Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis are two forms of a physical reaction that begins with flu like symptoms and develops into a painful skin reaction where you see facial blistering of the skin and some pain and blistering of the mucous membrane. As Stevens Johnson Syndrome advances, the patient’s skin will literally deteriorate. In some cases, SJS can also effects the eyes, prompting severe conjunctivitis, palpebral swelling, irititis, blisters on the cornea and even corneal perforation.
SJS creates mucous membrane blisters in the mouth, eyes, and vagina. Sufferers will also find patchy rashes across their body. In toxic epidermal necrolysis, there are similar blisters but the skin will also peel off large areas of the body. Both Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis can be life threatening.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an immune-complex–mediated hypersensitivity disorder that has been linked to viral infections, and malignancies and various medications. Stevens Johnson Syndrome has been directly tied to adverse drug reactions to medications like Bextra. According to studies of the syndrome, almost any medication and provoke Stevens Johnson Syndrome, including over the counter (OTC) medications. Medications that more frequently prompt the development of Stevens Johnson Syndrome are:
· Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
· Sulfa Antibiotics and some Non-Sulfa Antibiotics
· Barbiturates
· Anticonvulsants
· Anti-tuberculosis medication
· Allopurinol
In March of 2005, a Texas family sued Johnson and Johnson because their six year old son developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome from taking children’s Motrin. Because of the reaction to the drug and the development of SJS, the boy received a lung transplant, eyelid surgery and was temporary paralyzed. In December of 2004, another family sued Johnson and Johnson for the same reason – their daughter developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome and was blinded.
There has also been a noted link between patients taking the cox-2 inhibitor, Bextra and the development of Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. Bextra is mostly used for pain management, and it was not warned that Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis could be side effects of taking the drug, although it is alleged that Pfizer and the FDA were aware of the problem. Recently, Pfizer did begin labeling Bextra with a black label warning, the most serious warning, about the potential of developing SJS or TEN as a result of taking the drug.
These kinds of adverse drug reactions, without any kind of warning that they might occur are often cases of product liability. If you or someone you know developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis from a drug like Bextra or from Children’s Motrin you should contact an experienced product liability of defective drug attorney as soon as possible. The medical expenses from SJS are substantial and if it was brought on by a mis-labeled or defective drug, you may be able to sue for compensation or redress from the company that manufactured this defective product. Additionally, you should receive compensation if a syndrome or condition like this has kept you out of work or impacted you in any other way.