Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare, life-threatening allergic reaction to medication. Allergic drug reactions are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, causing more than 100,000 deaths among hospitalized patients each year. SJS is one of the most devastating of all adverse drug reactions, and has been linked to the use of the painkillers Bextra, manufactured by Pfizer, Inc., and Arava, manufactured by Aventis.
Both drugs are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. However, in November 2004 Pfizer said that it is likely that the FDA will add a "black box" warning - in which language is displayed in bold, black type on the drug's packaging - to Bextra. This Black Box warning is expected to impair Pfizer's ability to market the drug. Though SJS is included as a warning on the packages of many drugs on the market, few have Black-Box warnings.
SJS has also been linked to the use of Remicade, ibuprofen, Daypro, Children's Motrin, Advil and Topamax.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is characterized by inflamation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, eyes, genital tract and intestinal tract. Ulcers inside the mouth are the most common, causing inflamation and irritation to the tongue, gums and lips, and can extend into the throat. Affected individuals may also exhibit skin lesions, blisters and bleeding in the eyes, lips, mouth, nasal passages, and genital areas.
As SJS evolves, the skin literally sloughs off in sheets. Patients are typically treated a hospital's burn unit. If the skin lesions become infected, or the patient develops lesions in the lungs, it can cause death.
Other symptoms and complications of SJS include:
- permanant blindness
- dry-eye syndrome
- photophobia
- lung damage
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- asthma
- permanent loss of nail beds
- scarring of the esophagus and other mucous membranes
- arthritis
- chronic fatigue syndrome
Those most likely to develop Stevens-Johnson Syndrome are extremely allergic to drugs like Arava and Bextra, as well as other painkillers and antibiotics.
Links for more information on Stevens-Johnson Syndrome:
If you or a loved one would like to discuss your legal rights, please call our law offices or, Click here to request a free legal consultation:
|
