As experienced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers, we have seen far too many cases brought against the manufacturers of some of the drugs that have been linked to the life-threatening skin condition. You might remember the case last year of the woman’s skin “melting off” from the “inside” after taking the prescription drug Lamictal. In this particular instance, the victim, 26-year-old Khaliah Shaw, received the wrong dosage of the anti-seizure medication, resulting in her body becoming covered in blisters in a matter of weeks. Unfortunately, cases like Shaw’s are not unique.

In recent years we have started to learn more about the various causes of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), including which medications are more likely to cause it. Medication errors are one of the leading causes of SJS, and sadly, many people don’t understand their rights when this happens. SJS is a rare allergic reaction that causes the top layer of skin to peel off, as was the case with Shaw. In addition to blisters, SJS can cause infections, organ failure, blindness, and even death. If you have been prescribed a medication and notice any of the following symptoms, there’s a chance you are at risk of developing SJS:

• Fever
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Blisters
• Respiratory infection
• Swelling of the eyelids
• A quickly spreading purple or red rash
• Widespread skin pain
• Swelling of the face and/or tongue
• Blisters on the mucous membrane, particularly in the mouth, nose, or eyes
• Hives
• Shedding of skin

If you have taken Lamictal or other medications that are known to cause SJS, please contact Wormington & Bollinger right away. The FDA has issued numerous black label warnings describing the risks associated with the certain medication, including the potential to develop SJS. If your doctor still prescribed a medication, or if you were given the wrong dose, you may be able to file a lawsuit.

Contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger Today

As experienced Dallas Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers, we strive to stay on top of lawsuits brought against the manufacturers of drugs, as well as those prescribing the drugs. Also last spring, Donna Rushing of Tampa, Florida developed SJS from a medication she had been taking for a while. Thankfully, her condition was caught early on, allowing her to avoid hospitalization and other serious SJS side effects. That being said, Rushing still loses a massive amount of weight, affected her appetite, and left her with permanent scarring in her mouth.

These are just two examples within the last year of how serious SJS can be. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms similar to those listed above, seek medical attention right away. If you are wondering about your legal rights and if you may be able to pursue a lawsuit, please contact the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers at Wormington & Bollinger to schedule a free consultation today.