Arthritis patients who treat their symptoms with Arthrotec may be putting themselves at risk for Arthrotec Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Some Arthrotec Background

Arthrotec is used to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in patients who are at a high risk of developing gastric and duodenal ulcers that can result from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs.

Arthrotec is a combination of two medications known generically as diclofenac and misoprostol.

Diclofenac is an NSAID. It works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. For patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, diclofenac may provide relief from pain, swelling, tenderness or stiffness.

Like other NSAIDs, diclofenac can be rough on the digestive system. For that reason, Arthrotec includes a dose of the prostaglandin medication misoprostol. By reducing the amount of acid in the stomach and protecting the stomach lining, misoprostol helps prevent diclofenac from causing ulcers.

Arthrotec Stevens Johnson Syndrome

One potential side effect that Arthrotec shares with other NSAID-based drugs is Stevens Johnson Syndrome.  Though SJS is rare, when it does happen it can leave the patient with permanent residuals and may even put their life in danger.

The first signs and symptoms of Arthrotec Stevens Johnson Syndrome may sometimes be mistaken for a case of the flu. For one or a few days, the patient may have fever, cough, fatigue, body aches, and sore mouth or throat.

Then the symptoms characteristic of Arthrotec Stevens Johnson Syndrome set in. The condition is known for a rash that breaks out over the torso and spreads to the rest of the body. Areas of skin may form blisters that enlarge and peel away, exposing the lower layers of skin beneath.

This loss of skin puts the patient at risk for infection – not just infections of the skin, but also potentially deadly systemic infections that can lead to shock or organ failure.

Mucous membranes are also vulnerable to Stevens Johnson syndrome symptoms. These soft tissues that line the inside of the eyes, digestive system and respiratory system may develop lesions that make breathing, swallowing or ordinary vision extremely painful.

The Mayo Clinic advises persons who may be at risk for Arthrotec Stevens Johnson Syndrome to seek emergency medical care if they experience any of these signs or symptoms:

• Unexplained widespread skin pain
• Facial swelling
• Blisters on your skin and mucous membranes
• Hives
• Tongue swelling
• A red or purplish skin rash that spreads
• Shedding of your skin

Arthrotec Stevens Johnson Syndrome puts the patient at risk for a substantial amount of harm. In addition to the profound physical damage to their body, the condition may cause deep emotional harm and severe pain and suffering.

Patients who undergo treatment may have to be hospitalized for days, weeks or more, racking up enormous medical bills while at the same time missing work.

Persons who suffer from Arthrotec Stevens Johnson Syndrome may be in a position to bring a legal claim against the manufacturer.

Products liability claims like these are often based on the idea that the manufacturer failed in its duty to properly inform the patient about the risks associated with the medication.

A consultation with a knowledgeable products liability attorney can give Arthrotec Stevens Johnson Syndrome patients a good idea of what their legal options are.