What treatment is there?
Seek medical attention as soon as possible!
First and foremost the culprit drug must be stopped immediately to prevent worsening of symptoms.
Treatment for SJS/TEN is good supportive care. Depending on the severity and the parts of the body affected, the individual will be referred to a number of specialist teams/units to include; burns, infectious disease, ophthalmology and dermatology.
The individual may be prescribed:
- IV fluids and high calorie formulas to promote healing
- Antibiotics when necessary to prevent secondary infections such as sepsis
- Pain relief medications such as morphine
Most SJS patients can be managed in the Intensive Care Unit; however patients with TEN should be treated in a burn unit.
- The importance of recording ADRs whether mild or severe cannot be underestimate as it will play a vital role in this area of work. The reporting system in the UK is called the Yellow Card Reporting System and is accessible to the public via number of methods: Use the online Yellow Card form at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard