Every time you take a medication, you expect it to help you better manage a medical condition or to reduce unwanted symptoms. Sometimes, however, medications cause a serious side effect called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). An SJS rash is one of the first signs of this dangerous reaction to a medication.
SJS is a serious condition that can result in life-altering consequences. If a drug’s manufacturer didn’t warn consumers of the potential of developing SJS or if the drugs were not safe enough for consumption, you may be able to file a claim. With an SJS attorney helping you, it’s possible to get the compensation you deserve.
Understanding SJS Rash and Its Causes
SJS is a rare disorder that impacts your skin and mucous membranes. In most cases, the cause of SJS is a reaction to a medication. If you have SJS, your skin breaks out in rashes, blisters, and sores, which then peel. The condition also affects the membranes in your genitalia, eyes, and mouth.
The symptoms of SJS include:
- Body aches
- Fever
- Skin pain
- Rash
- Peeling
- Painful urination
You might struggle to open your eyes as a result of blisters, and you could be unable to stop drooling because you can’t shut your mouth on account of the sores.
How Severe Drug Reactions Lead to SJS
SJS is similar to having a very serious allergic reaction to a medication. Almost any drug can cause SJS, but antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and anti-inflammatory treatments are more likely to result in this syndrome.
Although the exact reason that SJS occurs is not known, researchers think it may be due to an interaction between the drug and the immune system.
The Long-Term Health Impact of SJS Rash
An SJS rash can lead to the development of infections, including sepsis. Organ failure is possible if the infection can’t be controlled. If the rash is accompanied by inflammation in your mucous membranes, you might experience corneal issues and even vision loss.
Legal Rights for Victims of Severe Drug Reactions
If you have developed an SJS rash and any other symptoms of this reaction to a medication, you may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer of the drug.
The manufacturer has a responsibility to create products that won’t harm consumers. If it has breached that responsibility, you have the right to try to recover your losses through the legal system.
Seeking Compensation
With help from an SJS lawyer, you can file a claim for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate you for financial losses, including medical expenses and lost wages. If you can’t return to work in the same capacity or at all, you can also receive remuneration for loss of earning potential.
Non-economic damages cover nonfinancial losses such as emotional distress. If you’re not able to live your life as you used to because of the injury you suffered, you can also claim loss of enjoyment of life.
FAQ
How Is SJS Treated?
The most important step is to stop taking the medication that caused the reaction. If there is a worry about infections, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic and help you keep the affected areas of your skin clean and protected. You may receive intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration, which is a common complication of SJS.
What Are the Most Severe Complications You Can Experience Because of SJS?
SJS can lead to infections that could cause gangrene and sepsis. Additionally, it’s common for people who have SJS to develop respiratory infections like pneumonia. If your eyes have been impacted, vision loss is a possibility.
What Medications Are Most Likely to Cause SJS?
SJS is more likely to result from anti-gout and anti-seizure medications, as well as antibiotics. Another potential cause is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Fighting for Compensation
If you have experienced a severe reaction to medications, you may be entitled to file a claim to recover your losses. At Dunn Sheehan, our team of pharmaceutical litigation lawyers can help you understand your rights and fight for them. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.