Although rare, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a potentially life-threatening medical condition requiring immediate treatment. Its complications can persist long after the initial health crisis is resolved. These long-term effects can impact one's quality of life and require extensive medical treatment.
Certain medications, like painkillers and antibiotics, can cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The condition begins with flu-like symptoms that progress into a blistering skin rash. The top layers of the skin die before the rash starts to heal.
Recovering from SJS can take weeks or longer. SJS can develop into toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), in which the rash covers more than 30% of the skin's surface. This condition can be fatal.
Common Long-Term Effects Associated With SJS
Not everyone diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome will experience all (or any) of its associated long-term complications. However, you should monitor yourself for these signs in the weeks and months following your SJS treatment.
Skin Conditions
Some individuals who recover from Stevens-Johnson syndrome may be left with chronic conditions that affect the skin and the underlying mucous membranes. Some patients have scarring and changes in their skin’s coloration and pigmentation.
Damage to the mucous membranes can lead to dryness and associated long-term complications. These include trouble urinating, hair loss, and deformities of the fingernails and toenails.
Eye Health and Vision
SJS often involves serious ocular complications. You may have vision-related complications and can lose your sight from SJS.
Respiratory and Systemic Complications
Because mucous membranes are also found in the lungs, SJS can cause lung damage and associated breathing difficulties. Some patients develop asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Other organs, like the liver and kidneys, can also suffer damage.
One of the most dangerous complications of SJS is sepsis, a blood infection that can damage the body’s organs. If medical professionals do not catch and treat sepsis promptly, the condition can be fatal.
Chronic Pain
In the initial stages of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, body aches and other flu-like symptoms are common. These aches can persist even after the acute phase of the condition is over. Moreover, the skin may continue to peel, which can also cause pain and discomfort.
Finally, other complications of SJS, like organ damage or organ failure, can themselves cause pain.
Legal Help for the Long-Term Effects of SJS
Drug manufacturers that create and market medications that cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome can be held legally responsible for the harm patients suffer. If you are impacted by SJS, a dangerous drug lawsuit could lead to compensation for your past and future losses and injuries.
Understanding the long-term implications of an SJS diagnosis is crucial to a successful lawsuit. First, you and your SJS attorney must link your long-term symptoms to the medication. From there, your SJS lawyer can establish the compensation you need to address your bills, career limitations, and emotional trauma.
FAQ
How Do I Know I Need Medical Treatment?
If you believe you are having an allergic reaction to a medication, stop the medication immediately and consult a doctor.
What Long-Term Complications of SJS Might I Experience?
Not every person who develops SJS will experience long-term complications. Long-term complications from SJS can be serious and include blindness, organ failure, skin scarring, and even death.
How Are Drug Manufacturers Responsible for My SJS?
Stevens-Johnson syndrome can develop as an adverse reaction to certain medications. Pharmaceutical companies must disclose their products’ potential risks and side effects so you and your doctor can decide whether to try a particular medication. A drug manufacturer might be liable if it does not adequately warn about these possible dangers, including SJS.
Contact Dunn Sheehan to Discuss Your Legal Rights
If you were diagnosed with SJS after starting a new medication and are continuing to experience long-term effects, contact Dunn Sheehan and our national SJS lawyers. Our team will review your case and, if eligible, help you pursue compensation from the drug manufacturer responsible for your injuries.
Schedule an initial consultation with our SJS attorneys today.