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Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Patient Information

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a serious, rare reaction of the skin, mucus membranes and eyes, most often to certain drugs. It can be life threatening. It is characterized by:

  • A flat red and purple rash that blisters and spreads quickly
  • The rash usually appears on the face and trunk and spreads to other parts of the body
  • Blisters of the mucus membranes of the nose, mouth, vagina, and eyes
  • Widespread pain of the skin
  • Skin that peels and flakes off
  • Swelling of the face and tongue

These Stevens-Johnson Syndrome symptoms follow a number of flu-like feelings that give no hint of the more serious symptoms to come. These may include:

  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Body aches
  • Headache

The disease is considered rare, defined by the National Institutes of Health as affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. A European group defines rare as occurring in 1 in 2,000 persons. By this definition, Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare condition. The syndrome occurs more often in men than women and is more common in older people, probably because they take more medication.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is related to a more serious condition called toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and differentiated from it by size of the area of the body affected. When 10 percent or less of the body's surface is affected, it is considered Stevens-Johnson syndrome. If more than 30 percent of the body is covered by the SJS rash and blisters, it is defined as toxic epidermal necrolysis. The two conditions are known as a SJS-TEN overlap if between 15 percent and 30 percent of the body is covered.

What Causes Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Drugs cause more than 50 percent of the cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. These may include:

  • Sulfa drugs in particular
  • Antibiotics
  • Medications to treat epilepsy
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil® and Motrin®

Certain bacterial infections also can cause the disorder.

Treating Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

People with Stevens-Johnson syndrome are usually treated in a hospital burn unit with intravenous fluids and salts. Keeping the skin scrupulously clean is essential to avoid infection. Early diagnosis and treatment are paramount. If 10 percent or less of the skin peels off, the death rate is 1 to 5 percent, whereas if more than 30 percent of the skin is involved, the death rate is 25 to 35 percent. In this case, the patient most likely is considered to have toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) rather than Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS).

Do You Qualify for Financial Relief?

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, you may be eligible to seek a financial recovery for your injuries and losses. When a drug reaction can be proven to be the cause, you will be able to seek compensation from the drug manufacturer. For more information, or to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome attorney, please contact our law offices today.