Throughout the country there have been an increasing number of class action law firms accepting Onfi Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) claims. Lawyers are encouraging patients affected by this devastating condition to seek legal counsel to see whether or not they have a claim.

The FDA issued a warning to Onfi’s manufacturer, Lundbeck, to include Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) on the drug’s label, and to provide warnings that these reactions can cause permanent skin damage, organ damage, and death. This order stemmed from the numerous injury reports it received indicating a possible correlation between Onfi and Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Onfi (Clobazam) is a benzodiazepine-based medication that is often prescribed to treat a severe form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Onfi is manufactured and produced by the European pharmaceutical giant Lundbeck, and has been used to treat  Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and other seizures for over a decade.

Following the FDA’s warning about the risk of Onfi SJS, law firms are also investigating potential Onfi SJS lawsuits on behalf of Onfi users who suffered Stevens Johnson Syndrome but luckily managed to survive it. With the number of potential Onfi SJS lawsuits growing, lawyers encourage victims to purse potential claims and to have a strong awareness of their bodies. AStevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis can be fatal if not diagnosed early and if allowed to progress to dangerous levels.

Healthcare providers warn that Onfi SJS and TEN risks are higher in children than adults, and that this condition will occur within the first eight weeks of starting the medication. It is important to note that these conditions start off with flu-like symptoms such as coughing and nausea, and that skin blisters will appear soon after. If a patient suspects they are suffering from SJS symptoms they should seek medical help immediately.

Overview of Stevens Johnson Syndrome

In a recent example of the devastating effects of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, a teen from California came down with SJS after ingesting her friend’s leftover antibiotic. Yaasmeen C. reports she had been feeling sick so she took her friend’s medication in hopes of feeling better, but soon suffered the consequences.

Yaasmeen developed severe burning rashes in her nose and throat, which led her to be hospitalized; her body was soon covered with blisters. As of December 11 when local news stations reported on her condition, she was covered in bandages, sedated and on a ventilator, and more than 70% of her skin was damaged by SJS blisters that caused her skin to “fall off” when touched.

Yaasmeen was diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome, which specifically occurs from an adverse reaction from one or more medications. Due to the nature of SJS blisters, the skin typically melts off the patients and often requires the same treatment as burn patients. Unfortunately, there is currently no method to predict which patients may have this reaction, but it has been observed that SJS is more likely to occur if the patient is sensitive to medication.

As for Yassmeen, she has been transferred to the burn unit of her hospital and has had to undergo several surgeries. Her family members have set up a GoFundMe account due to the devastating medical bills that are being incurred from this ordeal.

In extreme cases, Stevens Johnson Syndrome can cause potential organ damage, destroy eye tissue, cause blindness, and eventually lead to death. Blisters can also develop in the vaginal and anal areas, and can also cause patients to lose their hair and fingernails. In its more severe form Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, large patches of skin become attached and can allow these blisters to take up to 90% of skin surface area.

Victims that contract Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis from medication may have a legal claim against the drug manufacturer. Juries have awarded millions of dollars in compensation to SJS victims to help them pay for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.