Allopurinol Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit | Latest Updates

Allopurinol Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit Overview

Allopurinol, a prescription medication used to treat gout and prevent kidney stones, has been linked to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a rare but severe skin condition. The primary allegations involve serious side effects including SJS and its more severe form, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). 

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Allopurinol in August 1966, and it is available under brand names Zyloprim and Lopurin.

Latest Allopurinol Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit Updates

• July 2022 – A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics identified reports of allopurinol-induced SJS/TEN in Vietnam from 2010 to 2019. Among 72,822 reports submitted to Vietnam’s National Drug Information and Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Centre, 392 involved a diagnosis of SJS/TEN, with 65 cases (16.6%) related to allopurinol.
• 2014-2019 – The study showed signals of allopurinol-induced SJS/TEN began in 2014 (ROR of 3.531, 95% CI: 1.830–6.810) and increased annually until 2019 (ROR of 11.923, 95% CI: 8.508–16.710).

Related Article: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit

Allopurinol SJS/TEN Reports and Statistics

The Vietnam National Drug Information and Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Centre recorded 65 cases (16.6%) of SJS/TEN related to allopurinol between 2010 and 2019. Researchers concluded that correction of medical errors relating to prescription could prevent more than 60% of SJS/TEN cases in allopurinol users [1].

Allopurinol Injuries & Side Effects

Allopurinol use has been associated with severe cutaneous adverse reactions, with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) being the most serious.

• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS): A rare but extremely serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes that starts with flu-like symptoms, followed by a painful rash that spreads and blisters.
• Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN): A more severe form of SJS involving more than 30% of the skin surface and extensive damage to mucous membranes.
• Flu-like symptoms: High temperature, sore throat, cough, and joint pain.
• Skin reactions: Blisters, sores, and rash that usually starts on the upper body before quickly spreading to the face, arms, legs and other areas including genitals.

Do You Qualify for an Allopurinol Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an Allopurinol lawsuit if:

• You were prescribed and took Allopurinol (Zyloprim or Lopurin).
• You experienced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) after taking the medication.
• You required medical treatment, likely hospitalization, for your condition.
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to Allopurinol use.

Evidence Required for an Allopurinol Lawsuit

• Medical records confirming your SJS or TEN diagnosis
• Documentation of your Allopurinol prescription
• Medical bills and records of treatments received
• Documentation of the timeline between taking Allopurinol and developing symptoms

Damages You Can Recover

• Medical expenses for hospitalization, treatments, and ongoing care
• Lost wages due to inability to work during recovery
• Pain and suffering from the physical and emotional trauma
• Compensation for permanent scarring or disability
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

Statute of Limitations for Allopurinol Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing an Allopurinol Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawsuit varies by state. Generally, these cases fall under personal injury or product liability law, with timeframes typically ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury or discovery of injury.

It’s crucial to consult with an attorney promptly after experiencing symptoms, as waiting too long could permanently bar your right to seek compensation.

Different factors may affect your specific deadline, including:

• The state where you live
• When you were diagnosed with SJS/TEN
• When you discovered the connection between your condition and Allopurinol

Related Articles:

• Bextra Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit
• Aloprim Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Case
• Children’s Motrin Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

See all related dangerous drug lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

FAQs

1. Can I join an existing class action lawsuit against the manufacturer of Allopurinol?

Yes, if there is an existing class action lawsuit, you may be able to join. An attorney can help you understand the process and benefits of joining a consolidated legal action.

2. What should I do if I have already received medical treatment for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome caused by Allopurinol?

Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, including bills, prescriptions, and doctor’s notes. This documentation will be crucial for your lawsuit and in proving the extent of your complications and expenses.

3. Can I seek punitive damages in the Allopurinol SJS lawsuit?

In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct by the manufacturer, you may be eligible to seek punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. These are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.

4. What is Allopurinol used for?

Allopurinol is prescribed to treat gout, prevent specific types of kidney stones, and for high uric acid levels that can occur with chemotherapy. The drug works by decreasing high uric acid levels in the blood.

5. How quickly does Stevens-Johnson Syndrome progress?

SJS/TEN can develop within a few days to 8 weeks after beginning exposure to Allopurinol or other offending medication. A subsequent exposure can result in symptoms within just a few hours.

6. Is SJS the same thing as TEN?

While once considered different diseases, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are now believed to be variants of the same condition, distinct from erythema multiforme, which is considered to be an allergic reaction to medicine or infection.

7. What is the prognosis for someone with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Approximately 10% of people with Stevens-Johnson syndrome die from the disease, while the condition is fatal in up to half of those who develop toxic epidermal necrolysis. Serious complications may include pneumonia, bacterial infections (sepsis), shock, multiple organ failure, and death.

Get a Free Allopurinol Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Allopurinol-related Stevens-Johnson Syndrome cases. The statute of limitations varies by state, meaning you have only a limited window from the date of injury to file your claim.

The Pharmaceutical Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:

• Free, confidential case evaluations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

References

1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcpt.13740?af=R#:~:text=Abstract-,What%20Is%20Known%20and%20Objective,toxic%20epidermal%20necrolysis%20(TEN).