UTMB

Recent news reports have brought drug safety to the forefront. Along with several drugs that are used to treat arthritis, there have been reports of a rare, but potentially fatal disorder, called Stevens - Johnson syndrome (SJS) that has shown up after children have ingested ibuprofen.

Stevens - Johnson syndrome is extremely rare allergic reaction that can occur after taking medications, such as antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (which include ibuprofen), and anti-convulsant medications (which are used to treat epilepsy). It is so rare that world-wide only 1.2 – 6 cases per million people occur each year.

Though people of any age can be affected by SJS, many of its victims are children.  Symptoms of the disorder include rash, blisters, or red splotches on the skin; fever; blisters in the mouth, eyes, ears, nose and genital area; swelling of the eyelids and red eyes; pink eye; flu-like symptoms; and recent use of a prescription or over-the-counter medication.

A patient being treated for SJS must first stop taking the medication that caused the disorder. They are often treated by a team of doctors, including those specializing in burns, infectious disease, ophthalmology, and dermatology. They are given antibiotics, IV fluids containing high calorie formulas, and pain medications to make the patient as comfortable as possible.

With all of this said, as a parent you should know that the chances of your child having a life-threatening allergic reaction, such as SJS, are very small.  In fact, children are more likely to be injured in automobile accidents than to have a reaction to a medication. Forty-two thousand people out of about 280 million people in the U.S. population alone die in auto accidents every year.

The important thing to remember about giving your child medication is that you should follow the instructions on the package. Always read the label and do not give your child the medication unless you completely understand the warnings and side effects, know all of the active ingredients, how much medicine you are supposed to give them, and how often you are supposed to administer the medication. You should also make sure that the medication you are giving your child can be taken with other medicines, vitamin supplements or foods and beverages that your child normally takes. If you have any questions or do not understand the label or instructions, ask your pediatrician or pharmacist to explain them to you.

Remember that not all medications are safe for children. If the label does not show a dosage chart that includes children under the age of 12, do not assume that your child can take the medicine.

Always choose the correct strength of medication for your child’s weight and age. Follow the directions as listed on the packaging according to your child’s age and weight and never give more medicine than the label recommends.  If the medication came with a dosing tool, such as a dropper or cup, use it. Do not use a regular kitchen spoon to give your child medicine.

Remember to always replace the cap on all medications. Most medicines come with child-resistant caps, but if the medication that you are giving your child does not, make sure that you place it out of your child’s sight and reach.

If you feel that your child may be having a reaction to any medication, do not give it to them again. Call your doctor immediately if you think that there is a problem.