Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Life-Threatening Skin Reaction, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, Associated with Prescription and OTC Medications

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare but serious, often debilitating disorder affecting the skin and mucous membranes.  In most cases, SJS is the result of a severe allergic reaction to a medication, particularly anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), anticonvulsants such as Dilantin and Tegretol, and antibiotic drugs like Levaquin.

SJS is characterized by a red or purple skin rash that spreads and blisters, accompanied by extremely painful blistering sores on the mucous membranes lining the mouth, throat, eyes, nose and genitals.  As it advances, SJS eventually causes peeling and shedding of the skin.  Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is an even more severe, life-threatening form of SJS affecting a larger portion of the body. Patients with TEN may experience peeling over 30% or more of their body surface, similar to a severe burn. Like SJS, TEN is also commonly the result of a drug-related reaction.  In extreme cases, SJS and TEN can lead to permanent skin damage, loss of hair, loss of finger and toenails, damage to internal organs and blindness.

Symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome                                                

Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis can affect both men and women of all ages, as well as children.  Treatment, which usually requires hospitalization, can take up to several months depending on the severity of the reaction.  Signs and symptoms of SJS and TEN may include the following:

• A painful red or purple rash on the skin that spreads and blisters
• Blisters in the mouth, eyes, ears, nose, throat or genital area
• Persistent fever
• Flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, cough, body ache)
• Facial swelling, hives
• Swelling of the eyelids, red eyes, Conjunctivitis, corneal blisters and perforation
• Peeling and shedding of the skin
• Recent history of having take a prescription or over-the-counter medication

Medications Associated with SJS Skin Reactions

Any drug has the potential to cause an SJS or TEN skin reaction.  The most commonly implicated drugs are anti-convulsants, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medications, including:

Dilantin (phenytoin) - a prescription anti-seizure medication used in the treatment of epilepsy.

Tegretol (carbamazepine) - a prescription anti-seizure medication used in the treatment of epilepsy.

Levaquin (levofloxacin) - a prescription antibiotic drug used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus, skin, and urinary tract

infections. Levaquin belongs to a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones.

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