Causes Of Stevens Johnson Syndrome:
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a disease that can affect all age groups, and is a very serious and potentially fatal skin disorder. Those that contract Stevens-Johnson Syndrome may not realize for some time, as the early symptoms of this disease can be very non-specific and generalized. Some of the early symptoms of SJS include headaches, aching body, fever, and a bad cough. Following this early period, as the disease progresses, sufferers generally find a rash developing over their body, particularly over the trunk of the body. Blistering can then appear, usually in places such as the eyes, mouth, nose and genital areas, and the mucous membrane becomes inflamed. Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis is another variation of SJS, and with this disease sheets of skin can start to come away from the body, leaving flesh exposed, which can seep profusely and is left open to infection.
The possible causes
The most common cause of both SJS and TENS in children and adults is an adverse reaction to drugs. There are certain drugs that have been linked to these skin disorders, and some of the drug responsible can include: some NSAIDS (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs), Allopurinol, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, and sulfa antibiotics. It may take just a week or two from when a patient starts taking the drugs for the symptoms of this type of skin disease to appear. Drug reaction is the cause for the vast majority of cases of both Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.
Other causes of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis include bacterial and viral infections. Although these are responsible on a far lesser scale than drugs for these skin disorders, there are cases where SJS and TENS have been caused by such infections. Skin graft problems and radiation therapy have both been linked to the onset of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome as well, again to a far lesser extent than drug reactions. And in a number of cases, doctors have been unable to identify the cause of the disease, and it has remained a mystery.
A number of drugs have come under fire recently because of their link to SJS, most notably Bextra, which was recently pulled from the market by its manufacturer Pfizer. Many people that have been contracted Stevens-Johnson Syndrome through drug use have filed lawsuits against the drug companies responsible, as in many cases no warning was given on the drug packaging about the possibility of contracting a painful, life-changing, and possible fatal skin disease as a side effect of the medication.
Getting legal assistance
Anyone that has contracted SJS or TENS, where the cause has been identified as a drug reaction, could be eligible to claim compensation from the pharmaceutical company responsible for the drug. There are now many specialist lawyers that deal with SJS and TENS cases. These lawyers are fully trained in this area, and are able to use their knowledge about the disease and its link with drugs to good use. Anyone that has been adversely affected in this way needs to get as much specialist legal assistance as possible, as the major drug companies usually have expert legal teams fighting their corners, which makes it even harder for the injured party to get compensation.
Those that have lost a loved to SJS through a drug reaction should also seek legal assistance, as an experienced lawyer can fight to get compensation for wrongful death. In many cases, a free initial appointment is available from these lawyers, so anyone that has taken drugs and contracted SJS or anyone that has lost a loved on to drug-related SJS can find out more about their legal options for free.
Thank you for choosing Lawcore.com!
Find a Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawyer or Attorney in Your State:
Headlines & Topics Relating to Stevens Johnson Syndrome:
Want more? These are just the latest topics and resources added to Lawcore.com; click here for a full list of topics covered, other legal resources, and additional lawyer and legal information. Click Here To Read More.
Mesothelioma is one of the most deadly forms of cancer known to man. It is caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos - Find information on choosing a mesothelioma lawyer, the various types of mesothelioma, other illnesses caused by exposure to asbestos (namely Lung Cancer & Asbestosis), and more.
Exposure to Benzene is known to cause a form of leukemia, Acute Myelogenous Leukemia or AML - Find information on benzene exposure, the side effects, choosing a benzene attorney, & how to get compensation if you have been injured or lost a loved one to Benzene exposure.
Have you been injured in an Auto Accident? Find a wealth of information on claims for injuries (Or even death) sustained in a car accident, car accident lawyers, statistics on auto accidents, insurance claim details, & how to reveive compensation for your damages.
Related Resources:
Truck Accident Lawyers
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
DUI / DWI Lawyers