What should you know about modafinil and Stevens-Johnson syndrome?

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare but severe reaction in which the skin and mucous membranes become inflamed and damaged. It may begin with fever, fatigue, sore throat or burning eyes before a painful red or dusky rash appears. Blisters, peeling skin and sores can affect the mouth, eyes or genital area. A medicine-related eruption can be less severe, but the two cannot be safely separated from a distance. Modafinil is one possible medicine exposure to report; other recent medicines may also matter.

Treat suspected Stevens-Johnson syndrome as an emergency: seek immediate medical care and do not wait for the rash to settle. Do not take another dose of modafinil unless an emergency clinician specifically tells you to. Bring the packet or prescription, the time of the last dose, every other medicine or supplement, and photographs if they can be taken without delaying care. Do not apply creams, burst blisters or eat and drink normally if mouth pain makes swallowing difficult.

Go to emergency care for skin pain, rapid spread, blisters, peeling, fever, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, eye pain or redness, mouth sores, genital sores, confusion, faintness or reduced urine. These symptoms can worsen quickly and may affect hydration, vision and several organs. If you are too weak to travel safely or have breathing trouble, call emergency services.

Ask which medicines must be avoided, how the suspected reaction will be recorded, and whether an allergy or dermatology review is needed. Clarify wound, eye and mouth care, warning signs after discharge, and whether Oral Corticosteroid Treatment or other hospital treatment is appropriate. Never re-challenge yourself with a suspected trigger.