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

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is warning the public about a medication used to treat a type of glaucoma because users could develop a serious and life threatening allergic reaction known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS). Neptazane (methazolamide) is a sulfonamide derivative available as 25 mg and 50 mg tablets used in the treatment of an eye condition called open-angle glaucoma. This type of glaucoma is caused by a gradual blockage of the outflow of fluid in the front compartment of the eye over a period of years, causing a slow rise in pressure. It is also used in the type called acute angle-closure glaucoma, when pressure within the eye must be lowered before surgery. The medication should not be used for any other type of glaucoma.

Because Neptazane is related to sulfa drugs, it can cause allergic reactions including fever, rash, redness and peeling of the skin, hives, difficulty breathing, serious skin and blood disorders, and even death. It also carries a warning specifically for SJS.

SJS is rare, but has been associated with thousands of drugs, especially sulfa drugs. The first signs of SJS are a rash or redness on the skin. The rash can blister over and cause the skin to peel. A large percentage of the body can become covered in these rashes, including the eyes, mouth and genitals. The condition can be fatal. Many who do survive can suffer lifelong consequences such as ocular and vision problems and gastrointestinal complications.

Other serious reactions to Neptazane include fulminant hepatic necrosis, aplastic anemia and other blood dyscrasias. Anyone taking this or any other medication who develops a rash should contact their health care professional immediately.

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