Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a rare condition which is usually caused by medications. SJS can be fatal and includes symptoms such as rash, blisters, red patches on skin, blisters in mucous membranes, eyelid swelling, red eyes, persistent fever, flu-like symptoms and conjunctivitis. Doctors and patients need to be watchful for this condition whenever a new medication is taken. Greater awareness leads to earlier diagnosis and better prognosis. Treatment can involve antibiotics, oral steroids, IV steroids or IV immunoglobulin. Any drug can cause the condition but it is most commonly associated with drugs containing sulfa, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, anticonvulsives and antigout drugs. SJS occurs in 2-7 (600-2,000) people per million population in the US annually. A family is currently suing the makers of Advil after their 3 year old daughter allegedly died from SJS caused by the drug. The parents claim that they were not made aware of the risks.
Source: summary of medical news story as reported by Red Nova
About: Medications can cause potentially fatal Stevens Johnson Syndrome
Date: 14 February 2005
Source: Red Nova
URL:
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