What is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and how does it affect Emily McAllister?

SJS is a rare, severe skin reaction to medications that causes widespread blistering and peeling. Emily McAllister lost nearly 90% of her skin and her sight due to SJS triggered by lamotrigine.

Can lamotrigine cause blindness?

Yes, lamotrigine can trigger SJS, which can damage the eyes, leading to severe inflammation, scarring, and permanent vision loss, as experienced by Emily McAllister.

How common is the reaction Emily McAllister experienced?

The debilitating reaction Emily McAllister suffered is extremely rare, estimated at 1 in 2,500, and SJS itself affects about 1 to 2 people per million annually in the U.S.

Home / Health / Chicago mom loses sight, skin from common drug

Chicago mom loses sight, skin from common drug

16 Jan

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Summary

Woman lost nearly 90% of skin and sight due to drug reaction.
Lamotrigine triggered Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a rare side effect.
She underwent multiple surgeries, including for blindness and scarring.

Chicago mom loses sight, skin from common drug

A Chicago woman, Emily McAllister, experienced a life-altering reaction to lamotrigine, a widely used medication for epilepsy and bipolar disorder. This rare side effect, known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), led to the loss of approximately 87 percent of her skin and permanent blindness in both eyes.

McAllister's symptoms began in September 2022, shortly after starting lamotrigine. The condition rapidly progressed, causing widespread blistering and skin detachment, necessitating a seven-week stay in a burn unit. Over the past three years, she has endured extensive medical procedures, including multiple eye surgeries and tissue transplants.

SJS, a potentially fatal condition, affects an estimated 1 to 2 people per million annually in the United States. The FDA mandates a Black Box Warning for lamotrigine due to the risk of SJS and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), urging careful monitoring of patients. McAllister continues to face medical challenges but remains determined to regain her sight.