According to newsiferno.com, a lawsuit has been filed against Johnson and Johnson, claiming that it’s pain reliever Motrin caused Sabrina Brenton, a six year old girl, to lose her eyesight, one of handful of serious complications of the syndrome, after developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Apparently the girl was treated with three children’s Motrin for a fever, after which she soon showed symptoms of the rare yet serious and often deadly syndrome. There is no definitive cause or known trigger, but it seems that a number of anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAID’s, such as ibuprofen, have been connected to SJS cases. Noteworthy is the fact that SJS did not manifest immediately in Sabrina’s case, as symptoms were absent in the first couple of doses. Many drugs do list skin reactions as potential symptoms of an allergic reaction to the medication– which refer to skin allergies and SJS– but do not list them as specifically as possible reactions.
According to the May Clinic, Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare, serious disorder in which your skin and mucous membranes react severely to a medication or infection. Often, Stevens-Johnson syndrome begins with flu–like symptoms, followed by a painful red or purplish rash that spreads and blisters, eventually causing the top layer of skin to die and shed. Other Symptoms associated with the syndrome include: facial swelling; tongue swelling; skin pain; hives; blisters on skin and mucous membranes, especially in the mouth, nose, and eyes. Before the rash develops, a person with Steven-Johnson syndrome may experience burning eyes, in addition to the flu-like symptoms already mentioned. Anyone experiencing the above symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. The Mayo Clinic states that the exact causes of Stevens-Johnson syndrome can’t always be identified; however, the condition is usually an allergic reaction in response to medication, infection, or illness. Medications are the most common culprits, and they include: anti-gout medications, such as allopurinol; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; sulfonamides and penicillins, used to treat infections; and anticonvulsants, which are used to treat seizures.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to the use of medications, over the counter or otherwise, or have questions regarding product liability law, please call our office. We have over 10 years experience pursuing product liability claims and will aggressively work on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve.