Joe, a diabetic, was given the antibiotic Vancomycin to treat a foot infection. But the antibiotic made him sicker than the initial infection. A rash developed over Joe’s body and his skin began to blister over and peel away. The blisters formed inside his throat, causing excruciating pain and making drinking difficult. He was at risk for dehydration. Joe was hospitalized for eight days. His blood pressure dropped and his blood sugar sky rocketed. His wife was desperate to find something Joe could keep down to help speed his recovery, and that is when she went to Razzleberry’s.

Kaczocha told the Knoxville News Sentinel, “I asked, ‘Where’s your husband?’ And she told me what happened. I said, ‘Why don’t you take him a little Lemon Ice to comfort him?’ I thought it might be soothing to his throat.” The Lemon Ice worked like charm. Joe was soon able to expand to other flavors. After eight days, he was able to leave the hospital.

More than 200 drugs have been linked to SJS, most commonly antibiotics, ibuprofen and anti-seizure medication. While some medications list the warnings in fine print on their labels, people who have suffered from the condition argue that they were never fully warned of the potential dangers. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with SJS, you may have a claim against the manufacturer.

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › SJS victim says ice cream led him to a speedy recovery

“It is absolutely amazing that within three weeks of being admitted to ICU, she will be able to walk out of the hospital (with the help of a walker),” Lisa writes in a Dec. 17 update. Doctors say that Kim’s fast recovery has been staggering. One doctor told the family that when he first saw Kim when she admitted to the hospital weeks ago, he believed her chances of survival were only 30 percent.

Many who contract TEN, a more serious version of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), do not survive. SJS and TEN are rare but serious and potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity disorders that affect the skin and mucous membranes, causing the top layers of skin to peel away and the eyes and mouth to become blistered. SJS and TEN can be caused by an adverse reaction to common antibiotics and over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and Children’s Motrin.

Last month just before Kim was diagnosed, Elizabeth Patton, a 17-year-old girl from Brentwood, Tenn., was hospitalized with TEN. Her story ended differently. Just days after Thanksgiving, Elizabeth lost her battle to the disorder, leaving behind a family that vows to warn others about the seriousness of SJS and TEN.

According to Lisa’s updates, Kim was taken out of her drug-induced coma last week, though she remained in the hospital’s burn unit., unable to see guests. She began getting around with the help of a walker and was finally able to visit with her children. In a sense, she willed herself well, turning down morphine and working hard to recuperate, so that she could be home with her family for Christmas.

Call it a Christmas miracle, but it appears Kim’s Christmas wish is coming true.

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Canadian TEN victim leaves hospital in time for Christmas

Elizabeth had been diagnosed with toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), a severe form of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) in which the top layer of skin detaches from lower layers of skin all over the body. SJS and TEN is caused by severe reaction to certain drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and anticonvulsant medications. The incidence of TEN cases are reported as between 0.4 and 1.2 cases per million each year.

TENS generally affects the mucous membranes and is usually preceded by 1 to 2 weeks of fever. A rash forms and within hours the skin becomes painful and can easily be peeled away from the underlying dermis. The mouth can become blistered and eroded and the eyes can become blistered and ulcerated.

Elizabeth had been sent to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to “ride out” the illness. But as the disease progressed, she was put into a drug-induced coma to help shield her from the excruciating pain. She spent two weeks in the coma before she lost her battle to TEN. Her parents say they do not know what caused the severe epidermal reaction that led to her death, but say they are committed to helping educate other parents of the terrible reaction that killed their daughter.

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Tennessee girl, 17, loses battle with TEN

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