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Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and TENS (Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome) another form of SJS are severe adverse reactions to medication. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) account for approximately 150,000 deaths per year in the U.S. alone, making drug reactions the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. SJS is one of the most debilitating ADRs recognized. SJS is a devastating reaction affecting the skin and mucous membranes, causing severe burning, blistering and sloughing of involved tissue. SJS can cause blindness and even death in severe cases. It was first discovered in 1922 by pediatricians A.M. Stevens and S.C. Johnson after diagnosing a child with severe ocular and oral involvement to a drug reaction.
Almost any medication including over-the-counter drugs, such as Ibuprofen (such as Children's Motrin), can cause SJS. Most commonly implicated drugs are anti-convulsants, antibiotics (such as sulfa, penicillin and cephalosporin) and anti-inflammatory medications (such as Bextra).
Treatment of this disorder is controversial. Some physicians prescribe steroid anti-inflammatory drugs such as prednisone, especially for severe cases. Most of the studies examining this treatment have not shown much benefit. Steroids typically aren't used unless the patient is quite ill.
Although SJS afflicts people of all ages, a large amount of its victims are children. More female cases have been reported than male, however it does not discriminate against anyone. The SJS Foundation hears from people around the world who suffer from SJS and TENS.
There is no way to predict who will get this syndrome after taking a new medication. Medication is typically prescribed to prevent the recurrences of herpes. Acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir) and valacyclovir (Valtrex) are taken for this purpose.
SJS and TENS are life-threatening reactions. If left untreated, they can result in death. Complications can include permanent blindness, dry-eye syndrome, photophobia, lung damage, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, permanent loss of nail beds, scarring of the esophagus and other mucous membranes, arthritis, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Many patient's pores scar shut, causing them to retain heat. These are just a few of the symptoms that have been reported.
Recognition of the early symptoms of SJS and prompt medical attention are the most invaluable tools in minimizing the possible long-term effects SJS may have on its victims.