Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare, life-threatening reaction to medication – one of the most devastating of all adverse drug reactions.

Allergic drug reactions are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, causing more than 100,000 deaths among hospitalized patients each year. SJS has been linked to the use of the painkiller Bextra, manufactured by Pfizer, Inc., and Arava, manufactured by Aventis. Both drugs are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, eyes, genital tract and intestinal tract. Ulcers inside the mouth are the most common, causing inflammation and irritation to the tongue, gums, and lips and can extend into the throat. Affected individuals may also have skin lesions, blisters and bleeding in the lips, eyes, mouth, nasal passage and genital areas.

As SJS evolves, the skin literally sloughs off in sheets. Patients are typically treated in a hospital’s burn unit. If the skin lesions become infected, or the patient develops lesions in the lungs, it can cause death. Other symptoms and complications of SJS 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
• chronic fatigue syndrome

Those most likely to develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome are extremely allergic to drugs like Arava and Bextra, as well as other painkillers and antibiotics. In November 2004 Pfizer said that it is likely that the FDA will add a “black box” warning to Bextra’s label because the drug has, in a few cases, caused SJS.

The “black box” warning – in which warning language is displayed in bold, black type on the drug’s packaging – is expected to impair Pfizer’s ability to market the drug. Though SJS is included as a warning on the packages of many drugs on the market, few have black-box warnings.

If you or a loved one has experiencing any of the above listed symptoms, contact Belluck & Fox immediately for a legal evaluation. Drug litigation can be extremely complex. It is best to seek the counsel of a personal injury attorney with experience in this field of law. Belluck & Fox has substantial experience with defective product litigation, including pharmaceutical and medical product cases.

Belluck & Fox, LLP, is located in the heart of New York City, on Madison Avenue. Call us today, toll free, at 1-877-NYLAW08 or contact us via our online form.