Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a potentially fatal condition of the skin and mucus membranes, usually caused by a drug reaction. Both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs sometimes produce this reaction.
This condition garnered media attention in 2005 when some small children died or were seriously injured after taking OTC forms of ibuprofen. At that time, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) refused to require warnings on the label of these drugs because Stevens-Johnson’s Syndrome was so rare.
Family members of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome victims and some medical experts petitioned the FDA to require changes to OTC labels in early 2005. In late 2005 and early 2006, the FDA began approving updated labels containing a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome warning for the following OTC products
Brand Tolectin tablets and capsules Advil Allergy Sinus Tablets Advil Cold & Sinus Tablets Advil Liquid-Gels Advil Migraine Capsules Children’s Advil Children's Motrin Chewable Tablets Motrin Junior Strength Chewable Tablets Motrin Cold & Sinus Tablets Motrin IB Tablets Motrin Infants' Drops
Generic Tometin Sodium ibuprofen, pseudoephedrine HCI, chlorpheniramine maleate ibuprofen, pseudoephedrine HCI ibuprofen capsules ibuprofen ibuprofen ibuprofen ibuprofen, pseudoephedrine HCI ibuprofen ibuprofen oral suspension
The FDA has also required warning about Stevens-Johnson Syndrome on the following prescription drugs: Arava (leflunomide – arthritis), Cipro (ciprofloxacin hydrochloride – antibiotic), Cordarone (amiodarone HCI – heart drug), Coreg (carvedilol – beta blocker), Daypro (oxaprozin potassium – anti-inflammatory NSAID), Methazolamide (neptazane – glaucoma), Provigil (modafinil – narcolepsy), Relafen (nabumetone – anti-inflammatory NSAID), Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate – anti-viral), and Zevalin (ibritumomab tiuxetan – lymphoma). The drug Dilantin (phenytoin – antiepileptic) has also been linked to SJS.
Check out the following articles for more information about Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, filing a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawsuit and finding a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome attorney.