Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare and frightening condition. If left untreated, seemingly minor symptoms can result in fatal consequences. Identifying Stevens-Johnson syndrome symptoms as early as possible is important to your health.
This guide will help you identify common Stevens-Johnson syndrome symptoms so you can bring your concerns to a doctor right away.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Various flu-like symptoms are often the first Stevens-Johnson syndrome symptoms. Flu-like symptoms associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome include:
- Sore throat
- Sore mouth
- Fever
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Sore or burning eyes
Because these symptoms are similar to many other conditions, like a common cold, it isn’t uncommon for people suffering from these symptoms to ignore them at first.
Skin Symptoms (Rashes, Redness, Blisters)
Skin symptoms will appear around the time the condition develops. If you begin to suffer these symptoms, the condition has already become more severe.
Skin symptoms usually start with redness that turns into red or purple rashes. These rashes will often spread quickly and may be accompanied by widespread pain. As the condition worsens, you may also suffer blisters around your mucous membranes. After these blisters form, your skin may begin to shed.
Mucous Membranes (Eyes, Mouth, Genitals)
You have mucous membranes throughout your body. Blisters that form with SJS also typically form on certain mucous membranes in specific locations: your eyes, mouth, and genitals.
Seeking Compensation for SJS Injuries
Stevens-Johnson syndrome isn’t a random virus or disease traveling from person to person. It is almost exclusively a reaction to certain medications. That means this condition is entirely preventable. Despite that, according to the National Library of Medicine, between two and seven million people are affected by this condition every year.
If you are one of the people affected by this condition, you may be able to take legal action to get compensation for the harm you suffered. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are or should be aware of the dangers presented by their drugs. Yet they continue to make the drugs that cause SJS. Certain manufacturers continue to distribute them without providing proper warnings to customers.
An experienced pharmaceutical litigation lawyer from Dunn Sheehan can help you understand your rights and your legal options for getting compensation.
FAQ
What Should You Do if You Believe You Are Suffering an SJS Reaction?
If you believe you are suffering an SJS reaction, it is important to stop taking the drug that caused the reaction and seek immediate medical attention.
What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?
If you have a weakened immune system for any reason, you may be at risk of SJS. This includes people who have naturally weak immune systems, suffer from HIV, or have cancer. Furthermore, genetic factors can put you at risk of getting this condition, particularly if you have family members who have a history of suffering from it.
What Should I Do if I Am Diagnosed With Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?
You should consult with an experienced Stevens-Johnson syndrome attorney at Dunn Sheehan as soon as possible.
Our legal team can help you preserve evidence that will be important to your case and make sure you get medical attention from the right doctors. The sooner we start working on your case, the more time we will have to collect a strong foundation of evidence.
Contact a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Attorney Today
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a frightening condition that can result in lifelong complications. If you are diagnosed with this condition, you shouldn’t be on the hook for paying for your medical treatment alone. Contact our law firm as soon as possible to discuss your case with an experienced lawyer.