Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and TENS (Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome) – another form of SJS -- are severe adverse reactions to medication. It is characterized by an extremely painful blistering skin rash, peeling skin, and blistering sores in the mucous membranes including the eyes, mouth, nostrils, throat, and anal and genital areas. In the more severe forms of the disease, the skin peels off in sheets from large areas of the body, similar to a serious burn injury. The eyes are often badly affected.

Other names For SJS include: dermatostomatitis, Stevens Johnson Type; ectodermosis erosiva pluriorificialis; erythema multiforme exudativum; erythema polymorphe; Lyell's Syndrome, and febrile mucocutaneous syndrome.

Adverse drug reactions account for approximately 150,000 deaths per year in the U.S. alone, making drug reactions the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. SJS is one of the most debilitating ADR s recognized. It was first discovered in 1922 by pediatricians A.M. Stevens and S.C. Johnson after diagnosing a child with severe ocular and oral involvement to a drug reaction.

SJS is often caused by an allergic reaction to a drug or medication, and can occur in all age groups. Bextra, the popular anti-inflammatory arthritis medication, as well as Daypro and Feldene have been associated with SJS, as have many other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Motrin. Sulfa-based antibiotics, some seizure medications and many other drugs have also been associated with SJS.

SJS is rare, with a reported incidence of around one case per million people per year. It is fatal in about 5 percent of patients. Treatment for SJS is initially similar to that of patients with thermal burns, and continued care can only be supportive (e.g. IV fluids) and symptomatic (e.g. analgesic mouth rinse for mouth ulcer). There is currently no specific drug treatment. Other common supportive measures include the use of topical pain anesthetics and antiseptics, maintaining a warm environment, and intravenous analgesics. An ophthalmologist should be consulted if eyes are involved.

In 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration received reports from Pharmacia, the maker of Celebrex, documenting a number of reported cases of SJS and TEN among Celebrex users. More recently, reports have surfaced about the relation of Bextra to SJS and TEN. Indeed, despite these reports and more stern warnings, the FDA continues to receive reports of SJS and TEN in patients taking Bextra and Celebrex. The FDA suggests that patients with sulfa drug allergies should not take these drugs.

Drug companies have a responsibility to protect their drug users from adverse reactions. While all potential side effects cannot be anticipated or prevented in all patients, it is important that patients and physicians have adequate knowledge to prevent as many cases of serious side effects, such as SJS, as possible.

Since these drug side effects can cause debilitating injury or even death, the drug companies should be held responsible for the damages to the patient and to the patients' family members after such tragedies. SJS lawsuits against drug makers for wrongful death or for negligence can help compensate the victims of these disorders and their families.

If you or a loved one has been afflicted with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, contact us today for a case evaluation. Our attorneys are experienced in dealing with large drug companies and obtaining compensation for victims of SJS and TEN.

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