Karen Bartlett of Plaistow, New Hampshire, was prescribed by her doctor the anti-inflammatory drug Sulindac to treat shoulder pain. Bartlett took the generic brand of the drug, manufactured and distributed by Mutual Pharmaceutical Co. Two weeks later, she noticed red spots on her face and irritation around her eyes. Her rash worsened and two days later she was admitted to the hospital complaining that it felt like there were pebbles under her eyelids and in her throat.

Bartlett was diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and its most severe form, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), life-threatening allergic reactions to medication in which the outer layer of skin blisters and peels away leaving the body vulnerable to infection and other serious complications. Bartlett developed blisters in her eyes, throat, stomach and lungs, which has caused her permanent disability.

Bartlett’s lawsuit claims Sulindac has the highest reported incidents of SJS and TEN compared to other non-steroid, anti-inflammatory drug on the market, which makes the risks far outweigh any benefits it could offer. Two different experts brought by the plaintiff argued that the drug was dangerous and should be pulled from the market.

Bartlett is sewing Mutual Pharmaceutical Co. for $4.5 million for past and future medical bills and lost earning capacity, and an additional $20 million to $30 million in damages to compensate for pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › SJS/TEN survivor sues drug company for $24 million

In April 2008, Juan Morales was prescribed Dilantin and Phenytoin, both made by Mylan Pharmaceuticals. Morales says he sought medical treatment after he developed a rash on 80 percent of his body. He was given another prescription to treat the rash and sent home. However, the rash continued to get worse and on May 22, 2008, he was admitted to Corpus Christi Medical Center and treated for SJS. He was told it was caused by his medications.

SJS is a life threatening reaction to medication. More than 2,000 prescription and over-the-counter drugs have been linked to SJS. The condition begins with a rash that blisters over causing the skin to peel off in sheets. Patients with SJS are often treated in burn units. The painful condition can expose the body to infections. Blisters can also form on the internal organs and eyes leading to dehydration, digestive problems and vision disorders.

Morales claims had he known the risks associated with taking Dilantin and Phenytoin he would not have taken the medications. His lawsuit claims Mylan Pharmaceuticals knew of the dangers but failed to remedy the defects. Morales is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Texas man sues drug maker after suffering serious skin reaction

Researchers looked at data from 87 health insurance providers and found more than 8,000 people had been diagnosed with IBD. The data also showed that people taking Accutane were four times more likely to develop ulcerative colitis, and that a person’s risk of developing the disorder increased in relation to the size of the Accutane dose they were taking.

Roche is facing hundreds of lawsuits from people who say they were not adequately warned of side effects of the drug, claiming they suffered from a host of problems including bowel problems, depression and birth defects. To date, Roche has lost all six cases that have gone to trial, with jury awards totaling $56 million. Accutane is used by more than 16 million people worldwide since it was first introduced in the 1980s as a treatment for severe acne. Last June, Roche discontinued Accutane in the United States, citing mounting legal costs as the reason for the recall.

Earlier this year, Health Canada issued a warning about the safety of Accutane, saying it had received 66 reports of a rare but life-threatening allergic reaction known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) in people who used Accutane. The reports involved both children and adults, and resulted in two deaths.

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Accutane linked to bowel problem, serious skin condition

SJS is a serious condition. It is most identified by a rash on the skin. The rash can blister and peel away, giving victims the appearance of having fourth degree burns. Many are treated in burn units. Blisters can form on mucus membranes such as the eyes and throat making it difficult and painful for patients to eat, drink or void. Eye conditions and even blindness can occur. In more severe cases, SJS can cause seizures, coma and even death. In some cases, rashes and lesions may never appear, and often the condition goes undiagnosed until it is too late.

Several common prescription and over-the-counter medications have been linked to SJS, including ibuprofen, anti-seizure medicines and antibiotics. Not all drug labels provide current warnings about medical risks. For example, Motrin provided a warning of SJS on its label when the medication was only available by prescription. The over-the-counter Motrin product does not provide a warning on its label.

If you experience any symptoms of SJS, contact your doctor and ask to be taken off the medication. You may also want to consult with a product liability lawyer, as many are accepting legal cases to submit lawsuits against the makers of the drug companies for failing to adequately warn consumers of the risk for this serious adverse reactions to their medications.

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Beasley Allen attorney warns public of serious adverse drug reactions

Late last December Ryan was diagnosed with pneumonia and days later he suffered a severe adverse reaction to the medication he was given to treat his illness. A rash formed over his body and his skin began to blister and peel away. Blisters also formed in his eyes and mouth, making his eyes and throat swell shut and leaving him unable to eat or drink. He stayed in the hospital for 12 days while doctors worked to save his life.

SJS is a rare but serious reaction to medication. More than 200 drugs have been linked to the condition, most commonly ibuprofen, antibiotics and anti-seizure medication. Some pharmaceutical companies are facing lawsuits from families affected by SJS, claiming they were not sufficiently warned of the possible life-threatening condition caused by the medications they or their family members were given. SJS, and its most severe form, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), has a reported incidence of about one case per million people each year.

Ryan returned home from the hospital on Jan. 12. Though he was 28 pounds lighter and was extremely exhausted, he vowed to return to his wresting team. Last week he played in the tournament. Though he didn’t win, he says “I’m so glad to be back out there.”

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › High school wrestler’s fight against SJS heroic

Ralph was rushed to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton and was diagnosed with toxic epidermal necrolysis, or TEN. TEN is a severe form of the hypersensitivity disorder known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or SJS. The condition occurs as a severe reaction to medication and presents as a rash that blisters over, causing the skin to peel off in sheets. Mucus membranes such as those on the eyes and in the mouth also can blister over. Complications include infection, dehydration, blindness and even death.

Phenytoin, made by Mylan Pharmaceuticals and sold under the name Dilantin, was listed as the culprit.

Ralph never recovered. He died on May 27, 2006, from TEN. Amy has since filed a lawsuit against the Mylan Pharmaceuticals and Mylan Inc., on behalf of the estate of her late husband Ralph. Amy says her husband would not have taken the drug had he known of the potential for serious side effects.

The 10-count lawsuit claims the drug maker repeaed huge profits while concealing from the public the dangers of taking Dilatin/Phenytoin. The lawsuit seeks punitive and compensatory damages for Ralph’s injuries, pain and suffering. It also seeks damages to Ralph’s estate.

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Wife files lawsuit against drug maker

The Johnson family claimed that Children’s Motrin caused their daughter’s skin to break out in excruciatingly painful rashes and blisters after giving her three doses of the over-the-counter medication. Her eyes blistered over and she was blinded. Sabrina, who was 6 at the time, was diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), which is an extreme adverse reaction to some drugs, including ibuprofen. The active ingredient in Children’s Motrin is ibuprofen.

The family claims that the drug maker did not provide adequate warning of the possible reaction on its medication label. A jury found that the medication’s labeling, which advises consumers to notify a doctor if the child’s symptoms change, was adequate.

“The FDA is not doing anything for us. They are taking care of the prescription drug people. They’re taking care of their billions of dollars. And the few children that die … Oh well,” Joan said in the news report.

The Johnson family is appealing the case. At least nine other lawsuits have been filed by others who have suffered from SJS after taking the medication.

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Family appeals case against makers of Children’s Motrin