Motrin and Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Motrin is a painkiller that is available in both adult and children’s formulas. It comes in a range of forms, depending on whether you opt for adult Motrin or children’s Motrin. You can get this medication in caplets, tablets, chewable tablets, gelcaps, drops, and liquid. This medication is taken to relieve a variety if aches, pains, feverishness, and other common ailments. However, attention has recently been drawn to the dangers of taking this medication, which is an ibuprofen based medication.

Concerns have been raised with regards to the connection between ibuprofen products such as Motrin, and the potentially fatal skin disease, Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a diseases that has been linked to a number of drugs, and at best can cause massive discomfort and pain. At worst, this disease can result in death. The manufacturers of Motrin and children’s Motrin, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, are currently battling litigation for serious health damage caused to a young girl that has been left blind after contracting Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) after being given children’s Motrin for a fever.

“We are deeply concerned about all matters related to our products and we are investigating the situation." This was a statement from the manufacturer of Motrin and children’s Motrin. Concerned parents and users want the manufacturer of Motrin to put warning labels on the medication warning against Stevens Johnson Syndrome, and this will form part of the court case currently being pursued by the parents of the young girl that has been left blinded after taking Motrin.

The onset of SJS came just one day after the young girl in question had taken children’s Motrin for a fever. She was rushed to intensive care, and doctors confirmed that the ibuprofen based Motrin had triggered Stevens Johnson Syndrome, and this had affected the girl’s eyes. It took only two days for the young patient to lose her sight altogether, and this has contributed to an outcry and massive concern from parents.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome can start with non-specific symptoms such as cough, aching, headaches, and feverishness. This may be followed by a red rash across the face and the trunk of the body, which can continue to spread to other parts of the body. The rash can form into blisters, and these blisters can form in areas such as the eyes, mouth and vaginal area.

Lawyers are already preparing themselves for massive drug litigation cases resulting from adverse healthy effects and even wrongful death in connection with Motrin and other similar ibuprofen based drugs. Anyone that has been taking this medication and feels that they may have been affected is advised to seek assistance from their doctor. It is advisable for anyone that has been taking Motrin to remain vigilant for the signs of SJS or any other health effects, and immediate medical attention should be sought in the event that the person that has been taking the medication shows any signs of ill effect.

It is also advisable for those affected by Motrin to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Depending on the damage caused through taking this drug, patients or family members may be able to claim compensation for:

  • Negligence
  • Strict product liability
  • Deceit by concealment

The FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) are also being urged to look into the non-labeling of over-the-counter drugs such as Motrin, which have no warnings about the potential side effects and can result in disabling and potentially deadly results such as SJS.