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Editor: Andy Childers & Brandon Smith
Profession: SJS Attorneys

Category: Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Because most people have no idea they are allergic to certain drugs until a reaction occurs it is often very difficult to predict who will suffer from a Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic epidermal necrolysis reaction. Doctors continue to try and decipher its many mysteries but have yet to discover a genetic or other predictable trait that triggers the deadly reaction. There are things one can do however to put themselves in a position to minimize the chances of it happening to them. For instance:

1) Be An Informed Consumer-when you are prescribed a new medication ask your doctor about all the side effects known to the drug. Read the prescribing label for any "WARNINGS" or "ADVERSE EVENTS". More than 65 medications are now known to cause a SJS or TEN reaction in consumers. Knowing these medications and opting for safer alternatives may just prevent you from suffering the effects of Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic epidermal necrolysis.

2) Know Your Medical History- If you know your medical history and can tell your doctor about any allergies you have you are less likely to be prescribed a medication that will cause SJS or TEN. Medications are grouped in various classes depending on their ingredients and purpose. Knowing which drugs you have had problems with in the past can help eliminate the prescription of a similar yet unfamiliar drug within its same class.

3) Check With Members Of Your Family-Ask everyone in your family if they or anyone related to them has ever had or suffered from SJS or TEN. In many instances, people experience a SJS or TEN reaction at a very early age and may not ever bring it up to avoid the painful reminders of what they went through. There are more and more instances of Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic epidermal necrolysis occurring each year so you never know what you might discover from a simple inquiry.

If you do each and every one of these things it still will not guarantee that you will not suffer a SJS or TEN reaction. It will however increase the likelihood that this often fatal condition will not affect you or a member of your family. As a SJS lawyer and a TEN lawyer, I assure you anything you can do to ensure you do not become the next victim to this deadly condition is well worth its price. SJS and TEN leaves hundreds each year either permanently disfigured, scared and/or dead. A little prevention could go a long way-it might even help save your life.