Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are aware of the risks associated with their drugs and the potential for adverse events to occur such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), yet proper warnings are for the most part inadequate. Many over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as Ibuprofen--found in Advil and Motrin—have been linked to this horrific disease. Without adequate warnings, patients who develop SJS may continue to take the SJS-causing drug which could lead to life-threatening TEN.

SJS Medications

SJS is caused by almost any medication, including antibiotics, anticonvulsants sedatives and pain killers. The leading causes of this disease are the following medications:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Children's Advil, Motrin, Childrens Motrin and Nuprin)
• Ketek, an antibiotic
• Dilantin, an anticonvulsant
• COX-2 inhibitors Bextra (Valdecoxib),Vioxx (Rofecoxib), Celebrex (Celecoxib), and Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID's) including Daypro (Oxaprozein)
• Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory drugs such as Feldene (Piroxicam), Naproxen (Aleve)

In May, 2006 the FDA updated several prescription and over the counter (OTC) medications with a warning label as a result of increased risk of developing Steven's Johnson Syndrome. The following drugs had either a new warning regarding SJS 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)

Symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome can begin with a fever, sore throat and headache and over a few days (or sometimes even minutes) can turn into skin lesions and blisters. It generally affects the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, eyes, genital tract and intestinal tract. Ulcers inside the mouth are the most common with irritation to the throat, tongue, gums, and lips. If left untreated, internal organs are affected.

As Stevens Johnson Syndrome evolves, the skin literally sloughs off in sheets. Patients are typically treated in a hospital's burn unit. If the skin lesions become infected, or the patient develops lesions in the lungs, it can cause death (which results in about 15-20 percent of cases).

This horrific and painful disease frequently causes blindness. Recognizing early symptoms of SJS and providing prompt medical attention are the most valuable tools to minimizing long-term damage.

Who is at Risk?

Allergic drug reactions are a major cause of death in the United States, causing more than 100,000 deaths among patients each year.

Those patients most likely to develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome are extremely allergic to drugs such as Ibuprofen, as well as other painkillers and antibiotics. Most cases occur in adults between the ages of 20-40 years but SJS has been diagnosed in children as young as 3 months old. Anyone who takes prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs runs the risk of developing allergic reactions and developing serious health problems like Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Drug companies who place profit above people must be held accountable for their negligence and the damage they cause to innocent victim's lives. Our Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawyers have helped thousands of clients win millions of dollars from the manufacturers and suppliers of unsafe drugs and products.