Tamiflu Given For Swine Flu Linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome

With all of the publicity and concern surrounding the swine flu, many people have taken solace in the fact that a treatment of limited benefit exists. This medicine is called Tamiflu, and although it can often speed up recovery for those suffering from H1N1, a recent report from England reveals that it can also cause Stevens Johnson syndrome, a potentially fatal reaction that affects one’s skin.
Samantha Millard, 18 years old and from Bicester in Oxfordshire, took the medicine after consulting a staff that had received no medical training. She quickly developed rashes all over her body, and is currently undergoing treatment at Chelsea and Westminster hospital. Possible results of the Stevens Johnson syndrome or SJS are blindness, loss of skin, and an inability to eat due to blisters in one’s mouth. SJS has also been commonly linked to Dilantin and it generic equivalent phenytoin.
Although the causes of Stevens Johnson syndrome vary by medication and the manner in which it is taken, medical officials in England and representatives from the Department of Health are looking into the incident and Tamiflu connection. They currently maintain that Tamiflu is still a favorable strategy for fighting the swine flu and encourage sufferers to take it as soon as possible.
Most importantly, stay in close contact with your doctor if you develop flu-like symptoms, and keep him or her updated on any side effects that any prescribed medicine has caused. At the first sign of a rash or other intended effect, please ontact your doctor immediately to ensure the best course for you and your recovery.