With Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a person often encounters blistering of mucous membranes, typically in the mouth, eyes, and genitals. Nearly all cases are caused by a reaction to a drug, most often sulfa antibiotics, barbiturates, and anticonvulsants such as Dilantin. Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) generally starts with a fever, headache, cough, and body aches; symptoms which may last from 1 to 14 days. Then a flat red rash breaks out on the face and trunk of the body, often spreading later to other parts of the body in an irregular pattern. The areas of rash enlarge and spread, often forming blisters. The skin of the blisters becomes very loose and easy to rub off. In addition, the damage to the lining of the mouth makes eating diffcult. Closing of the mouth may be painful, so the person may drool. A person's eyes may swell and become so filled with pus that they seal shut. The corneas can become scarred. The opening through which urine passes (urethra) may also be affected, making urination diffcult and painful. Sometimes the mucous membranes of the digestive and respiratory tracts are involved, resulting in diarrhea and diffculty breathing.

Other side effects associated with Dilantin include: confusion, constipation, discolored urine (pink, red, or brown), fatigue, slurred speech, agitation, anemia, bone marrow depression, chest discomfort, diffculty learning (children), dizziness, fever and chills, frequent bone fractures or breaks, headache, joint pain, light gray stools, low thyroid function, malformed bones, numbness or tingling in extremities (long-term use), painful erection, restlessness, severe stomach pain, severe skin reaction, shallow or troubled breathing, uncontrolled jerking of limbs, uncontrolled facial movements, unusual bleeding or bruising, weight loss, and yellow eyes or skin.

If you or someone you know has suffered from Stevens Johnson Syndrome, please contact us today.