Conditions and symptoms
What Is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome? Serious Rash Warning
Stevens-Johnson syndrome · say it: STEE-vunz JON-sun SIN-dromeAlso written: SJS, SJS/TEN, Stevens Johnson syndrome
Short answer
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare, serious reaction, usually to a medicine, that blisters and peels the skin and mouth. It needs urgent care.
What it means
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare but serious reaction, most often caused by a medicine. It often starts with flu-like symptoms, then a painful red or purple rash that spreads and blisters, with sores in the mouth, eyes, throat or genitals, and the top layer of skin may peel. It is a medical emergency: anyone with these signs needs urgent medical help straight away.
Labels for some anti-seizure medicines, some antibiotics such as sulfonamides, allopurinol, some NSAIDs and several others list SJS among serious skin reactions. It most often starts in the first weeks to months of a new medicine. For a few medicines, a genetic test such as HLA-B*1502 is suggested for some people before starting. The warning is telling you to stop and seek help at the first sign of a spreading, blistering rash or mouth sores.
SJS is on the same spectrum as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which is the more extensive form. Both are very different from a mild, itchy medicine rash, though any new rash on a new medicine is worth reporting.
Where you may see it
- The 'Warnings' section of anti-seizure, antibiotic and allopurinol labels
- Leaflets under 'Serious skin reactions'
- Allergy alerts on medical records
📄 How it looks on a report
Serious dermatologic reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported. Discontinue at the first appearance of skin rash.
🙅 What it does not mean
- Most medicine rashes are not SJS.
- Being listed on a label does not mean it is likely to happen; it is rare.
- After SJS, the cause should be recorded as an allergy so the same or a similar medicine is not given again.
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
💊 Medicines whose labels mention “Stevens-Johnson syndrome”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
- Acyclovir
An antiviral medicine of the nucleoside analogue type, used against herpesviruses
- Albuterol
A bronchodilator (a medicine that opens the airways) of the beta-2 adrenergic type. The FDA class is not listed, so this description comes from the label's own wording.
- Allopurinol
a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, a prescription medicine that acts on uric acid
- Amoxicillin
a penicillin-class antibacterial medicine that works against bacteria
- Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium
A penicillin-class antibacterial combined with a beta-lactamase inhibitor, as the label describes it
- Azithromycin
a macrolide antibacterial (antibiotic) medicine
- Carbamazepine
a mood stabilizer, and an anticonvulsant (seizure) medicine, according to the label
- Cephalexin
a cephalosporin antibacterial medicine (an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections)
- Dexamethasone
A corticosteroid, a synthetic adrenocortical steroid medicine that lowers inflammation and suppresses the immune system
- Doxycycline
a tetracycline-class antibacterial medicine (an antibiotic)
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “Stevens-Johnson syndrome” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
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