Potential Jet Lag Drug Linked to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

A drug that can potentially fight jet lag has been linked to some rare, life-threatening skin rashes such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, NPR reports.

Potential Jet Lag Drug Linked to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Nuvigil, which is manufactured by drugmaker Cephalon, reportedly carries a significant warning about the risk of developing the condition, the news provider said.

Additionally, the FDA recently rejected the drug company's efforts to market the medicine as a jet lag fighter. The drug is already approved for fighting fatigue related to shift work as well as narcolepsy, according to the news source.

In March, the FDA questioned the strength of the data supporting the drug's use in fighting symptoms of jet lag. Though the company then gave more information to the agency, Cephalon said that the new data was not enough.

"[T]he company believes that further communications with the FDA will not result in an approval of this application," said Dr. Lesley Russell, Cephalon's chief medical officer. "As a result, the company is no longer pursuing this indication."

Some of the most common side effects of Nuvigil include headache, insomnia and nausea, according to the drugmaker.

Potential Jet Lag Drug Linked to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Legal Help

ADD YOUR COMMENT ON THIS STORY