Diclofenac Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit

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What is Diclofenac?

Diclofenac is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) that is used to treat mild to moderate pain, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, and to relieve the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis and acute migraine symptoms. The drug has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. Diclofenac is a generic medication that is available under the following brand names: Cataflam, Voltaren-XR, Dyloject, Cambia, Zipsor, and Zorvolex.

What's the Problem?

The side effects of Diclofenac may cause severe autoimmune reactions in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, treating the tissues like bacteria or viruses. In the case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), the body attacks the skin.

SJS/TEN Symptoms

Stevens-Johnson syndrome begins with flu-like symptoms, including a fever and aches, which rapidly progress into a painful skin rash, complete with sores and ulcers. In some cases, the reaction spreads to the eyes and internal organs.

In severe cases, Stevens-Johnson syndrome progresses into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), where patches of the skin die and slough off, leaving injuries similar to thermal burns. In fact, hospitals often treat TEN patients in burn wards, since the damage is so similar. In TEN, the mortality rate is upwards of 50%.

What are the Complications of SJS/TEN?

In severe cases, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) can be deadly. Even survivors face lifelong complications. Skin damage can cause lifelong disfigurement and disability. The damage to the eyes can cause permanent blindness.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your risk of SJS/TEN include:

• Medication use - SJS and TEN can occur as a reaction to the use of Diclofenac and many other medications, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC). If you've had a medication-related form of this condition, you are at risk of a recurrence if you use that drug again.
• HIV infection - The incidence of SJS/TEN is about 100x greater in patients with HIV than in the general population.
• A weakened immune system - The immune system can be greatly affected by autoimmune diseases like SJS/TEN.
• Cancer - Cancer patients, especially those with blood cancers are at increased risk of SJS/TEN.
• A family history of SJS/TEN - If a 1st degree relative (parent, sibling) has had SJS/TEN, you may be more susceptible to developing it.
• Genetic factors - Patients with certain genetic variations are at an increased risk of SJS/TEN, especially if they take medications for seizures, gout, or mental illness.

SJS Lawsuit Allegations

Our lawyers are filing lawsuits on behalf of patients and surviving family members who develop Stevens-Johnson syndrome and/or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). These lawsuits allege that pharmaceutical companies were aware of the risk of serious complications like SJS and TEN, yet actively downplayed or even concealed them from the public and medical community, preventing them from having the information they needed to make informed medical decisions, and potentially endangering their health and safety.

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

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

The Pharmaceutical Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Diclofenac Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently investigating potential settlements in all 50 states.

Again, if your child or other loved one was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) after taking Diclofenac, you should contact our law firm immediately for a free case review. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit for legal fees and our defective drug lawyers can help with a free case evaluation.