Drugs Associated with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome as a Severe Reaction to Medication

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a form of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) that involves a severe adverse reaction of skin and mucous membranes following the use of associated over-the-counter and prescription medications. SJS can lead to flu-like symptoms followed by a spreading red/purple rash and blisters that eventually cause the top layer of skin to die and shed. If this disorder is not treated at the onset, it may lead to extremely serious conditions such as:

• blindness 
• hearing loss 
• organ failure 
• death

Contact a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawyer

If you or a loved one may have experienced drug-induced SJS/TEN, contact attorney Carmen Scott by email or call +1 800.768.4026.

If you believe that you may have a claim, consider contacting an attorney as soon as possible.  A statute of limitations (SOL) may limit the time you have to file a claim. If you do not file your claim within the SOL, you may lose it forever.

Medications Associated with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

SJS/TEN can occur after taking medications such as:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol^®)
• Allopurinol^® 
• Carbamazepine (mood stabilizers such as Tegretol®) 
• Celebrex® or other Cox-2 inhibitors 
• Dilantin^® and Phenytoin^® 
• Ibuprofen (Advil^® and Motrin^®) 
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Daypro^®, etc.)
• sulfa antibiotics 

Treatment often involves hospitalization in burn centers or debridement (surgical removal of damaged tissue). Individuals with SJS/TEN can take weeks or even months to recover depending upon the severity of the condition.

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Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor's advice can result in injury or death.