Stevens Johnson Syndrome Can Be Caused by Medical Malpractice or Drug Makers’ Failure to Warn and Improper Labeling

Although not well known to most people, Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a serious, sometimes life-threatening disease of the skin and mucous membranes.  Unfortunately, in many instances, SJS can be the result of professional negligence, medical malpractice, or insufficient product warnings.

Usually caused by an adverse reaction to medication, SJS generally starts with a fever, sore throat, headache, and other flu-like symptoms, as explained on the Mayo Clinic website.  Sufferers then develop a rash that can lead to blistering, peeling, and open sores.  If not timely diagnosed, it can turn into a more severe form of the condition known as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).  Eventually, the top layer of skin dies and sheds, and may be followed by scarring of major organs and a risk of death.

Most pharmaceutical manufacturers are aware of the risks posed by SJS and TEN, yet fail to provide proper warnings to advise consumers of the danger.  SJS has been linked to several popular medications (both prescription and over-the-counter drugs) including antibiotics, anticonvulsants, sedatives and painkillers, including widely recognized categories and brand names such as:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and Nuprin)
• Bactrim- a sulfa drug
• Antibiotics (Ketek and Leavquin)
• COX-2 inhibitors (Bextra, Valdecoxib, Vioxx, Celebrex)
• Non Steroid Anti Inflammatory (Feldene and Naproxen)

SJS is most often seen in adults between the ages of 20 to 40 who are severely allergic to antibiotics or painkillers, but has been diagnosed in infants as young as three months.  Members of certain ethnic groups are more likely to develop the disease if exposed to certain drugs.  For example, Asians who took Carbamazepine were found to be more at risk.

The attorneys at Sommers Schwartz are currently investigating SJS cases to determine if a failure to warn or medical malpractice is to blame.  Whether you or a loved one has been injured by the affliction, contact the attorneys at Sommers Schwartz to discuss your legal rights.