Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Caused by both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (named after the two doctors, Stevens and Johnson, who discovered it in 1922) is a serious medical condition that can cause serious long term injury and death. It is caused by an adverse reaction to the drug and affects the skin and mucus membranes of the victim. Medical researchers speculate that there are several variations of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, including erythema multiforme major and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), though some claim that they are both Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, though in different degrees.

While Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is linked to adverse reactions to medication, the exact cause is unclear. It seems to originate with damage to blood vessels in the skin, which go on to adversely affect tissue. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is commonly linked to herpes simplex and mycoplasma infections. It is serious because the death of skin and mucus membrane tissues leads to other serious problems, including secondary infections and the sloughing of tissue in the lungs (leading to breathing problems and further injury to the lungs.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not require warning labels for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome until 2005, when the death and serious injury of several young children brought it considerable media attention. By 2006, due to petitions on the part of the family members of those killed by Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and medical professionals, the FDA began to require warning labels for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome on a variety of over-the counter medications, including:

• Tolectin tablets and capsules
• Bextra (Black Box Warning)
• Advil Allergy Sinus Tablets
• Advil Cold & Sinus Tablets
• Advil Liquid-Gels
• Advil Migraine Capsules
• Children's Motrin Chewable Tablets
• Motrin Junior Strength Chewable Tablets
• Motrin Cold & Sinus Tablets
• Motrin IB Tablets
• Motrin Infants' Drops    
• Tometin Sodium ibuprofen
• Pseudoephedrine HCI
• Chlorpheniramine maleate ibuprofen
• Pseudoephedrine HCI ibuprofen capsules
• Ibuprofen
• Pseudoephedrine HCI ibuprofen
• Ibuprofen oral suspension

If you or a loved one has suffered Stevens-Johnson Syndrome after taking one of these medications, you may be eligible to recover compensation. Contact us know to receive a free evaluation of your case.