When you pick up your prescription at your local pharmacy, you don’t expect that medication to be something that sends you to the hospital. Unfortunately, for a small percentage of people, even taking low-risk drugs can lead to a life-threatening complication called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS). Below is a closer look at which drugs cause Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
What Is SJS?
SJS is a severe disorder of the body’s skin and mucous membranes. It is very rare, and in most cases, it happens as a result of a negative reaction to a medication. You can suffer symptoms of SJS as soon as you start taking a drug or up to two weeks after you’ve discontinued it.
Usually, SJS starts with flu-like symptoms and progressively worsens, leading to the development of these additional indicators:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- A burning sensation in the eyes
- Fatigue
- Pain across large areas of your skin
- A red or purple rash that spreads
- Blisters that form on your skin and mucous membranes
- Sloughing of skin days after blisters form
Early intervention is vital with SJS, as once the condition starts, it can rapidly worsen. If left untreated, it can lead to sepsis, multiple organ failure, and even death.
Which Drugs Cause Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?
If you have developed SJS in the past, always tell your doctor. Once you’ve gotten SJS from a particular drug, you will need to avoid that drug (and similar medications) for the rest of your life.
With that in mind, some of the most likely medications to cause SJS are as follows:
Allopurinol
This is a medication often taken long-term to prevent gout.
Nevirapine
This drug can help manage human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by reducing the total amount of the virus in the blood.
Some Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants are medications primarily used to treat seizures. Four particular anticonvulsants are known to sometimes cause SJS:
- Lamotrigine
- Phenytoin
- Phenobarbital
- Carbamazepine
Although they were initially designed to treat seizures, some of these medications are also prescribed to individuals with certain mental health disorders.
Modafinil and Armodafinil
These medications can help reduce daytime sleepiness, especially in people with narcolepsy or those who work night shifts.
Some Antibiotics
Certain forms of antibiotics, especially minocycline, penicillins, quinolones, and cephalosporins, can cause SJS.
Some Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs that contain oxicam, like piroxicam and meloxicam, can cause SJS. Even over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can sometimes cause it.
Sulfa Drugs
Sulfa drugs (like sulfamethoxazole and sulfasalazine) are a class of antibiotics often used to treat bacterial infections.
Legal Options for Victims of SJS
If you think you may have SJS, the most important step is to seek medical treatment. However, if your case is severe, you might also consider talking to an SJS attorney as well. Pharmaceutical companies are responsible for ensuring the drugs they make are safe and that you receive adequate warning of any potential hazards. At Dunn Sheehan, we can discuss and assess your case to determine whether you may be a good candidate for an SJS lawsuit.
FAQ
How Soon After Taking a New Drug Does SJS Start?
SJS can start anywhere from a few days to eight weeks after starting a new medication.
Can Any Drug Cause SJS?
Many kinds of drugs can cause SJS, but some, such as certain anticonvulsants, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medications, are more likely to cause it than others.
Is SJS the Same as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)?
Though these conditions are part of the same spectrum, they are not quite the same. If less than 10% of your body shows evidence of skin detachment, you likely have SJS. If 30% or more of your body is affected by detaching skin, you likely have TEN. If between 10% and 29% of your body is affected, you may have an “overlap” between the conditions.
How Do You Know If You Have SJS?
The only way to know for sure is to have a doctor diagnose you. However, many people develop a sore throat, fatigue, and a burning sensation in the eyes before getting a spreading red or purple rash.
Have You Been Affected by SJS?
If you have been diagnosed with this rare and life-threatening side effect, you have legal options. Call Dunn Sheehan to book your free consultation with an SJS lawyer today.