Do you have Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis?

What is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis?

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN) is a severe skin reaction most often triggered by the use of certain over-the-counter and prescription medications. The most common medications we see this reaction from are:

• Allopurinol
• Aloprim
• Bactrim
• Dylantin/Dilantin
• Lamictal
• Lamotrigine
• Phenytoin
• Zyloprim

SJS is a hypersensitivity reaction involving the skin and the mucous membranes that is often caused by medication, TEN is a continuation of the same disease process; a patient is classified as having TEN when there is more than 30% skin involvement.

The symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis include:

• Initial onset presents as flu or cold-like symptoms such as sore throat, cough, fever, and burning eyes;
• Hives;
• Blisters, initially presenting in or around the mouth;
• Red or purple skin rash;
• Shedding of skin;
• Skin pain;
• Swelling of the tongue; and/or
• Swelling of the face;

If this disorder is not treated at the onset, it may lead to extremely serious conditions such as:

• Blindness;
• Hearing loss;
• Organ failure; and/or
• Death

Some manufacturers of drugs known to cause SJS/TEN fail to include adequate warnings on their prescribing labels, boxes, or package inserts. Furthermore, medical providers also fail to adequately advise their patients about the early signs of SJS/TEN and the life-threatening implications if the medical intervention is not sought out expeditiously. Therefore, some patients continue to ingest the same drug even after the SJS/TEN disease process begins, thus, exacerbating the symptoms and worsening the outcome.

What should I do if I have, or suspect I am having SJS/TEN symptoms?

It is very important if you have, or are suspected of having, SJS/TEN that you seek immediate medical attention and stop taking the triggering medication after consulting with your doctor.

Why Contact Meshbesher & Spence?

Unlike many firms who make big promises and then refer their cases to other attorneys, Meshbesher & Spence will handle your SJS/TEN case from beginning to end.

If you have suffered SJS/TEN injuries as a result a prescription or over-the-counter medication, contact Meshbesher & Spence today. Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing until our Firm recovers fair compensation for you and your family.