Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Antibiotics

Drug reactions are thought to be one of the most common causes of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, a potentially deadly disease of the skin. And, among drugs, antibiotics cause the most cases of the condition.

Penicillin and Sulfa

Antibiotics with a penicillin or sulfa base are known to cause the syndrome. Other drugs whose side effects may be linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome include Children’s Advil, Motrin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories; anti-gout drugs; and Dilantin, a medication to treat epilepsy. Bextra, a medication that selectively targets a particular enzyme associated with pain and inflammation, may also be linked to the development of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a rare, potentially fatal skin condition that requires hospitalization in the burn unit where the skin can be properly treated and fluids replaced. It and toxic epidermal necrolysis are different types of the same skin disease.

Before the condition reaches its most serious stage, patients may notice symptoms such as:

burning in the eyes
body aches and fever
sore throat
headache
cough

In extreme stages, the symptoms of Steves Johnson Syndrome patients may experience include:

face and tongue may swell
the skin peels easily and may slough off in sheets
blisters appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, eyes, and vagina
skin is painful over a wide area of the body
flat red and purple rash spreads across the body during the course of several days or even hours
scarring of eye tissue that can lead to blindness

It is vitally important for patients with these symptoms to contact their doctors immediately and begin treatment for this illness. The sooner the patient can be treated, the better the chances for recovery and prevention of permanent injury such as blindness. Since, like burns, the syndrome destroys the structure of the skin, the best place for a patient is usually in a hospital burn unit.

Patients and doctors alike have asked that these medications that may cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome carry a warning on their labels about the possible side effects leading to the condition. However, their manufacturers and the Food and Drug Administration counter that the condition is too rare to be mentioned on the label.

A Lawyer May Be Able to Help

Our lawyers are experienced in helping patients who have developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome recover awards from drug manufacturers and other defendants. If you or someone you love has had this terrible disease, our Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawyers would be pleased to talk to you. For more information, call (800) 481-7430.

Disease Breaking News

"Former NBA player Manute Bol dies after fighting Stevens-Johnson Syndrome"

Manute Bol, a former NBA player and humanitarian, recently passed away from kidney failure and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Bol, who was 47-years-old, was renowned for his 7"7' frame and tireless efforts to improve his native Sudan for his fe...

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"Stop smoking drug linked to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome"

Health officials and a drug company in Canada are issuing stronger warnings about an anti-smoking drug, which cautions that the drug could cause Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Health Canada and Pfizer Canada increased the warnings for the smoking ce...

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"Family of jailed woman with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome criticize prison staff"

The family of a jailed woman who is suffering from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is criticizing the prison staff for allowing her condition to go untreated.

Charity-Lekiea Brown was recently sent to prison for not paying child support and a prison d...

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