Woman's Skin Melted Off by Common Drug: A Warning About Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

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Emily McAllister, a mother from Chicago, was prescribed a routine anti-seizure medication, lamotrigine, in September 2022. Within days, she developed a severe reaction that led to a diagnosis of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a rare and life-threatening condition where the immune system attacks healthy skin, mucous membranes, genitals, and eyes. Emily's skin started to rot and flake off, leaving her vulnerable to infection. She has undergone multiple surgeries, lost 87% of her skin, and is now permanently blind.

Why it matters

Emily's story serves as a stark warning about the potential side effects of common medications. SJS is often triggered by drugs like penicillin, anti-seizure medications, and certain antibiotics, but awareness of this devastating condition remains low. Her experience highlights the need for greater patient safety, improved medication monitoring, and further research into SJS.

The details

Within days of starting the anti-seizure medication lamotrigine, Emily's eyes became dry, her face began to swell, and a large rash appeared that spread rapidly across her face and torso. Doctors diagnosed her with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a rare disorder where the immune system attacks healthy skin and mucous membranes. Emily's skin started to rot and flake off, leaving her vulnerable to infection. She has undergone six eye operations, a stem cell transplant, and several other procedures, but is now permanently blind and has lost 87% of her skin, leaving her disabled.

• In September 2022, Emily was prescribed the anti-seizure medication lamotrigine.
• Within days of starting the medication, Emily began experiencing symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Experts are calling for greater awareness and research into Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, as well as improved monitoring of medication side effects to prevent similar devastating outcomes.