Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a life threatening condition which affects the skin and can be caused by very common over-the-counter drugs that are likely found in the majority of most U.S. homes. The condition affects all ages and genders and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has reportedly received hundreds of complaints about serious events. So, what is it, which drugs have been linked to it and how do you know whether you can take legal action to be compensated for your injuries?
What is SJS?
Stevens-Johnson syndrome, also commonly referred to as Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TENS) and Lyell’s syndrome, is defined as a hypersensitivity disorder affecting the skin and mucous membranes. It is a severe form of a simple rash known as erythema multiforme which is a skin disorder caused by an allergic reaction or infection. Although SJS occurs twice as often in men, women with SJS are twice as likely to develop TENS – which is the most severe form of SJS. Most cases of SJS appear in people under 30 years of age.
Which drugs have been linked to SJS?
There is a long list of drugs that have been linked to SJS, and while some are available only by prescription, others are over the counter drugs likely found in the majority of medicine cabinets of U.S. households. Labels on many of these drugs do not contain warnings of the possibility of contracting SJS – which has led to numerous lawsuits. Some of the drugs which have been linked to SJS include non-steroid anti-inflamatory drugs, or NSAIDs and Cox2 inhibitors, such as Bextra, Children’s Motrin, Celebrex, Ibuprofin, Advil, Aleve, and Excedrin; common cold medications such as Advil Cold & Sinus, Dimetapp Sinus, Motrin IB Sinus and Aleve Cold & Sinus and commonly used antibiotics such as Amocicillin, penicillin and Zithromax (commonly referred to as the Z-pack). The list goes on and on. Here are more:
Can you take legal action?
If you’ve developed SJS or TENS after taking one of the many medications that might cause these conditions, you may be able to take legal action against one of the manufacturers and be compensated for your injuries. Doctors are generally not liable in these cases (but consult with an attorney before assuming this to be true), but pharmacies may very well be liable. There are certain instances in which pharmacies might have a duty to warn consumers about an increased risk of injury. They may be liable if they did not, for example, give the consumer the label, or "package insert," at the point of purchase. This is a requirement in all states. Pharmacies may also be liable if they represented to the consumer that they had a computer system that tracks drugs to make sure the individual is provided extra warning.
While every case is different, an experienced Stevens Johnson Syndrome attorney will be able to determine whether or not you might have a case. To find out more about SJS and whether you might have a legal action against one of the manufacturers, contact an experienced products liability attorney to discuss your situation and evaluate your options.