Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit Results in Defense Verdict

By Harvey Kirk
Posted July 21, 2008

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Last week, a California jury ruled in favor of Johnson & Johnson in a Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuit which alleged that the ibuprofen in Children’s Motrin caused an 11-year-old girl to develop a severe skin reaction, which blinded her.

>>INFORMATION: Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Lawsuits

Stevens Johnson Syndrome, also known as SJS, is a rare but serious medical condition which is caused by an allergic reaction to several different drugs. It causes inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes, literally causing the skin to burn from the inside out. It often requires treatment in a hospital burn unit, and it is fatal in many cases.

The Children’s Motrin lawsuit was filed in the Los Angeles Supreme Court, claiming that Johnson & Johnson failed to warn about the potential Stevens Johnson Syndrome side effects. The young girl was blinded by the development of blisters and sever swelling of the eyelids. However, following a six week trial, the jury found that insufficient evidence was presented to directly link Children’s Motrin to the injury.

While many medications have been associated with SJS, some of the most commonly associated drugs are antibiotics, such as penicillin and sulfas, anti-inflammatory pain medications, such as Bextra and Celebrex, and anti-convulsants, such as Trileptal, Carbatrol, Tegretol and Equetro. SJS has also been associated with the anti-sleep medication Provigil, and the anti-smoking drug Chantix.

STEVENS JOHNSON SYNDROME ATTORNEYS

The product liability attorneys at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate potential Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuits throughout the United States for individuals who have developed this devastating and life-threatening condition. Many medications which could cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or a similar skin reaction known as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome (TENS), do not contain adequate warnings about the potential side effect.

If you, a friend or family member have been diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.