According to mediafact.com, other medications have been linked to Stevens Johnson syndrome including Bextra, Celebrex and Daypro, as well as over-the-counter pain relievers such as Motion, Ibuprofen, Children’s Motrin and Advil.

One of the main issues with Stevens Johnson syndrome is the lack of awareness from the patients that are at risk and the doctors that prescribe the medication. In a 2007 press release from SmartBrief.com, Governor Bill Ritter, Jr., of Colorado, along with the Stevens Johnson Syndrome Foundation, recognized August 2007 as the designated SJS Awareness month. Joining Colorado in recognizing this month were Arizona, Alabama, Connecticut and Tennessee.

According to the article, Stevens Johnson Syndrome affects more than two million Americans each year and has resulted in more than 140,000 deaths.

When prescribed a new medication, or even taking over-the-counter medication, educate yourself on Stevens Johnson Syndrome so you can identify the symptoms at the earliest possible stage.

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Drug reactions bring awareness to Stevens Johnson Syndrome

The FDA approved Celgene Corp.’s Revlimid in December 2005 to treat a bone marrow disorder. It was later approved for use in treatment of multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Earlier this month, Revlimid appeared on a list of approximately twenty drugs under investigation by the FDA for possible safety hazards. No details about the specific concerns were made available at that time.

From the drug’s approved use in 2005 to January 23, 2008, the FDA received 14 reports of serious skin reactions following Revlimid therapy. Three deaths occurred among the 14 patients who displayed either SJS or TEN, although progression of cancer is suspected in one of the fatalities.

The estimated incidence of SJS/TEN is 1 to 2 persons per million annually. According to Brian Gill, a spokesman for the manufacturer of Revlimid, approximately 60 thousand people have been treated with the drug. Individuals with SJS normally have 10-30 percent of their body surface area affected by the disorder. SJS-related mortality is estimated to be between 1-3%. People with TEN normally suffer an infliction of more than 30% of their body’s surface area. Mortality ranges anywhere from 10-70%, according to the FDA.

Revlimid currently comes with warnings of other serious hazards, including birth defects and blood clots and is distributed, sold, and used with great restriction. The drug’s labeling will be updated to include reports of skin reactions and doctors are strongly advised to discontinue use in patients that develop skin irritations while taking Revlimid.

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › FDA finds link between Revlimid and skin diseases