Bol was hospitalized last month upon returning to the United States from his hometown of Sudan, where he was building a school through the group Sudan Sunrise. According to the NBA star’s Facebook page, Bol put off seeking medical attention while in Sudan because he wanted to continue his work there. When his condition continued to deteriorate, Bol caught a flight to Dulles. While awaiting a connecting flight to his home in Kansas, Bol was hospitalized. Bol’s Facebook page has yet to be updated with the disappointing news of his death, but fans have already begun posting condolence messages.

Bol developed SJS after taking kidney medication while in Sudan. While rare, SJS has been associated with more than2,000 over-the-counter and prescription medications. SJS starts with a rash that blisters over causing the skin to peel off in sheets and exposing the body to life threatening infections. Blisters can also form on the eyes and internal organs, leading to blindness or ocular problems and a host of other complications.

“Sudan and the world have lost a hero and an example for all of us,” Tom Prichard, executive director of the group Sudan Sunrise, told the Associated Press. “Manute, we’ll miss you. Our prayers and best wishes go out to all his family, and all who mourn his loss.”

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Former NBA star Manute Bol dies from complications of SJS, kidney failure

Bol delayed seeking medical attention for his symptoms because he wanted to continue his work in Sudan. But his health continued to deteriorate and he had no choice but to return stateside. He had arrived in Dulles and was awaiting a flight to his home in Kansas when he was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with kidney failure and SJS.

SJS is a severe reaction to medication that covers the body and mucous membranes in blisters and sores. The condition can be fatal. More than 2,000 medications have been associated with SJS.

Bol has been bedridden since he was admitted to the hospital on May 14. He has undergone surgeries to remove his gallbladder and a gallstone, and to stem some bleeding. The condition has weakened the 7-foot 7-inch former ballplayer and currently he is unable to walk. If there is any consolation for Bol, the Sudan Sunrise executive director Rev. Tom Pritchard told NBA.com, it is knowing that he has made a difference in his hometown of Sudan.

“He was in Sudan for the schools but he really stayed because of the election in April,” Pritchard said. “The president of southern Sudan asked him please to stay. He is revered by the southern Sudanese … when Manute got back to the states he said ‘we did it.’ He kind of felt putting his own life on the line was worth it, because he got the result he was looking for in the election.”

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Manute Bol recovering from kidney failure, SJS

SJS has been associated with more than 2,000 medications, most commonly antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral medications. Those who suffer from SJS develop a rash on the skin that blisters over, causing the top layer of skin to peel away. Because of the sensitive nature of his condition, Bol may be transferred to a burn unit for treatment.

According to Sudan Sunrise, Bol was “so determined to help with the election in Sudan, he postponed needed medical care.” Tom Prichard, who worked with Bol in Sudan, told The Washington Post that Bol’s health had gone downhill while in Sudan. He had flown to Dulles and was expecting to catch a flight the next morning to Kansas to be with family when he was admitted to the hospital.

Bol sacrificed much to return to Sudan and influence positive chance. While he was gone, his wife had a baby, whom he has yet to meet. According to reports, Bol is slowly recovering. He is on morphine and in pain but he is proud of what he was able to accomplish in Sudan. ”He was fighting with every bit of his strength to try to keep southern Sudan on course toward a referendum in January of next year,” Prichard said. “It put him right on the edge of survival, and he made it.”

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Retired NBA player Manute Bol suffering serious medication reaction

In April 2008, Juan Morales was prescribed Dilantin and Phenytoin, both made by Mylan Pharmaceuticals. Morales says he sought medical treatment after he developed a rash on 80 percent of his body. He was given another prescription to treat the rash and sent home. However, the rash continued to get worse and on May 22, 2008, he was admitted to Corpus Christi Medical Center and treated for SJS. He was told it was caused by his medications.

SJS is a life threatening reaction to medication. More than 2,000 prescription and over-the-counter drugs have been linked to SJS. The condition begins with a rash that blisters over causing the skin to peel off in sheets. Patients with SJS are often treated in burn units. The painful condition can expose the body to infections. Blisters can also form on the internal organs and eyes leading to dehydration, digestive problems and vision disorders.

Morales claims had he known the risks associated with taking Dilantin and Phenytoin he would not have taken the medications. His lawsuit claims Mylan Pharmaceuticals knew of the dangers but failed to remedy the defects. Morales is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Texas man sues drug maker after suffering serious skin reaction

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