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disease stevens_johnson_syndromeStevens Johnson rash is a rare, but life-threatening, condition that significantly compromises the skin and mucous membranes. Stevens Johnson rash is caused by an adverse reaction to a medication. Adverse drug reactions kill 150,000 people every year and are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. If left untreated, a Stevens Johnson rash can be a fatal adverse drug reaction.
Bextra is a blockbuster prescription painkiller that has the potential to cause Stevens Johnson rash. Bextra (valdecoxib) is the only non-steroidal anti-inflammatory prescription pain killer that has been associated with Stevens Johnson rash side effects. Bextra was first approved by the FDA in 2001 to treat certain chronic pain conditions like arthritis and menstrual cramps.
Bextra has been known to cause Stevens Johnson rash and other serious skin complications for years yet the pharmaceutical company who produces this top selling pain killer, Pfizer, has done nothing to adequately protect consumers from these risks. In 2002 the FDA ordered Pfizer to add a black box warning to all Bextra product information cautioning users about the risks of developing Stevens Johnson rash. A black box warning is the strongest warning the FDA can mandate short of pulling a drug off the market. The company failed to comply with this request, though recently the drug company added information about Stevens Johnson rash risks to product information.
If you are taking Bextra, it is important to be aware of the symptoms which may indicate the development of Stevens Johnson rash. At least one in four people who develop Stevens Johnson rash will present symptoms of an upper respiratory infection during the early stages of this condition. Stevens Johnson rash affects the skin and mucous membranes, causing these areas to become red, irritated, splotchy, blister, and then shed off. Experts describe this condition as burning the skin from the inside out.
Patients who have Stevens Johnson rash may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, chills, headache, and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea are also symptoms that may develop with Stevens Johnson rash. Stevens Johnson rash can also affect the eyes, causing red eyes, swollen eyelids, conjunctivitis, and the like. Blisters that develop on the mouth, nose, eyes, genitals, or any mucous membrane can also indicate Stevens Johnson rash.
Early detection and prompt medical treatment of Stevens Johnson rash is crucial to avoid serious and life-threatening complications. Up to fifteen percent of all patients who develop Stevens Johnson rash will die as a result of this condition. Three to ten percent of Stevens Johnson rash sufferers will permanently lose their vision. There are a variety of other serious health conditions that can develop as a result of Stevens Johnson rash.
If you or a loved one has developed Stevens Johnson rash while taking Bextra, you may wish to contact a qualified and experienced attorney who can help you explore your legal right and options.
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