Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Advil

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a severe, often life-threatening condition that some think may occur after a child has taken children’s Advil. The medication is widely available without prescription. Parents give their kids Children’s Advil to treat fever and body aches. Many would be surprised to know that a deadly condition has been traced to taking the medicine.

The label on Advil, like that on other ibuprofen-based over-the-counter medicine, does not warn consumers of the potential link to Stevens Johnson Syndrome. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plus the makers of Advil maintain that the syndrome is so rare, it does not warrant mention on the medication’s label.

But Stevens Johnson Syndrome, although rare, can be deadly. Parents who notice a rash that spreads over the face and body, plus some of the other symptoms listed below, should call the doctor immediately. Most likely, if the diagnosis is Stevens Johnson Syndrome, the patient will be treated in a hospital burn unit.

Symptoms to Look Out For

The symptoms that often occur before the severe manifestation of the condition include:

burning eyes
sore throat
fever
cough
headache
overall body aches

The full-blown syndrome is characterized by:

The first layer of the skin shedding or peeling off easily
Skin pain that is widespread
A flat red or purple irregular-shaped rash that extends over the body during the course of days or even hours
Swelling of the face and tongue
Blisters on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, eyes and vagina

The eyes can become so damaged by scarring that the patient can become blind. Toxic epidermal necrolysis is another form of the same condition.

Causes of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, Beyond Advil

Exposure to certain medication, including Children’s Advil, is said to be one of the most common causes of the syndrome. It is not always possible to discover why the condition occurs.

Patients with AIDS are more susceptible to the syndrome. Besides AIDS, the Stevens Johnson Syndrome may be caused by certain infections or by pre-existing medical conditions. These may include:

diphtheria
typhoid infections
the flu
herpes simplex or herpes zoster
hepatitis

If your child has been diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome after taking Children’s Advil, it may be possible that you qualify to seek compensation for the damages you and your child have incurred. You can be helped by contacting an experienced Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawyer at (800) 481-7430. We would be pleased to discuss your case with you.

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