Ibuprofen, the active ingredient in Advil, has been assumed to be safe to use for many years. However, patients do not expect a rare but serious possible Advil skin rash that may result in hospitalization or death.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a rare and dangerous reaction to certain medications. In this case, an Advil skin rash may develop into Stevens Johnson Syndrome in both children and adults.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome first begins as an Advil skin rash or a rash in reaction to another triggering drug. Before the rash even begins, however, a patient’s symptoms may look like the flu.

Then an Advil skin rash develops all over the body. Next, brightly colored lesions appear all over the body and cell death begins to occur. The epidermis begins to separate from the dermis and the skin can slough off of the patient’s body in large layers. This makes the patient highly vulnerable to infection.

This severe Advil skin rash also attacks the mucous membranes of the body including the eyes and mouth. The patient may suffer from permanent scarring and eye problems. Conjunctivitis, corneal blisters and holes as well as vision loss are possibilities for patients with Advil-induced Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

If this severe condition is not treated immediately it can progress into a condition known as toxic epidermal necrolysis, or TEN. Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a more severe form of Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Both require immediate medical attention and hospitalization.

Recovery from these conditions may take many months and large medical bills often accompany Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

This Advil skin rash is often difficult to diagnose as a reaction like this does not occur until seven to fourteen days after using the drug.

Advil has been available as a brand name drug since 1989. It has been used for decades to treat fever, inflammation and pain. It belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. NSAIDs like Advil block certain enzymes that make chemicals that are responsible for swelling and pain.

One study found that although the incidence of NSAID-induced Stevens Johnson Syndrome is very low, it is very serious when it does occur. Women, older individuals and patients in the first month of taking the medication seem to have an increased risk of developing an Advil skin rash that progresses to Stevens Johnson Syndrome, the study found.

If you or someone you love has developed an Advil skin rash after taking Advil for inflammation, pain or fever, you may benefit from speaking to an attorney experienced with Stevens Johnson Syndrome. You may be entitled to legal compensation.