medication side effects - harmful drug litigation - mass tort lawsuits
Stevens Johnson Syndrome may be caused by a severe allergic reaction or side effect of many types of medications. If you or a loved have Stevens Johnson Syndrome as a result of medication side effects you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the SJS Lawyers of Ennis & Ennis, P.A. today. Nationwide Free Case Evaluations.
 
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Stevens Johnson Syndrome May Be Caused By Medication
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Ennis & Ennis, P.A. is representing individuals that have Stevens Johnson Syndrome due to side effects of prescription drugs and over the counter medications. For more information about a Steven's Johnson Syndrome related lawsuit click here to contact our lawyers for a free, confidential case evaluation.

 

FDA Medication Guide

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is an immune-complex–mediated hypersensitivity complex that is a severe expression of erythema multiforme. Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is also now known as erythema multiforme major (EM), leyll's Syndrome, and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Stevens Johnson Syndrome typically involves the skin and the mucous membranes. While minor presentations may occur, significant involvement of oral, nasal, eye, vaginal, urethral, GI, and lower respiratory tract mucous membranes may develop in the course of the illness. GI and respiratory involvement may progress to necrosis. Steven's Johnson Syndrome is a serious systemic disorder with the potential for severe morbidity and even death.

Although Stevens Johnson Syndrome, Erythema Multiforme, Leyll's Syndrome, and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis may be caused by viral infections or malignancies severe allergic reactions to medication is the leading cause. Medications that have traditionally been known to lead to Stevens Johnson Syndrome, Erythema Multiforme, Leyll's Syndrome, and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis include:

  • sulfonamides (antibiotics)
  • penicillin's (antibiotics)
  • barbiturates (sedatives)
  • phenytoin - Dilantin (anticonvulsant)

More recently reports show that other drugs may also be responsible for the onset of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, Erythema Multiforme, Leyll's Syndrome, and Toxic Epidermal. Experts believe that Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID's) including Daypro (Oxaprozein), the popular COX-2 inhibitors Vioxx (Rofecoxib), Celebrex (Celecoxib), and Bextra (Valdecoxib) are a leading cause of the disease. Other Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory drugs such as Feldene (Piroxicam), Naproxen (Aleve) and Ibuprofen (Advil, Children's Advil, Motrin, Childrens Motrin and Nuprin) are also a leading cause of the disease. Other popular medications that are known to cause Stevens-Johnson Syndrome include the popular antibiotic medications Zithromax, also known as a z-pack, and Keflex (cephalexin). Coreg (carvedilol) a popular beta blocker, is also known to cause SJS.

On May 16, 2006 the FDA released an updated warning label for several prescription and over the counter (OTC) medications as a result of increased risk of developing Steven's Johnson Syndrome. The following drugs had either a new warning regarding Steven's Johnson Syndrome or additional wording:

  • Tolectin 600 Tablets (Tometin Sodium)
  • Tolectin DS Capsules (Tometin Sodium)
  • Advil Allergy Sinus Tablets (200 mg ibuprofen / 30 mg pseudoephedrine HCI / 2 mg chlorpheniramine maleate)
  • Advil Cold & Sinus Tablets (200 mg ibuprofen / 30 mg pseudoephedrine HCI)
  • Advil Liqui-Gels (200 mg ibuprofen capsules)
  • Advil Migraine Capsules (200 mg ibuprofen)
  • Children's Motrin Chewable Tablets (50 mg ibuprofen)
  • Motrin Junior Strength Chewable Tablets (100 mg ibuprofen)
  • Motrin Cold & Sinus Tablets (200 mg ibuprofen / 30 mg pseudoephedrine HCI)
  • Motrin IB Tablets (200 mg ibuprofen)
  • Motrin Infants' Drops (50 mg / 1.25 mL ibuprofen oral suspension)

If you or a loved one have developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome, Erythema Multiforme, Leyll's Syndrome, or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis as a result of medication side effects you may be entitled to compensation. Click here for a free, confidential legal consultation or call 1-800-856-6405 to speak to an attorney.

Typically, the disease process begins with a nonspecific upper respiratory tract infection. This usually is part of a 1- to 14-day prodrome during which fever, sore throat, chills, headache, and malaise may be present. Vomiting and diarrhea are occasionally noted as part of the prodrome. Mucocutaneous lesions develop abruptly. Clusters of outbreaks last from 2-4 weeks. The lesions are typically nonpruritic. A history of fever or localized worsening should suggest a superimposed infection; however, fever has been reported to occur in up to 85% of cases. Involvement of oral and/or mucous membranes may be severe enough that patients may not be able to eat or drink. Patients with genitourinary involvement may complain of dysuria or an inability to void. A history of a previous outbreak of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or of erythema multiforme may be elicited. Recurrences may occur if the responsible agent is not eliminated or if the patient is re exposed.Typical symptoms are as follows:

The rash can begin as macules that develop into papules, vesicles, bullae, urticarial plaques, or confluent erythema. The center of these lesions may be vesicular, purpuric, or necrotic. The typical lesion has the appearance of a target. The target is considered pathognomonic. Lesions may become bullous and later rupture, leaving denuded skin. The skin becomes susceptible to secondary infection. Urticarial lesions typically are not pruritic. Infection may be responsible for the scarring associated with morbidity. Although lesions may occur anywhere, the palms, soles, dorsum of hands, and extensor surfaces are most commonly affected. The rash may be confined to any one area of the body, most often the trunk. Mucosal involvement may include erythema, edema, sloughing, blistering, ulceration, and necrosis. The following signs may be noted on examination:

Although mild forms of Erythema Multiforme usually resolve without difficulty in 2 - 6 weeks more severe forms may be difficult to treat. Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Epidermal Necrolysis are associated with high death rates and even with treatment the following complications may occur:

  • Permanent skin damage and scarring
  • Occasionally, lesions on internal organs causing:
    • Pneumonitis (lung inflammation)
    • Myocarditis (heart inflammation)
    • Nephritis (kidney inflammation)
    • Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
  • Secondary skin infection
  • Systemic infection
  • Severe loss of body fluid resulting in shock

 

Ennis & Ennis, P.A. is representing individuals that have Stevens Johnson Syndrome due to side effects of prescription drugs. For more information about a Steven's Johnson Syndrome related lawsuit click here to contact our lawyers for a free, confidential case evaluation.

08/27/2009 - Tibotec Therapeutics and FDA notified healthcare professionals of revisions to the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section of the prescribing information for Intelence (etravirine). There have been postmarketing reports of cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and erythema multiforme, as well as hypersensitivity reactions characterized by rash, constitutional findings, and sometimes organ dysfunction, including hepatic failure. More>>>

02/01/2009- Kelso, WA: Mike had never heard of Stevens Johnson Syndrome before he wound up in the hospital's burn unit—caused by an allergic reaction to SJS Ibuprofen. "There aren't warnings on Ibuprofen bottles about SJS and now I am scared to death to take anything, except maybe Tylenol," he says. Needless to say, Mike is angry with the drug company for not including SJS side effects on its labelling. More>>>

12/14/2008- St. John's, NL: On November 27, 2008 Kim Oake was put into an induced coma in the ICU unit because the pain of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis, also known as TEN, is too excruciating to bear. Kim had an allergic reaction to a run-of-the-mill antibiotic. Adverse reactions to a drug, either prescribed or over-the-counter, is the main cause of SJS. And the most common drugs have been linked to this horrific disease, including ibuprofen (Advil and Children's Motrin), Ketek, Dilantin, anti-convulsants and antibiotics such as penicillin. More ::

08/16/2008- According to court papers, Agnes Davis was prescribed phenytoin and then suffered a severe adverse reaction- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome - that allegedly led to her death.  Phenytoin is a generic version of Dilantin.  More ::

07/15/2008- He's a chef by trade who over the years has worked for others, owned his own restaurant and was a partner in another. At 45, when the restaurant where he worked in Baraboo abruptly closed, Hart quickly found other work as a machine operator for a printing company. More::

06/16/2008 - The parents of young California girl are awaiting their court hearing on Monday in a lawsuit that they filed against drugmakers, claiming their children's Motrin caused the severe Stevens-Johnson syndrome that resulted in her blindness. More ::

06/11/2008 - Browne Greene will give his Opening Statement on Friday, June 13, 2008 at 9:00 AM in 11-year old Sabrina Brierton Johnson’s Children’s Motrin product liability lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson in Los Angeles Superior Court More ::

 

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