As a young child, Lisa contracted pneumonia and spent a month in the hospital. She grew up with an abusive stepmother and struggled through a difficult marriage. Despite the obstacles, she managed to raise two children and find a career in real estate. But last week, the young woman with an infectious personality, hit another road block. She was diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), an adverse reaction to antibiotics prescribed to her following minor surgery.

SJS is a rare but life-threatening hypersensitivity disorder that presents with a rash on the skin. As the condition progresses, the rash blisters over and the skin begins to peel off in sheets. This causes great pain and makes the body prone to infection. Most patients are treated in burn units. The mucus membranes also can be affected, causing blisters to form in the mouth and on the eyes. Dehydration and ocular problems become serious side effects. Severe cases of SJS can be fatal.

More than 200 medications have been linked to SJS or its most severe form, toxic epidermal necrylosis (TEN), most commonly antibiotics, ibuprofen and anti-seizure medication. SJS and TEN doesn’t discriminate based on age or gender. The warnings on the medications’ label often go unnoticed. And the condition is so rare that it can be hard to diagnose.

Some organizations, such as the Stevens Johnson Syndrome Foundation seek to raise awareness and “provide information about adverse allergic drug reactions so a quick diagnosis can be made and the offending drug stopped as soon as possible.”

When Mark visited his sister Lisa, she was covered from head to toe with blisters and rashes. Despite her condition, she seems brave. “That’s why she’s my hero,” Mark says.

Mark Cripps is Managing Editor for the Dundas Star News, the Ontario, Canada newspaper where he shared the story of his sister.

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Newspaper managing editor calls sister with SJS a hero

Ralph was rushed to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton and was diagnosed with toxic epidermal necrolysis, or TEN. TEN is a severe form of the hypersensitivity disorder known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or SJS. The condition occurs as a severe reaction to medication and presents as a rash that blisters over, causing the skin to peel off in sheets. Mucus membranes such as those on the eyes and in the mouth also can blister over. Complications include infection, dehydration, blindness and even death.

Phenytoin, made by Mylan Pharmaceuticals and sold under the name Dilantin, was listed as the culprit.

Ralph never recovered. He died on May 27, 2006, from TEN. Amy has since filed a lawsuit against the Mylan Pharmaceuticals and Mylan Inc., on behalf of the estate of her late husband Ralph. Amy says her husband would not have taken the drug had he known of the potential for serious side effects.

The 10-count lawsuit claims the drug maker repeaed huge profits while concealing from the public the dangers of taking Dilatin/Phenytoin. The lawsuit seeks punitive and compensatory damages for Ralph’s injuries, pain and suffering. It also seeks damages to Ralph’s estate.

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Wife files lawsuit against drug maker