Expert: Mary E Scott, RPh, CGP - 10/29/2009

Question
I absalutley hate taking medicines exspecially antibiotics!!!  
The thing that scares me the most is stephen johnson syndrome.  Can you please tell me how soon after taking a medicine that would develops if it was going to, thanks!

Answer
Hi,Molly,
First of all, Steven-Johnsons syndrome is relatively rare. According to the Steven-Johnsons support group website, out of 1 million patients receiving one of the medications commonly associated with SJS, only 4.5 contracted SJS. And of the antibiotics, sulfonamides are most likely to cause it. An example of a sulfonamide would be Bactrim or Septra (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole). Other meds also cause it such as allopurinol (for gout)and anticonvulsants (for seizures).
Most reactions will occur within the 1st week of therapy. Hope this helps, Mary