Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction to medication including over-the-counter drugs, prescription pain relievers, and antibiotics. Drugs linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome include Advil, Arava, Bactrim, Bextra, Cotrim, Daypro, Ibuprofen, Remicade, Septra, Topamax, Children's Motrin, and Bactrim Pediatric.
Although most cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome occur in adults between the ages of 20-40, there have been cases of Stevens Johnson Sydrome in children three months old. As much as 15% of patients with serious Stevens Johnson Syndrome can die from the complications.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome usually begins with a fever, sore throat, and headache however within a few minutes can intensify to include skin lesions and blisters.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome causes inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, eyes, and genital and intestinal tracts. It often causes ulcers in the mouth and irritation to the throat, tongue, gums, and lips. Eventually, the patient's skin often comes off his body in sheets.
If lesions develop in the lungs or if any skin lesions become infected the patient can die.
Other permanent complications from Stevens Johnson Syndrome include permanent blindness, dry-eye syndrome, lung damage, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, permanent loss of nail beds, and arthritis.