Zyloprim Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit

What is Zyloprim?

Zyloprim is a prescription drug that treats gout or kidney stones. It can also prevent high uric acid levels after chemotherapy. The medication works by decreasing uric acid levels in the body. Zyloprim is manufactured and marketed by Casper Pharma LLC and was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August 1966.

What’s the Problem?

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are rare and unpredictable diseases that are usually triggered by an abnormal response to medications like Zyloprim. Symptoms of SJS/TEN usually begin about 1 to 3 weeks after you start taking the offending drug. The initial flu-like illness (fever, cough, headache, skin pain) is typically followed by a rash and then peeling.

Zyloprim-induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: Study

A July 2022 study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics [2.] looked at a spontaneous reporting database to identify reports of SJS/TEN associated with the use of allopurinol, the active ingredient in Zyloprim, in Vietnam between 2010 and 2019.

Among a cohort of 72,822 patients registered in the Vietnam National Drug Information and Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Centre, at least 392 were diagnosed with SJS/TEN, of which, 65 cases (16.6%) were linked to allopurinol. The signals of allopurinol-induced SJS/TEN identified by the researchers 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).

The researchers concluded that correction of medical errors relating to prescription could prevent over 60% of SJS/TEN cases in allopurinol users. “This is a feasible and practical solution, provided that there would be a systematic change in both healthcare systems and public awareness,” the authors said.

Related Article: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit

Zyloprim-Induced SJS: Study

Another study published in December 2018 in the American Journal of the Medical Sciences [1.] looked at the case of an 85-year-old Han-Chinese female who developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome after taking Zyloprim for 8 days before being hospitalized. The patient had concomitant acute viral illness which complicated her condition, ultimately causing her to suffer from acute renal failure and hemodynamic compromise.

$6 Million Verdict in SJS Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

In August 2011, a California jury awarded $6 million in a medical malpractice lawsuit filed on behalf of an 82-year-old woman who developed SJS/TEN after her doctor prescribed her Zyloprim for gout, which she was incorrectly diagnosed with.

The plaintiff claims that an osteopathic physician put her on Zyloprim to treat gout, without a differential diagnosis and appropriate monitoring for an adverse reaction. She alleges that the physician’s diagnosis was incorrect for the pain she described in her toe.

As a reaction to Zyloprim, the plaintiff developed SJS and then TEN, according to the lawsuit. As a result of her injury, the plaintiff claimed that she is now dependent on others for her basic daily living requirements.

SJS/TEN Treatment

Patients with SJS or TEN must be treated in a hospital emergency room. The offending medication must be discontinued and palliative treatment administered to address the symptoms.

If available, SJS/TEN patients should be treated in the hospital’s burn unit because the skin of affected individuals resembles that of individuals who have been burned. If a burn unit is not available, these patients will be treated in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Interventions, which are set in place to stabilize the patient, typically include pain management, wound care, intravenous hydration, nutrition, and other procedures to keep them stable as the offending drug wears off.

FAQs

Can I file a lawsuit if I developed SJS or TEN after taking Zyloprim?

Yes, individuals who have developed SJS or TEN after taking Zyloprim may be able to file a lawsuit. Consult with a personal injury attorney specializing in pharmaceutical litigation to evaluate your case.

What evidence is needed to support a Zyloprim SJS lawsuit?

Evidence includes medical records documenting the diagnosis of SJS or TEN, proof of Zyloprim prescription and use, expert medical testimony linking the medication to the condition, and documentation of related expenses and losses.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit for SJS or TEN caused by Zyloprim?

The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit varies by state but is typically between one to three years from the date of diagnosis. Consult with an attorney to ensure timely filing.

What compensation can be sought in a Zyloprim SJS lawsuit?

Compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, long-term care costs, and potentially punitive damages if negligence is proven.

Related Articles:

• Remicade Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit
• Relafen Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Attorney
• Topamax Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit

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

Get a Free Zyloprim 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 Zyloprim 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 Zyloprim, 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.