Fatal Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis following over the counter medications: A case report

Abstract

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare, severe mucocutaneous reaction, which is a type IV hypersensitivity reaction.We report a case of TEN in a 37-year-old male following consumption of an unknown over-the-counter medicationobtained from a local pharmacy. Following the consumption, the patient developed tense fluid-filled lesions diagnosedas TEN. Despite intensive care support, the patient succumbed to the condition. A major challenge encountered in thiscase was the inability to identify the offending medication, as the drugs had been dispensed as loose, unlabeled tablets.This case highlights the serious risks associated with unidentified medication use and the need for improved medicationtraceability, stricter dispensing practices of labelled medication so as to prevent occurrence of severe adverse drugreactions. instead of the current one