Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS), or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome
Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and TENS (Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome) - another form of SJS- are severe adverse reactions associated with a wide range of medications. Adverse drug reactions (ADRS) 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.
SJS can be caused by almost any medication, including over-the-counter drugs such as Ibuprofen. The most commonly implicated drugs are anti-convulsants, antibiotics (such as sulfa, penicillin and cephalosporin) and anti-inflammatory medications (such as Bextra and Celebrex).
Symptoms of Steven Johnson Syndrome include:
- Rash, blisters or red splotches on the skin
- Persistent fever
- Blisters in mouth, eyes, nose, ears, genital area
- Swelling of eyelids, red eyes
- Conjunctivitis
- Flu-like symptoms
- Recent history of having taken over-the counter medication
For more information, read this article on the effects of SJS, refer to the SJS Foundation website or contact The Lanier Law Firm.
