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Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawsuits

SJS Lawsuits

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a life-threatening skin condition that can be caused by an adverse reaction to a drug. SJS and it's more severe version, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), causes large areas of the skin to become detached and lesions to develop in the mucous membranes. Infections caused by the loss of skin or scarring of major organ systems can lead to debilitation of the patient or death. Up to 40% percent of the patients with TEN die.

Drug makers are aware of the SJS and TEN risks associated with their drugs. Over-the-counter pain killers that include ibuprofen, such as Advil, Motrin and Children's Motrin, have been linked to many cases of SJS. Unfortunately, without proper warnings, patients who develop SJS may continue to take the SJS-causing drug. This can lead to the development of TEN, the more serious condition.

Certain prescription pain relievers, including those from the COX-2 inhibitor class, such as Bextra (valdecoxib) and Celebrex (celecoxib), have also been associated with SJS and TEN. In 2002, the FDA received reports from Pharamcia, the maker of Celebrex, documenting a number of reported cases of SJS and TEN among Celebrex users. More recently, reports have surfaced about the relation of Bextra to SJS and TEN. Indeed, despite these reports and more stern warnings, the FDA continues to receive reports of SJS and TEN in patients taking Bextra and Celebrex. The FDA suggests that patients with sulfa drug allergies should not take these drugs.

Drug companies have a responsibility to protect their drug users from adverse reactions. While all potential side effects cannot be anticipated or prevented in all patients, it is important that patients and physicians have adequate knowledge to prevent as many cases of serious side effects, such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome or toxic epidermal syndrome, as possible. Since these drug side effects can cause debilitating injury or even death, the drug companies should be held responsible for the damages to the patient and to the patients' family members after such tragedies. SJS or TEN Lawsuits against drug makers for wrongful death or for negligence can help compensate the victims of these disorders and their families.

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. In such cases, you should contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to find out if compensation might be available. In addition to helping you hold manufacturers of defective drugs financially liable for your suffering, these legal professionals often offer assistance in a variety of other situations. For example, many of them can recommend other attorneys to clients in need of a skilled birth injury attorney, family law specialist, car accidents attorney and/or a specialist in DWI cases.

In addition to Stephen Johnson Syndrome, there are several other deadly skin-related diseases that victims can contract after being subjected to defective drugs. Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis / nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy is a deadly disease that affects some patients who have been exposed to the gadolinium element after undergoing an MRI or MRA where a gadolinium-based contrast imaging agent was used. NSF/NFD can cause a hardening of the skin which can reduce or eliminate a patient's ability to move. It can also affect the internal organs, restricting a victim's ability to breathe and eventually causing death. The negligence by the manufacturers of these gadolinium-based contrast agents makes them potentially liable for any injury or death associated with their project. In recent months there has been an increase in gadolinium lawsuits as victims have sued these manufacturers to receive financial retribution for pain, suffering and lost income.

Last Revision: January 22, 2010

MediaFact is a major Internet resource about drug side effects related to Stevens Johnson Syndromeand Primary Pulmonary Hypertension.