Is beauty skin deep? Stevens Johnson Syndrome has burning effects

By Attorney Jeremy C. Lynds 

People are exposed to countless images of beauty in today’s highly visual society. Fueled by Hollywood and the tabloids, attractive women appear at every turn in magazines, television and movies.  Each year nearly 8,000 new beauty products are introduced to enhance peoples’ external appearance.  Primarily, these products are purchased by women who take great pride in the way they look.  Suffice it to say that one would expect that “physical beauty” would appear on any top ten list that rates what is most important to women. 

Allergic drug reactions are a leading cause of death

A little known risk is that a person’s perceived “physical beauty” can disappear with the swallow of a pill. Adverse drug reactions are the fourth leading cause of death in America, responsible for approximately 10,000 deaths every year.  People who visit multiple doctors and pharmacists, and who regularly consume many different types of medications appear most at risk. 

What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

One such disorder that can arise from an adverse drug reaction is Stevens Johnson Syndrome (“SJS”).  SJS, although rare, is an inflammatory disorder that affects the skin.  It is caused by an allergic reaction to certain drugs that include, but not limited to, antibiotics, such as some sulfonamides, tetracycline, amoxicillin, and ampicillin, as well as COX-2 inhibitors such as Vioxx, Bextra and Celebrex.  Even more alarming is that SJS can result from the consumption of many over-the-counter medications thought by many to be relatively harmless.  This includes ibuprofen known to result in SJS in about five in 1 million users, and found in popular brands such as Advil and Children’s Motrin. 

SJS warning signs can be deceiving

The early warning signs of SJS are deceiving, appearing as flue like symptoms that may include coughing, sore throat, and high fever.  If the victim continues to consume the drug causing the allergic reaction, painful blistering of the skin will result, and eventually the skin could slough off.  Moreover, SJS can result in permanent blindness. 

It is important that people remain cognizant that allergic drug reactions, even from seemingly harmless over-the-counter medication, can result in devastating effects to ones physical appearance and life.  Accordingly, it is important to observe the body’s reaction to new medication and to seek immediate medical assistance should a reaction arise.

Jim S. Adler & Associates is your resource for a tough, smart Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawyer.  Get your free case review today and begin the process of your recovery with a Stevens Johnson Syndrome attorney from Jim S. Adler & Associates.