Methazolamide

Methazolamide (Neptazane) is a sulfa-based drug manufactured by Wyeth-Ayerst that is used to treat Glaucoma and various kinds of tremors.  Recently, there have been numerous reports of people developing the rare skin disorder Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) after taking Methazolamide.

The Department of Ophthalmology at Tokyo University's School of Medicine reported that four cases of Stevens Johnson syndrome were being linked to the use of Methazolamide.  In all four cases, the first signs of Stevens Johnson syndrome began after just two weeks of Methazolamide treatment.  Skin and mucous membrane lesions progressed rapidly and spread over the entire body of the patients, even after the Methazolamide treatment was discontinued.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a condition which, according to Newsday, "causes the immune system to turn on itself, in effect burning the patient from the inside out." Stevens-Johnson Syndrome often involves severe blistering of the mucous membranes and skin.

According to WebMD, Stevens Johnson Syndrome:

• Is characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, genital region, intestinal tract and membrane lining the eyelids (conjunctiva).
• Affected individuals may have abnormalities (lesions) of the skin and mucous membranes that are purplish or red in color. In some cases, the lesions may develop raised fluid-filled centers (blisters). Affected individuals may also have blisters and/or bleeding in the mucous membranes of the lips, eyes, mouth, nasal passage and genitals.
• Abnormalities of the eyes may develop as a result of the lesions caused by Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (ocular sequelae). Such abnormalities may include eye and eyelid infections (conjunctiva) and inflammation associated with an abnormal discharge from the conjunctiva (purulent conjunctivitis).

These conditions can have severe and sometimes fatal, consequences.  Difficulty with breathing, urination and respiratory failure are possible results of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome as well.

Other consequences from this condition includes permanent skin and organ damage (including extensive scarring), secondary infections of the skin and organs and even vision loss, both partial and complete.

If you or a loved one have experienced any major side effects from Methazolamide, please call us at 1.800.966.4999 or fill out the form to the right of the page for immediate attention to your case.