SJS and its most severe form, TEN, are allergic reactions to medication. More than 2,000 drugs have been associated with the condition. The condition begins with blisters that cause the top layer of skin to peel off. Blisters can also form in the eyes and internal membranes leaving sufferers susceptible to infection and dehydration. In severe cases, fatalities have occurred.

Inderide is a beta blocker that primarily affects the cardiovascular system by decreasing heat rate, cardiac contractility and blood pressure and promoting brochospasm in the lungs. It also increases chloride, sodium and water excretion by interfering with the transport of sodium ions across the renal tubular epithelium. Interide was already contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to sulfonamide-derived drugs.

Interide’s new safety label was approved by the FDA and goes into effect immediately.

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Hypertension drug’s new label warns of SJS, TEN

Detrol is just one of the medications that has been added to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) quarterly report on treatments identified as a potential safety risk to patients. According to the report, Detrol, also known as Tolterodine Tartrate, is being evaluated by the agency after reports of patients diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a rare but life-threatening skin condition, after taking the medication.

SJS and its most severe form, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), are severe adverse reactions to medications. More than 200 medications have been linked to the condition. Those who suffer from SJS or TEN experience rashes that blister over and cause the skin to peel off in sheets. Blisters can also form on the eyes, inside the mouth and on internal organs, causing ocular problems, dehydration, infection and sometimes death.

Other medications listed in the FDA’s quarterly report and investigated for a possible link to skin reactions include hydrochlorothiazide in combination with other products, sleep disorder medications modafinil (Provigil) and Armodafinil (Nuvigil), and smoking cessation drug Chantix.

The FDA reports that it is continuing to evaluate these issues to determine if there is need for regulatory action. In the interim, the FDA emphasizes that the listing of a drug and a potential safety issue does not mean that the medicines should not be prescribed nor that patients taking those drugs should stop taking the medication. Patients with questions about their medication should contact their health care provider.

Source: FDA

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › New drugs investigated for possible skin reactions