Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a deadly skin disease that is caused by a reaction to a drug. There is also the Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome (TENS) that is another form of SJS. People who suffer this disease can suffer extreme pain and anxiety. There are about 150,000 people who succumb to this disease every year in the U.S., (the most deaths for an Adverse Drug Reaction [ADRs]). ADRs are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome is mostly linked to drugs like cox-2 inhibitor Bextra, or NSAIDS (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs), Allopurinol, Phenytoin, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, sulfa antibiotics, or even cocaine. However, almost any over-the-counter drug like ibuprofen can cause this reaction.
Although this disease can affect at all ages it tends to appear mostly among older people who take more drugs that can cause this skin reaction. The onset of the disease can begin with a cough, a headache, or fever. It continues with a rash across the face and it spreads all over the body. The rash can form blisters and these can be found around the eyes, mouth or genitals. It is very important to look out for these symptoms early because a later diagnosis can be fatal.
Lawsuits are filed against the pharmaceuticals that made the drug that provoked the rash and eventual death. These victims feel the right to claim for compensation for negligence, strict product liability, or deceit by concealment.
There is class action lawsuit being prepared against Motrin for having no advice about Stevens Johnson Syndrome in the drug facts. An experienced lawyer can help with these types of cases.