An untold number of people are treated every day for various infections with the antibiotics Bactrim and Septra which also are known as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The drug most commonly is prescribed to treat ear infections and urinary tract infections in children. It also is used for treating travel-related bronchitis. While there are various side effects associated with antibiotic drugs like these (including kidney problems, urinary obstructions and bleeding), these two particular drugs also may cause the potentially deadly skin disease Stevens-Johnson syndrome, or SJS. Patients that have used or currently are using Bactrim and Septra are being urged to watch closely for signs and symptoms of SJS and its more serious counterpart, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TENS). Both SJS and TENS are very painful skin conditions that can lead to permanent injuries such as scarring from the blisters and sloughing of skin, vision loss and even death. If you or a family member have been taking Bactrim and Septra, here are the symptoms that you should be looking out for:
- red or purplish rash that spreads
- blisters on the eyes, nose, mouth, genitals and mucus membranes
- painful skin
- headaches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- skin peeling
- loss of hair and nails