In a newly filed suit, a New York man is alleging that his use of pharmaceutical giant Pfizer’s antibiotic medication Cleocin caused him to develop Stephen-Johnson Syndrome. The lawsuit alleges that Pfizer knew about an increased risk of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome with Cleocin use for 30 years and has failed to warn consumers about the danger. Cleocin is commonly used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. In other previously filed Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawsuits, drug manufacturers have been held liable for failing to warn patients about the risk of developing the syndrome, while hospitals and healthcare professionals have been held liable for failing to diagnose Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and for failing to properly treat the condition.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a rare and sometimes fatal reaction to medication. People who are diagnosed with the disorder develop a severe rash and the skin blisters, very similar to a burn. It is extremely painful and eventually the top layer of skin dies and sheds. It has been known to result in other complications, including sepsis; extensive tissue damage to the eyes that may result in blindness; damage to internal organs including the lungs, heart, kidney, and liver; and permanent skin damage. People who develop Stevens-Johnson Syndrome need to seek immediate medical care.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about the danger of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and other serious skin conditions with the use of the common pain reliever acetaminophen. The FDA found an association between acetaminophen and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. The FDA is now requiring the label of drug products that contain acetaminophen to warn about the risk of these severe skin conditions.
The attorneys at Lopez McHugh are investigating potential Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawsuits. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, you maybe entitled to monetary compensation. An experienced attorney can help determine whether a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawsuit is an appropriate course of action. Contact Lopez McHugh for a free consultation.
