Developing Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and How to Deal

Each year, individuals seek medical attention for various illnesses and ailments, and they are directed to either prescription or over the counter drugs to help heal them. But when nearly 150,000 deaths can be attributed to adverse drug reactions within an individual, it makes a patient an unknowing victim.

Two of the most common inflammatory skin diseases due to poor reactions to over the counter and prescription drugs are Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and a form of SJS known as Toxic Epidural Necrolysis Syndrome (TEN). Many different drugs can trigger SJS, but anti-convulsants, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are most consistently responsible for causing SJS. While anyone can develop SJS, a Caucasian predominance has been reported. It is most commonly seen in children and in women (a 2:1 ratio compared to men), if untreated, will result in death. It is possible for those who are diagnosed with SJS to die and anywhere from 3 to 15 percent of victims have suffered this consequence. Additionally, over half the people who develop SJS experience serious upper respiratory tract infections.

First discovered in 1922, Stevens - Johnson Syndrome is a serious inflammatory skin disease and is characterized by painful, ulcerated lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. According to the Stevens - Johnson Syndrome Foundation, the symptoms of SJS include:

. Rash, blisters or red splotches on the skin.

. Persistent fever.

. The body can form blisters and lesions anywhere from the genital area to the mouth, nose, eyes and even ears.

. Swelling of eyelids and/or red eyes.

. Conjunctivitis.

. Flu-like symptoms.

Patients with these symptoms have a recent history of having taken a prescription or over the counter medication.

Various prescription drugs have been found to be strongly associated with SJS, and some have even been recalled by the FDA. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have recently come under a great deal of scrutiny relative to causing SJS. One such drug is Bextra, an anti-inflammatory drug prescribed to treat the pain associated with osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The packaging of these drugs now includes strong warnings and precautions. Most are now required to have a "black box" warning, the highest warning level the FDA issues on approved drugs. The FDA has recalled or requested the manufacturer voluntarily remove these NSAIDs from the market.

Although prevention of SJS is impossible, treatments do exist to ease the painful disease. It is of the utmost necessity to stop taking the drug associated with the negative side effects/reactions. After that, hospitalization is usually necessary, combined with a variety of treatment options including care from burn units, the ICU and dermatological teams. Individuals suffering from SJS who receive prompt and thorough treatment will likely successfully recover from the illness.

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