When you are diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, treatment is crucial to your prognosis. The sooner you can obtain appropriate care, the better you and your doctor can manage potential complications that can arise as the condition progresses. Without medical intervention, SJS can lead to toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), infection, and other potentially fatal conditions.
Take a closer look at why prompt treatment is so critical for this condition.
Why Early Intervention in SJS Cases Matters
You might be tempted to push through the initial SJS symptoms without medical care. However, waiting until your symptoms become severe to seek Stevens-Johnson syndrome can lead to serious consequences.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome leads to a rash and the formation of blisters that break open, causing the upper layers of your skin to peel. The rash may start on your chest or other areas of your body before spreading to others. The more this rash and the accompanying blisters spread, the greater your risk of a severe infection like sepsis.
Treating SJS begins with stopping the medication that initially caused the condition. Other symptoms associated with SJS can be treated with antibiotics, painkillers, and other drugs. The effectiveness of these interventions can increase the earlier your doctor introduces them.
Conversely, infections that have set in may require more aggressive medical treatments. These treatment methods can be more expensive, take longer to work, and be less effective than early medical interventions.
Identifying Early SJS Symptoms
Symptoms of SJS can begin appearing as quickly as one day to several weeks after starting a new medication. Initially, you may experience flu-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, and a sore throat. These symptoms usually last one or more days before a skin rash appears.
The rash that develops appears red or purple and typically begins on the chest, face, and extremities. As SJS progresses, this rash can spread to other body parts. Blisters eventually form and burst, causing the skin to peel. These large, exposed areas of skin raise the risk of infection.
With proper Stevens-Johnson syndrome treatment, the skin can begin to heal approximately two to three weeks later. Some individuals will experience long-term symptoms and complications from SJS.
Pursuing Legal Action After an SJS Diagnosis
Stevens-Johnson syndrome can develop as a side-effect of taking drugs like antibiotics, anti-seizure medications, or anti-gout drugs like allopurinol. Because of this, drug manufacturers have a legal obligation to provide warning if their products can lead to Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Patients who develop SJS after taking a new medication may have the right to seek compensation from the drug manufacturer.
FAQs About SJS
What Are the Symptoms of SJS That I Should Look For?
Although a red or purple skin rash that blisters is one of the defining symptoms of SJS, symptoms can begin before this rash appears. These symptoms include body aches, sore throat, and a fever.
When Should I Seek Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Treatment?
The rash associated with SJS can spread and cover a large part of the body. This condition is called toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and can be fatal in 30%-80% of cases. Even if you do not develop TEN, the blisters and skin-shedding associated with SJS can leave you vulnerable to severe infections.
What Compensation Can I Obtain Through a Pharmaceutical Lawsuit?
If a drug caused your SJS and the manufacturer negligently marketed the drug or failed to warn about its dangers, you may be able to bring a lawsuit against that manufacturer.
Through this lawsuit, you can recover compensation for any medical bills, lost wages, and future medical needs you may have. You can also recover compensation for your mental pain and suffering.
Connect With Your SJS Lawyer at Dunn Sheehan Today
You have rights if a dangerous drug led to your Stevens-Johnson syndrome diagnosis. An experienced SJS lawyer from Dunn Sheehan can help safeguard these rights and fight for the compensation you deserve for the harm you've suffered.
We are committed to providing effective and unsurpassed service for every one of our clients. Contact our Stevens-Johnson syndrome attorneys today to schedule an initial consultation.