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By Mayo Clinic staffStevens-Johnson syndrome is an emergency medical condition. If you have signs and symptoms of this illness, call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately. If you feel you have time before you leave the house, do the following:
- Write down all medications you're currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, the dose and when they were started. Or, just grab the medication bottles and bring them with you.
- Ask a family member or friend to come along, if they are available immediately. Someone who knows you well can help ensure that medical staff are made aware of your medical history and can help soak up information about your current illness.
The emergency room doctor is likely to ask you about other medical conditions you have and whether you've experienced flu-like illness recently. If possible, give that some thought on your way to the hospital, and share important information with anyone who is accompanying you to the emergency room.
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- The Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis spectrum of disease. In: Habif TP. Habif: Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/122833403-5/808553136/1195/120.html. Accessed Feb. 26, 2009.
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/122833403-5/0/1417/1201.html. Accessed Feb. 26, 2009.
- Knowles SR, et al. Recognition and management of severe cutaneous drug reactions. Dermatologic Clinics. 2007;25:245.
- Schneck J, et al. Effects of treatments on the mortality of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: A retrospective study on patients included in the prospective EuroSCAR Study. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2008;58:33.
- High WA. Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 26, 2009.