Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Caused by Several Different Drugs

    KANSAS CITY, July 25, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a condition that causes cell death and the separation of the epidermis (skin) to separate from the dermis. While it is a milder form of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), it is still serious enough to result in organ damage, blindness, and death in about 5% of the cases. About 50% of the cases result from unknown causes. The remaining cases are caused by viral and other infections (i.e., histoplasmosis, cat-scratch fever,) malignancies, and most commonly, allergic reactions to medications, the herbal supplement ginseng, and cocaine.

Some of the medications identified as causative drugs include

• NSAIDS: ibuprofen,naproxen, diclofenac, valdecoxib,
• Barbiturates: phenobarbitol
• Penicillins
• Phenytoins (antiepileptics) and Anticonvulsants: dilantin, phenytek, lamotrigine, carbamazepine, ethosuximide
• Sulfonamides
• Enzyme Inhibitors: allopurinol
• Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTIs): etravirine, nevirapine
• Triazole antifungals: fluconazole
• Antihyperglycemics: sitagliptin (Januvia),
• Azalides: azithromycin
• Modafinil (a stimulant drug)

There are several different symptoms that indicate the development of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Though any of these can be symptomatic of a number of disorders and diseases, the appearance of the following symptoms coinciding with the start of any of the causative drugs should be reported to your doctor immediately.

• Fever
• Itching
• Joint pain
• Skin lesions that start quickly, spread, and can be located anywhere on the body, including in the mouth or on the lips
• Bloodshot eyes
• Dry, painful, burning or itching eyes
• Eye discharge
• Vision abnormalities

Antibiotics, steroids and even hospitalization may be required to treat symptoms, which can become severe enough to require placement in a burn unit. Skin grafting may be necessary in extreme cases. Similar to burn injuries, sepsis, dehydration and shock are possible complications, as are myocarditis, pneumonitis, nephritis, hepatitis, cellulitis, skin damage, scarring, and death.

Some of these drugs, such as NSAIDs and ginseng are available over the counter. Some, in combination with other drugs, or infections can increase the risk of developing Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. While the incidence of occurrence is relatively rare, one case per million people annually, or about 300 cases per year in the U.S., the number of people taking any of these drugs is significant, putting each at risk of developing this horrible disorder.

For more information about this syndrome, its causes and how your prescriptions might put you at risk, please visit the website of experienced pharmaceutical injury lawyers at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton.

Source: Schlichter, Bogard & Denton
Website: http://www.druginjuryinformation.com/index.html

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