Relafen Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit

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What is Relafen?

Relafen is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. The drug works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Relafen is manufactured and marketed by Carwin Pharmaceuticals Associates and was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1991.

What is SJS/TEN?

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) that are most often caused by medications including NSAIDs like Relafen, allopurinol, anti-epileptics, sulfa-containing antibiotics, β-lactam antibiotics, quinolones, and nevirapine.

How Can Relafen Cause Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

The exact mechanism of SJS/TEN is still not clearly understood by the medical community; however, one theory holds that altered drug metabolism in some patients triggers a T-cell–mediated cytotoxic reaction to drug antigens in keratinocytes. CD8+ T cells have been identified as important mediators of blister formation.

Signs and Symptoms of SJS/TEN

Within 1 to 3 weeks after initiating treatment with the offending drug, patients develop symptoms including malaise, fever, headache, cough, and conjunctivitis.

Discolored spots on the face then suddenly appear on the face, neck, and upper trunk. These spots are likely to appear elsewhere on the body, coalesce into large blisters, and slough over a period of days. Nails and eyebrows may be lost along with epithelium. Skin, mucosal, and eye pain are also common in patients with SJS/TEN.

Related Article: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit

Other Risk Factors

In addition to an increased risk in patients who take Relafen and other medications, the likelihood of Stevens-Johnson syndrome / Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis may be higher in bone marrow transplant recipients, in Pneumocystis jirovecii–infected HIV patients, in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, and in patients with other chronic rheumatologic diseases.

Is There a Warning About Stevens-Johnson Syndrome on the Relafen Label?

The following warning is included on the labeling of nabumetone products: "NSAIDs, including nabumetone tablets, can cause serious skin adverse events such as exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which can be fatal. These serious events may occur without warning. Patients should be informed about the signs and symptoms of serious skin manifestations and use of the drug should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash or any other sign of hypersensitivity."

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Treatment

Patients with suspected Stevens-Johnson syndrome should be transported to an emergency room immediately, and will likely be treated in an intensive care burn unit. Even after treatment, long-term complications of SJS may include scarring, eye and vision problems, and even death. Some studies predict a 3-15% mortality rate in patients with untreated SJS. Up to 40% of all patients who developed toxic epidermal necrolysis will die from complications.

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Get a Free Relafen 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 Relafen Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently investigating potential settlements in all 50 states.

Again, if you or a loved one was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) after taking Relafen, 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.