SJS, TENS and Adverse Drug Reactions

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a potentially deadly skin condition that typically results from an adverse drug reaction.  An advanced stage of SJS is called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TENS).  These conditions can occur at varying times after taking a drug.  Some reactions are immediate, while others take weeks to develop.  Some drugs that have been connected to SJS and TENS are sulfa based antibiotics, NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and other drugs such as those listed below:

Cox-2 Inhibitors pain relievers such as:

• Bextra (valdecoxib)
• Celebrex (celecoxib)
• Vioxx (rofecoxib)
• Arcoxia (eterocoxib)
• Prexige (lumiracoxib)

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) such as:
 

• Children's Motrin
• Motrin
• Daypro (oxaprozin)
• Feldene (piroxicam)
• Arava (leflunomide)
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen
• Ketaprofen
• Advil
• Aleve
• Bayer
• Excedrin

Cold Medicines Containing NSAIDS such as:
 

• Advil Cold & Sinus
• Dimetapp Sinus
• Motrin IB Sinus
• Aleve Cold And Sinus

Sulfa-Based Antibiotics ( Sulfonamides) such as:
 

• Penicillins
• Tetracycline
• Doxycycline
• Amoxicillin
• Ampicillin
• Zithromax/azithromycin
• Beta-Lactams
• Ciprofloxacin
• Fluoroquinolone Anitbiotics such as:
• Parfloxacin
• Ciprofloxacin
• Enoxacin
• Levofloxacin
• Lomefloxacin
• Norfloxacin
• Ofloxacin

Seizure Medications/Anticonvulsants such as:
 

• Tegretol
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin Sodium/Dilantin
• Carbamazepine
• Diruetics such as:
• Furosemide
• Methazolamide

Topical Ocular Medications such as:
 

• Scopolamine
• Tropicamide
• Aminoglycosides such as:
• Gentamycin

SJS and TENS can cause a wide range of skin damage.  The injuries can vary from a serious rash to large areas of peeling skin and tissue outside and inside the body, including the eyes, and secondary infections.  The pain and suffering associated with these conditions can be horrendous and, in some cases, SJS and TENS can cause death.

If you or someone you care about experiences an adverse drug reaction please contact your physician immediately or get them to a hospital.  There is no treatment capable of stopping the progression of SJS and TENS, however, if diagnosed early the symptoms can often be managed.  For more information on these skin conditions and adverse drug reactions you may wish to visit the Stevens Johnson Syndrome Foundation website.

Please contact the Taylor Law Firm to investigate whether a claim for damages as a result of an adverse skin reaction is appropriate.  In some instances the drug can be shown to be defective or to have inadequate warnings and compensation can be obtained from the manufacturer. We have helped SJS and TENS victims recover damages in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida, including the cities of Pascagoula, Mobile, Pensacola, Gulfport and other victims nationwide.