Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a rare, but devastating disorder of the skin. Its affects can be life altering and even sometimes fatal. Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. It is characterized by blisters, swelling of the eyelids, flu-like symptoms, high fever, rashes, peeling skin, and blistering sores in areas where mucous membrane are located, such as the mouth, throat, eyes, intestinal tract, and genital and anal areas. Quite literally, SJS burns its victims from the inside out. In the most severe cases, the victim’s skin will peel off in layers, and if not treated quickly, the disorder can be fatal.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a horrendous disorder that can affect anyone who takes prescription or over-the-counter medications. The disorder is caused by an adverse reaction to a drug and it does not discriminate when it comes to its victims. Sadly, however, many of the victims of Stevens Johnson Syndrome are young children. Children as young as three-years-old have lost their lives to this destructive syndrome and many more could potentially, if parents are not warned about the potential hazards associated with prescription and over-the-counter drug use. For many parents of these victims, they like millions of other parents, gave their child a drug to relieve a cold, fever or infection. Their lives have now been forever changed because of the reaction their children then had to the drugs, which led to the onset of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
All parents should be made aware of the hazards of giving their children both prescription and non-prescription medications. Despite the many lives that have been impacted from SJS, the FDA does not feel it is necessary to warn consumers about the potential hazards these drugs present. Medications such as Children’s Motrin, Children’s Advil, Penicillin and Amoxicillin have all been linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Children have been left with debilitating scars, partial loss of vision or complete blindness, and left without the ability to eat or speak. Regardless of these horrific reactions, manufacturers of these drugs continue to make, market, distribute and sell these drugs to parents.
Parents need to be aware of the possibilities of an adverse reaction to a medication that exists each and every time they give their children a prescription or over-the-counter drug. Typically, the reaction will occur within the first few times of use. At the first signs of onset, parents should stop the use of the medication immediately and have their children seen by a doctor without delay. Victims of Stevens Johnson Syndrome are treated in intensive care units, pediatric care units, or burn units and are often seen by teams of doctors to treat the various ranges of symptoms.
The lives of these young victims and their families have been forever changed because of the ruinous affects of Stevens Johnson Syndrome. If you believe that you or someone you love has been affected by Stevens Johnson Syndrome, you have rights. No one, especially young children, should have to suffer or even die from this disorder. The drug companies need to be aware that they are marketing and selling potentially life threatening drugs and they need to be held responsible for their actions. Don’t let another young life fall victim to Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
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