Steven Johnson Syndrome Can Be a Serious Side Effect of Medication!
Published: 11:13 17 December 2025
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.
Advertisement
- Kareena Kapoor Khan is firmly against using injections to maintain her beauty—here’s why!
- Bangladesh to Play a Test Against Ireland Before England Tour
- 80% of Britons View Israel as a Threat to World Peace
- 36 Platoons of BGB Deployed in Dhaka, Gazipur, and Narayanganj
- Democracy Damaged During 17-Year Rule, Says Speaker in Parliament
- Formal Request to India for Sheikh Hasina’s Return; Law, Not Emotion, Is Paramount: Law Minister
- A Major Opportunity to Oust Netanyahu: Gadi Eizenkot Tasked with Forming a Government in Israel
- BUET Admission Test Set for January 16; Applications Open November 21
- Why Samanta Left the NCP: Alliance with Jamaat, Discrimination in Female Leadership, and More
- Shiba Shanu condemns Pori Moni’s conduct in incident involving harassment of a journalist
- Rice prices rise by up to Tk 3 per kg; no relief in egg and chicken markets either
- Dilip Ghosh Alleges Bangladesh's Involvement in Indian Protests
- Bangladesh Bank Offers Special Loan Facilities and Opportunities for Small Entrepreneurs
- Bangladesh Inspires India's Gen Z Movement: Student Leader Neha Bora
- Hashmatullah leaves the field after injury while batting against Bangladesh
- Messi Picks 10 Future Football Stars: Who Made the List?
- Rashed Khan Accuses Jamaat Leader’s Advisor Over Defacement of Rabindranath Graffiti
- Government Working on Training and Rehabilitation of Expatriates Returning Home: Nur
- Bangladesh Seeks Long-Term Energy Security Support from Saudi Arabia
- Salman Khan Reveals Desire to Become a Father at 60