Drug Injury Lawyers Blog
The Food and Drug Administration says that there is a rare risk that acetaminophens could cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). The risk exists in both over-the-counter and prescription meds that contain this fever reducer/pain reliever.
If you developed any of these skin conditions while taking a drug that has acetaminophen in it, please contact our Boston acetaminophen injury lawyers today.
Examples of meds that contain acetaminophen:
• Tylenol
• Paracetamol • Panadol • Anacin • Tempra
• Nycair • Nyquil • Phenflu DM
Because of this identified, drug manufacturers will now have to include a warning about the skin reaction risks on the labels of all acetaminophens. The side effect could happen even if a person is taking this type of medication for the first time. The FDA says that in the past 43 years, there were 16 AGEP and 91 SJS/TEN cases that were reported and 12 people died and 67 others were hospitalized.
SJS, TEN, and AGEP
All three skin conditions share the symptoms of serious rashes, blisters, red skin, and the epidermis (the top layer of the skin) possibly coming off. That said, while Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis typically is not fatal, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis can deadly. At Altman & Altman, our Massachusetts Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers represent patients that developed SJS, TEN, and AGEP because of a defective or dangerous drug.
SJS can be so severe that a patient may have to seek treatment in a burn unit. There also may be lesions on the membranes of the eyes, mouth, nose, genitals, urinary tract, or respiratory tract. Vision problems, including blindness, scarring to the organs, and death may result.
TEN is a more serious version of SJS. Stevens-Johnson syndrome typically affects 10% of the body’s surface, while TEN can take over 30%. A patient can have both conditions at once.
Antibiotics aren’t the only meds linked to SJS. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsants, barbiturates, and sulfa antibiotics have also been linked. Just recently, a man filed a drug injury cased against Pfizer over claims that the antibiotic Cleocin caused his SJS.
Thomas Bird says that the drug maker did not disclose that the medication could place him at risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or TEN. Bird, who was taking the med intravenously for his diabetic foot infection, says that Pfizer has known about the risk for over three decades.
Injuries and serious complications from drugs can be grounds for a Boston dangerous drug lawsuit against the manufacturer, seller, distributor, and others. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may even have reason to pursue a Massachusetts medical malpractice claim against your prescribing doctor.
FDA Warns of Rare Acetaminophen Risk, FDA
Acetaminophen, Medline Plus
More Blog Posts:
Women Suffering from Mirena IUD Complications May Have Recourse Against Manufacturer, Massachusetts Drug Injury Lawyers, October 21, 2013
Massachusetts Vaginal Mesh Lawsuit Can Proceed, Says Appeals Court, Massachusetts Drug Injury Lawyers, October 18, 2013
Boston Truck Accident Lawsuit Seeks Damages In Graduate Student’s Allston Bicycle Death, Boston Injury Lawyer
