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A Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawyer can help

Every year more than two million Americans fall ill and 140,000 die due to Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a disease often triggered by an allergic drug reaction that affects the skin and mucous membranes. In severe cases, a rash may form over the skin and eyes causing burning skin, permanent blindness, or even death. In these cases, a Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawyer from Jim S. Adler & Associates can help.

For many, SJS is a preventable disease solely caused by an allergic reaction to many over-the-counter medications including aspirin and ibuprofen. SJS in children has been linked to their consumption of Children’s Motrin and Children’s Advil. Unfortunately, many parents sometimes do not recognize when their children suffer from an allergic reaction to these medications, often beginning with common cold or flu-like symptoms, and mistakenly continue or even increase their use.

However, SJS is not limited to over-the-counter medications. It can also result from an allergic reaction to sulfa-based antibiotics and COX-2 inhibitors such as Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra, as well as a host of other medications. SJS is also more likely to occur in people suffering from infections or reduced immune systems. Infections that can cause SJS include: HIV, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Influenza, Herpes and Hepatitis.

Unfortunately, many of the early warning signs of SJS make the disease difficult to detect because its symptoms are common to the cold or influenza. Early symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome include a sore throat, fever or cough. However, other early warning signs include hives, a red or purple skin rash, blisters, skin pain, and burning eyes. A person suffering from any of these symptoms or a combination of symptoms, especially after beginning a new medication, should seek immediate medical assistance and advice as to whether to continue the medication.

SJS has long-term effects

SJS can cause permanent damage to the skin. New skin that develops after an onset of SJS may have irregular bumps and abnormal coloring. Moreover, the rash that develops during SJS can result in permanent blindness through scarring. Finally, SJS can also cause harm to internal organs through inflammation.

A first step to treating SJS may be to discontinue the use of the medication or medications causing the disease. In extreme cases, complete recovery can take several months. However, it is important to remember that immediate treatment may reduce the duration and severity of the disease.

Contact an SJS lawyer today

In the event you or a loved one has suffered from Stevens Johnson Syndrome, it is vital that you contact a skilled attorney for such cases. Jim S. Adler & Associates is well abble to handle your Stevens Johnson Syndrome case.

Contact Jim S. Adler & Associates today for a free case review and put a Stevens Johnson Syndrome attorney to work for you. A tough, smart Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawyer with Jim S. Adler & Associates can seek just and fair compensation for your loss.