Antiepileptic Drugs Major Contributors to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis globally: JAMA
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA indicates that antiepileptic drugs are a primary cause of the severe skin conditions Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. The study suggests that clinicians should prioritize nonaromatic alternatives when possible to reduce patient risk.
Why it matters
This research provides critical clinical guidance that could significantly reduce the incidence of life-threatening drug hypersensitivity reactions globally.
A new study published in the Journal of American Medical Association showed that antiepileptic medications are a leading cause of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) globally, and where clinically suitable, nonaromatic antiepileptic alternatives should be used preferentially to lower this serious risk.Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), the most severe form of drug hypersensitivity response with a 50% fatality rate, are often linked to antiepileptic medications (AEDs). Nevertheless, there hasn't been a thorough analysis of the total percentage of these instances linked to AEDs. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the percentage of AED-associated SJS/TEN.From the beginning until March 17, 2026, the MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched; only English-language papers and human subjects were included in the findings. Included were all observational and experimental studies that documented SJS/TEN triggers at the patient level.
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