Medications are most often the cause of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome -- a rare, serious skin condition, that can sometimes be fatal.

Often, signs of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome begin with flu-like symptoms, followed by a painful red or purplish rash that spreads or blisters, eventually causing the top layer of your skin to die and shed.

Drugs commonly associated with Steven’s-Johnson Syndrome include:

Anticonvulsants -- Phenobarbital, Dilantin, Lamotrigine, Tegretol, Phenytoin , Carbamazepine, and Valproic acid

Antifungals, Antivirals and Anti-gout medications (Allopurinol)

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) -- Naproxen, Ibuprofen

Sulfa antibiotics and Penicillins, used to treat infections

Barbiturates and Cocaine, not surprisingly, are also on the list.

And SJS has also been consistently reported as an uncommon side effect of herbal supplements containing Ginseng!

In short, just about any drug is a potential cause.

If you have any of the symptoms listed above or any history of Steven’s-Johnson Syndrome, get a full list of meds to be avoided from your doctor, dermatologist, neurologist or pharmacist.

References:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ste...SECTION=causes
http://www.skinassn.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevens...hnson_syndrome
http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec18/ch203/ch203e.html
http://dermnetnz.org/reactions/sjs-ten.html
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