Steven Johnson Syndrome Can Be a Serious Side Effect of Medication!

Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare but serious health problem, which usually occurs due to a side effect of a medication. This disease can occur in about 5 people out of every 1 million people.

Dr. Aflatun Akhter Jahan Jr., Department of Internal Medicine, Square Hospital Limited, Dhaka, said that Steven Johnson Syndrome is a type of hypersensitivity or hypersensitivity, which can damage the skin, oral cavity, eyes, intestines and respiratory tract. When the outer layer of the skin is damaged, the risk of infection and dehydration increases and in such a situation, life-threatening conditions like sepsis can develop.

Risky drugs:
Any drug can cause SJS, but the most common ones are—

Gout drugs: allopurinol

Seizure drugs: carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, lamotrigine

Some antibiotics: cotrimoxazole

Rheumatoid arthritis drugs: sulfasalazine

Painkillers: meloxicam and piroxicam

Symptoms:

SJS usually occurs within the first 8 weeks of taking the drug and initially causes flu-like symptoms. These include—

High fever, fatigue, body aches

Red, blistered skin with scaly skin

Painful sores on the face, lips, and genitals

Red, watery, and itchy eyes

Infections such as shortness of breath or pneumonia

Treatment and management:

SJS is a medical emergency. Treatment should be started immediately.

Discontinuation of medication: Suspected medication should be discontinued immediately.

Hospitalization: Special care in ICU or burn unit.

Supportive care: Cleansing dead cells, reducing pain, antibiotics to prevent infection, dehydration and electrolyte balance.

Skin grafting may be necessary in severe cases.

Precautions and things to do:

Do not restart medication after the problem occurs.

Use a medical alert bracelet or card.

Inform the next doctor about SJS history.

Do not self-medicate.

Dr. Aflatun said that it usually takes 2-4 weeks to recover. Therefore, adequate treatment and prompt attention are essential if you are affected by this disease.