The Stevens Johnson Syndrome Foundation is a non-profit organization whose purpose is informing the public and medical community about adverse allergic reactions to drugs. Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are little known conditions that cause devastating results. The goal of the foundation is to provide knowledge about allergic reactions to drugs, so that the drug in question can be stopped immediately, in hopes of, curbing the adverse reactions as soon as possible. Allergic reactions to medications is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. The public needs to know what to look for when taking any drug, so that, a patient can seek medical attention in order to prevent permanent damage.
The signs of SJS caused by an allergic reaction to drugs are:
1. Painful blisters of the skin and mucous membranes
2. Flu-like symptoms and high fever could be the first sign
3. As it progresses, the skin sloughs off
4. Severe eye problems including severe conjunctivitis, iritas, palpitral edema, corneal blisters and erosions, and corneal perforation
These eye conditions can lead to permanent blindness. In severe cases, Stevens Johnson Syndrome can cause death.
SJS/TEN can be caused by almost any drug, even over the counter drugs, such as, Motrin or Advil. The knowledge obtained through awareness is invaluable. While Stevens Johnson Syndrome can affect anyone at any time while taking medication, children make up a large portion of victims. Information provided by the foundation is helping the public to be more aware of side affects of medications. Even more important, drug companies need to make stronger warnings on packaging about devastating reactions and possible fatal consequences of a drug. The public needs to be informed, and hopefully, the word will be spread about Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
