Skilled Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Attorneys

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 call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) or fill out our online contact form to get a free consultation with one of our SJS attorneys. We’ll evaluate your potential SJS lawsuit and help you to decide on your next steps, and we’ll do so with no obligation. Then, if you decide to work with us on your Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis lawsuit, we’ll take your case at no out-of-pocket cost to you: We’ll only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. Contact us today to learn more about your legal rights.

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