Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C.

stevens johnson syndrome (sjs) is an extremely rare disorder characterized by a severe skin reaction to medication

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare but serious and potentially life-threatening condition. SJS is defined as a hypersensitivity disorder affecting the skin and mucous membranes. There is a reported incidence of around one case per million people per year.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a severe expression of a simple rash known as erythema multiforme. Stevens Johnson Syndrome is also known as erythema multiforme major. It affects all ages and genders including pediatric populations. The most severe form of Stevens Johnson Syndrome is Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TENS). Stevens Johnson Syndrome occurs twice as often in men as in women. Most cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome appear in children and young adults under age 30. Females with Stevens Johnson Syndrome are twice as likely as males to develop TENS, and have an even higher chance if taking a category of drugs known as NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.

stevens johnson syndrome (sjs) facts

• it appears as target like lesions
• also known as erythema multiforme major
• begins with symptoms of non-specific upper respiratory tract infection
• first 1 to 14 days symptoms of fever, sore throat, chills, headache, malaise, vomiting and diarrhea, and other flu-like symptoms
• rash is severe and widespread and typically involves the eyes, mouth, vaginal, urethral, gastrointestinal, respiratory tract and other internal organs
• skin loss may lead to dehydration, infection or death
• ocular involvement can include severe onjunctivitis, iritis, conjunctiva and corneal abrasions and corneal perforation

sjs and chantix

A connection between Chantix and the risk of SJS was highlighted in a recent study conducted by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), which used a combination of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adverse event reports and pharmaceutical industry Standardized Medical Queries (SMQ) to gather its data.

In the 4th quarter of 2007 Chantix accounted for 998 serious injuries in the U.S. reported to the FDA, more than any other individual drug in this time period.

The results are even more worrisome because FDA adverse event reporting is voluntary for consumers and health professionals, and as a result it is estimated that only 1 to 10 percent of serious adverse events are reported.

Among the series injuries reported were moderate and severe skin reactions. The FDA notes 338 serious events including hives or swelling of the tongue, face, eyes, lips and other areas. An additional 65 reports of severe side effects included blisters, exfoliation of the skin and lips, and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

diagnosed with stevens johnson syndrome?

If you or a loved one have suffered a severe skin reaction while taking a medication, if you have been diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or if you experiencing symptoms associated with Stevens Johnson Syndrome, you may have a claim against the manufacturer.

Please contact us today by filling out the brief questionnaire, or by calling our toll free number (1-800-898-2034) for a free, no-cost no-obligation evaluation of your case.