Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
SJS and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) lawyers in NC and nationwide
Greg Jones & Associates represents clients diagnosed with SJS throughout the United States. SJS is an extremely painful skin disease that is most frequently caused by an allergic drug reaction. Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), a severe form of SJS, can potentially result in death. Early diagnosis is vital for effective SJS and TEN treatment, along with identifying and discontinuing the use of the drug causing the reaction. While there is no cure, medical care can lessen the severity, provide comfort, and reduce symptoms.
SJS symptoms
First symptoms often appear to be the flu, with a fever, cough, headache, sore throat, and burning eyes. When the body continues to react to the medication, symptoms worsen, with a rash and itching developing. Blood vessel and mucous membrane irritation may cause blisters and swelling, and as the disease progresses, outer skin layers slough off or shed.
Many hospitals treat SJS patients in burn or intensive care units to provide proper monitoring, prevent bacterial infections, and keep patients hydrated.
When SJS affects the eyes, vision loss, and partial or complete blindness can occur. An estimated ten percent of SJS patients experience blindness. Lung lesions from SJS can create breathing complications and asthma. Every year, upwards to nearly 15 percent of the 300 diagnosed SJS victims die.
Harmful drugs
It is crucial to identify the drug causing an SJS reaction for several reasons:
- Immediate drug disuse allows the body to start recovering.
- Later use of the same drug may reproduce SJS with an even more severe allergic reaction.
- If pharmaceutical negligence is connected with the drug, the victim may pursue a claim for damages.
Common prescription and non-prescription medications are linked to SJS, such as non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), sulfa antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and barbiturates. If a pharmaceutical company fails to provide adequate warning about SJS or TEN risks, it may be held liable in a products liability claim. Brand-name drugs being investigated for SJS or TEN include the following:
|
|
Discuss your case with a lawyer at Greg Jones & Associates
Our knowledgeable attorneys work with a network of law firms throughout the United States to provide nationwide legal help to SJS and TEN victims.
