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Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Children's Motrin and Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Motrin, Children's Motrin and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Advil, Motrin and Children's Motrin have been associated with the rare, but life-threatening disorders of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). SJS and TEN are serious skin disorders that cause the detachment of large areas of skin and the development of lesions in the mucous membranes. Patients can die from these disorders due to infections caused by the loss of skin or due to heavy scarring-damage to major organ systems, such as the cardiovascular or respiratory systems. The disorders are specifically associated with non-prescription pain reliever drugs that include ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is included as the active ingredient in a number of pain medications, including Advil and Motrin. Other prescription NSAIDS known as COX-2 inhibitors are also associated with the occurrence of SJS and TEN. Prescription NSAIDs include Bextra (valdecoxib) and Celebrex (celecoxib).

Children or adults taking Advil, Motrin or Children's Motrin can become overwhelmed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome. If they continue taking the medication (because they do not know that the drug is causing the problem) then SJS can develop into the more severe form of the disease known as toxic epidermal necrolysis. The mortality rate of TEN approaches 40%.

Recent petitions to the FDA have been filed by parents and family members of patients who have been afflicted with SJS or TEN due to ibuprofen-related drugs, including Advil, Children's Motrin and Motrin. The petition has been joined by a number of physicians who would like to see the FDA strengthen its warnings about the possible risks of Stevens Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis associated with over-the-counter pain relievers. These families have also filed lawsuits against the manufacturers of these drugs alleging wrongful death or negligence. The family members are concerned that the drug makers did not properly warn the public about the risks of SJS or TEN.

SJS and TEN Legal Remedies

If you or a loved one has been afflicted with Stevens Johnson Syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, then it is possible that the condition was caused by an allergic reaction to a drug. Drug manufacturers have a responsibility to notify physicians and patients of any potential harmful side effects of drugs. If they fall short of this responsibility, drug manufacturers might be held liable for any harm suffered by patients who have taken their drugs. Please consult a skilled SJS / TEN personal injury lawyer if you suspect that your illness or symptoms of your loved one were caused by adverse drug reaction. In addition to helping you obtain compensation for physical, emotional and financial distress caused by defective drugs, these legal professionals can help you find effective legal professionals to represent you in a variety of other situations. For example, if you need to consult an effective birth injury attorney, car accident lawyer and/or DUI attorney, ask your injury lawyer to refer you to a reliable legal specialist.

Last Revision: July 14, 2009

MediaFact is a major online source of information about drug side effects connected with Primary Pulmonary Hypertension and Stevens Johnson Syndrome.