Submit your claim details for a free, no obligation case review
Get Started:
Most people have never heard of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, and that is probably because it only occurs in about five in one million users. A group of doctors and families are now calling on federal regulators to warn the public about this potentially fatal skin reaction.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome will typically appear within a week of taking a new drug. Symptoms include rashes, blisters, red splotches on the skin, blisters in mucous membranes, swelling of eyelids, red eyes, persistent fever, flu like symptoms, conjunctivitis and other effects. If continuing to take the drug, the condition will continue to worsen, attacking the skin and mucous membranes and resembling severe burn injures all over the body.
The petition filed with the FDA is asking the agency to order label warnings on products containing ibuprofen, such as brand name Advil and Motrin. The warnings would highlight the risk of the disorders and urge consumers to immediately stop the drug’s use if a rash appears. It also asked the FDA to launch an investigation to see if ibuprofen manufacturers withheld critical safety data regarding over-the-counter forms of the drug.
Motrin maker McNeil Consumer & Specialty Products issued a statement stressing the rarity of Stevens Johnson Syndrome and that the skin disease is caused not just by ibuprofen. According to a toxicologist from Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, who also signed the petition, “All we’re asking for is a few sentences on the box. We’re not asking that the drug be ‘withdrawn’ from the market.”
Stevens Johnson Syndrome can be caused by other medications, but the petitioners say few U.S. doctors and almost no consumers are aware of the ibuprofen risk.
Copyright © 2001 - 2012 Online Lawyer Source
ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT—Thank you for your visit. The content published on this website was not written by medical professionals and should not, at any point, be mistaken for medical advice. Furthermore, the information on this site is intended for educational purposes only and should never interfere with a patient/site visitor and his or her healthcare provider. In addition, viewing the content on this website, requesting additional information, or transmitting information through a contact form should never be considered the formation of an attorney-client relationship. The material published on this site is general and may not apply to your specific circumstances. Every case comes with its own set of unique circumstances; past success discussed on this site does not guarantee future performance. Information found on this website should not be used as incentive to act without seeking counsel from a professional. For more information, please read our disclaimer.