Many prescription and OTC drugs lack warnings of very serious side effects and reactions. For example, how could something as simple as treating your child for a fever turn into a tragedy like Stevens Johnson Syndrome? Unfortunately, if this has happened to you or a loved one, you are not the only one asking this question.

The association of SJS and TEN with ibuprofen products such as Motrin and Advil (and now more recently, acetaminophen products such as Tylenol) has been reported in the medical literature since the 1970s. Despite this association, manufacturers of ibuprofen products failed to warn the consumers of the risk of SJS or TEN. In addition to failing to warn the consumers, they failed to warn doctors as well. Consider now that billions of doses of these drugs are sold each year around the world. Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and its more severe form called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are life threatening skin disorders, which can result in blindness, organ dysfunction, disfigurement, and death. SJS is a painful disease that can cause graphic skin loss of between 10% and 30% of total skin mass. TEN is recognized as an even worse form of SJS where more than 30% of the body’s skin mass is affected. These reactions are often fatal. With ibuprofen cases, not only did drug companies fail to warn consumers of the risk of SJS and TEN so that the consumer could make an informed choice between alternative medications, they also failed to warn families of the simple signs and symptoms of SJS and TEN. These symptoms include rash, redness and blisters. Absent warning of these symptoms, families all too often continue to give their children the drug, allowing for a simple skin problem to progress to a life altering condition such as SJS or TEN. Instead of placing a simple warning on their packaging, the drug companies chose profits over the safety of patients.

Likewise, DRESS syndrome stands for Drug Reaction (or Rash) with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms and can also be fatal. This disease has been linked to acne medications and other antibiotics such phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin, lamotrigine, minocycline, sulfonamides, allopurinol, modafinil, Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) and dapsone.

We're also working with other firms on reactions related to Pradaxa and Dilantin, as well as gynecomastia in a young man as a result of taking Risperdal. We're also investigating claims related to blood clotting and strokes as a result of use of NuvaRing.

Gansen Law Group, P.C. is experienced at handling cases involving these types of adverse drug reactions. Working with another firm, we were involved in obtaining a $48.2 million verdict in 2011. Contact us today.

Contact us for a free consultation. We will work with you to assess your case’s strengths and determine the best course of action to get you compensation. When considering a lawsuit, the goal for any client is to find the best way to maximize their recovery and allow them to live their lives to the fullest.