What should you know about SJS antibiotics?

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare, serious reaction in which the skin and moist linings of the eyes, mouth or genitals can become inflamed and damaged. It may begin with fever, tiredness, a sore throat or burning eyes before a painful red or dusky rash develops. Blisters, peeling skin and sores can follow. The reaction can be caused by medicines, including some antibiotics, but a rash after an antibiotic does not by itself prove that this syndrome is present.

If warning symptoms start after a medicine, seek urgent medical help and take the medicine packaging or prescription with you. Do not take another dose until a clinician has advised you, unless emergency services give different instructions. Do not restart a suspected medicine or share antibiotics. A clinician may record the suspected drug and check your skin, eyes, mouth and general condition. Keep a list of previous medicine reactions for future appointments.

Go to an emergency service immediately for rapidly spreading or painful skin changes, blisters, peeling, sores in the mouth or eyes, trouble swallowing, breathing difficulty, faintness or severe weakness. Eye pain or light sensitivity also needs prompt attention. These signs require assessment because skin and lining damage can worsen quickly.

Ask which medicine may have caused the reaction, whether it should be recorded as an allergy, and which alternatives are suitable for future infections. Ask how to recognise early eye or mouth involvement and what information should be carried in your medical record.