What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is an inflammatory disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes. Often very painful, SJS causes blisters and lesions to form on the skin, sometimes leading to extreme peeling and sloughing off of skin layers. Stevens Johnson Syndrome causes inflammation of the eyes and conjunctivitis, causing blindness in severe cases.

Although there is disagreement over the exact cause of the disorder, the majority of researchers believe that Stevens Johnson Syndrome is most commonly caused by adverse allergic reactions to medications and drugs. The drugs that have been linked to this painful and deadly disease include ibuprofen, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, amoxicillin, Children's Motrin and, most recently added to the list, Bextra. However, it is important to remember that any drug can cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued consumer warnings to notify the public of the risk of developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome from these medications. Drug companies have been asked to place warning labels on products that contain ibuprofen and other drugs linked to SJS to alert consumers of the risk for developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is believed to be related to two other skin and mucous membrane disorders, Erythema Multiforme (EM) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Doctors believe that SJS is ranked between theses disorders, referring to Stevens Johnson Syndrome as an extreme case of EM and mild form of TEN.

For several years now, prescription drugs have been making headlines for causing life altering, debilitating diseases and disorders. It seems a new drug is recalled every week after it has been linked to heart disease, cancer or a variety of other serious problems.

Drug companies and manufacturers need to be responsible for the products that they market and sell, especially in cases where the medication is easily accessible and sold over the counter. Stevens Johnson Syndrome has been linked to several popular medications, including amoxicillin, Children's Motrin, and Bextra, and has caused pain, suffering and death to innocent consumers.

If you or a loved one has developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome as a result of an adverse drug reaction, you may be able to file a claim against the negligent drug company or manufacturer. Our firm has a reputation for taking on large corporations responsible for making defective products and dangerous drugs. Let the experienced team of lawyers at Bisnar & Chase, LLP fight the negligent drug companies for you and recover damages for the losses you have faced.