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Stevens Johnson Syndrome Added to List of Chantix Side Effects
By Andrea Gressman
Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a severe condition that often results as an allergic reaction to different kinds of medication, so it should come with little surprise that the smoking cessation drug Chantix has also been linked to this disease. Previously there have been a number of Chantix lawsuits filed for the psychological side effects of Chantix such as depression and suicidal thoughts, but now lawsuits filed over Stevens Johnson Syndrome have been added to the mix as well. Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a very serious skin condition that is life-threatening. It causes the skin cells to die, which causes the epidermis (the skin’s outermost layer) to become separated from the skin below the epidermis (the dermis), which consists of the connective tissue. SJS is also a hypersensitivity condition that affects both the skin as well as the mucous membranes.
Although many who advocate for Chantix will say that the side effect risk of developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome from taking Chantix is very low, it was actually reported by the FDA in December of 2007 that almost 1,000 Chantix users had reported they had developed SJS as a direct result of taking Chantix.
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) went on to conduct a study regarding the link between Chantix and Stevens Johnson Syndrome. They used both the FDA adverse event reports as well as the Standardized Medical Queries (SMQ) provided by the pharmaceutical industry. They came to the following conclusions:
- During 2007’s fourth quarter there were 998 serious injuries in the United States reported to the FDA due to Chantix — more than any drug during that period of time.
- In those 998 serious injuries reported to the FDA there were both moderate as well as severe skin reactions.
- The FDA noted 338 serious injury events that included hives, the swelling of the tongue, eyes, face, lips, or another area.
- There were another 65 Chantix side effect victims that reported exfoliation of the skin and lips, blisters – early symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
It is also important to note that these Chantix side effect reports were given voluntarily by the Chantix users and those in the medical community. Because of this it has been estimated that only 1-10% of the Chantix side effect victims actually report their injuries to the FDA.
Knowing the Symptoms of Chantix Stevens Johnson Syndrome
If you or a loved one is currently taking Chantix it is important that you are aware of the side effects symptoms that indicate Stevens Johnson Syndrome may be in development. If you experienced any of the following Chantix side effects it is critical that you contact your health care provider right away. Some of these symptoms include the following:
- blisters, particularly around the eyes, nose and mouth
- burning sensation in the eyes
- cough
- facial and/or tongue swelling
- fever
- hives
- skin rashes (either red or purple)
- skin shedding
- sore throat
Filing a Chantix Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit
If you or your loved one has developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome because of Chantix you can receive a Free Legal Review regarding your potential Chantix lawsuit by visiting the Chantix Suicide, Heart Attack, Suicide Attempt & Stevens Johnson Syndrome Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation. Chantix lawsuits attorneys are standing by to review your claim and will advise you on your best course of legal action.
Updated January 22nd, 2013
All medical device, dangerous drug and medical class action and lawsuit news updates are listed in the Drug and Medical Device section of Top Class Actions.
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One thought on Stevens Johnson Syndrome Added to List of Chantix Side Effects
My wife contracted SJS or TEN after using Chantix. She was hospitalized for a month or more and was in treatment for a year or two. Her skin still shows massive scarring and the “wounds” still hurt her. She has them on all of her limbs. The doctors that initially treated her tried to tell us it was not Chantix related. This is probably 5 years ago. We never filed a law suit. We did try to sue the ambulance drivers since this condition manifested itself after she was brought to the ER having been handled abusively.
The city of Houston stood by there ambulance drivers,
Is there anything we can do at this late date, I feel terrible for believing the doctors and not having followed up sooner. She did restart a regimen of Chantix much later and it appeared that the SJS was returning so she quickly quit. Please tell me the statute of limitations has not expired or that the settlement is still an option.
Thanks.