Steven-Johnsons Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are very unpredictable and sudden illnesses that are typically a reaction to a medication, an infection, or both. People with SJS may initially present flu-like symptoms, but their condition can rapidly deteriorate. Individuals have filed lawsuits nationwide due to adverse health effects and death associated with SJS. Doctors who misdiagnose or prescribe medications linked to SJS reactions may be responsible for a patient’s injuries. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies that fail to include warnings on drug labels regarding the possibility of SJS reactions may be held accountable. Did you or a loved one endure Stevens-Johnsons Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis? Reach out today to learn more about how The Lake Law Firm can help you with a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis lawsuit.
Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of individuals diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN). Patients who developed Stevens-Johnson Syndrome may have claims against the manufacturers of certain medications or medical professionals after experiencing rashes and blisters that can lead to severe injury or death.
Steven-Johnsons Syndrome (SJS) is a rare but life-threatening skin disorder caused by adverse reactions to certain drugs. Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is a more severe form of SJS that has a 50% mortality rate. These serious and potentially fatal reactions can affect adults and children. Patients can develop SJS or TEN while using a particular medication, or up to two weeks after stopping the medication. Patients initially have symptoms like a fever, cough, and fatigue, but then develop a painful rash and blisters of the skin and mucus membrane. The rash spreads and eventually the top layer of skin dies and sheds. TEN affects 30% of the skin and heavily damages the mucus membrane.
SJS and TEN require immediate medical attention. Without treatment, patients can suffer life-long injuries or even death.
Allergic reactions to specific drugs, prescribed or over-the-counter, may cause SJS and TEN. Drugs that may result in an SJS or TEN reactions include:
Furthermore, people with weakened immune systems, HIV, cancer, and specific genetic factors have a higher risk of experiencing SJS or TEN.
In 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a new warning to alert consumers about severe reactions linked to acetaminophen, including extreme skin reactions associated with SJS-TEN. Patients could experience these reactions during their first use of acetaminophen or after having taken the drug before. The FDA required all prescription medication labels that contain acetaminophen to include new warnings regarding SJS-TEN reactions. The agency’s action came after reviewing the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database and the medical studies evaluating the link between skin reactions and acetaminophen.
Per the safety communication, the FDA referenced several incidents regarding acetaminophen/other pain relievers and SJS/TEN reactions in patients. These cases involved children and adults who took acetaminophen to treat colds and pain only to quickly develop devastating cases of SJS.
This skin disorder initially produces seemingly normal flu-like symptoms in patients. However, a patient’s condition can quickly worsen and jeopardize the life of previously healthy individuals. SJS and TEN patients usually require hospitalization to control the spread of the infection. Even with treatment, patients may suffer complications such as:
Victims have filed lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies, doctors, and hospitals for failing to provide warnings about the risks of developing SJS/TEN or failing to properly diagnose or treat the condition. Various medications, including barbiturates, penicillin, phenytoin, and sulfonamides can trigger SJS/TEN. Medications implicated in lawsuits with respect to SJS/TEN include Levaquin, Dilantin, Accutane, Allopurinol, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and Children’s Motrin. Anyone who is diagnosed with SJS/TEN may experience worsening symptoms if they are not treated or managed correctly. Without an accurate diagnosis, the rash caused by SJS can blister and leave open dangerous wounds.
Examples in which patients developed SJS/TEN as a result of certain medications include:
In other cases, patients may develop SJS/TEN as a result of negligence by medical professionals who do not recognize the symptoms of SJS/TEN or fail to treat it properly. People have successfully filed lawsuits against physicians and hospitals for failing to identify SJS/TEN or providing a misdiagnosis.
Individuals may have a claim against pharmaceutical companies for failing to provide adequate warning about the risk of contracting SJS/TEN. Although pharmaceutical labels may contain warnings of generic risks, many do not alert consumers that they can develop Stevens-Johnson Syndrome as a result of taking the medication. Additionally, people may file malpractice lawsuits against healthcare professionals and hospitals for failing to diagnose or properly treat the condition.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, you may recover compensation for any or all of the following:
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a grave disorder that can cause dire health consequences in children and adults. Lawsuits allege that drug manufacturers neglected to include adequate warnings to inform the public about the possibility of developing SJS. Time is of the essence when handling SJS, therefore if medical professionals fail to correctly diagnose the condition or treat it in time then this can cause catastrophic and fatal injuries. No one should have to endure the excruciating pain or ruinous repercussions of SJS. Speak with one of our trusted attorneys today about your potential lawsuit.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 274-0139 or submit an inquiry on this page.
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