A common over-the-counter medication has left a 10-year old boy blind after being hospitalized for a rare drug reaction known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or SJS.

The Daily Mail reports that Xander C. took Motrin, the brand name for ibuprofen, back in June 2014. Shortly after taking the drug, the boy developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome from Motrin.

Xander suffered a severe drug reaction, and over a five day period, he ended up hospitalized with a collapsed lung, bacterial pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and severe skin blistering and went into septic shock as a result of blood poisoning.

He also ended up losing most of his vision and has to wear sunglasses when he’s outside or in an area with bright lights due to the damage caused as a result of the drug.

Xander’s mom told Daily Mail that “Touching his skin was like swiping an iPhone. The lightest touch would see layers of it come off in your hand. He was blistering, peeling, burning from the inside out. It was devastating.”

She goes on to say, “Doctors said that he was the sickest patient [they] had. He was dying. His skin blistered and burnt and he developed lesions on his body.” Xander had to be put into an induced coma for three weeks in order to recover from his injuries.

It is been almost three years since Xander was first hospitalized due to Stevens Johnson Syndrome from Motrin. However, he is still suffering long-term effects as a result of his condition.

Daily Mail reports that Xander is no longer able to produce saliva, that the hairs lining his lungs are absent, and he is unable to cough or clear mucus from his chest. He uses a nebulizer three times daily to help him breathe. Xander also has been bullied as a result of his condition, the article states.

Symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome from Motrin

Stevens Johnson Syndrome can develop in response to just about any drug, however certain drugs have been more closely associated with the drug reaction.

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol), both commonly given to children and taken by adults due to its ease of being purchased over-the-counter are both linked with cases of SJS, as are anti-gout medications, antiepileptic medications, certain antibiotics and more.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome from Motrin and other drugs typically starts out with flu-like symptoms. The patient may experience fever, chills, pain, headache, insomnia, or malaise, symptoms often overlooked because they resemble the condition for which the drug was sought or individuals simply believe they are coming down with a cold or the flu.

After the flu-like symptoms are established, the characteristic Stevens Johnson Syndrome blisters begin appearing. They are typically red or purple lesions and may affect the mucous membranes, or any part of the body covered by skin. The rash spreads and causes the skin to peel off from the body, exposing sensitive tissue below. With SJS, up to 30% of the body could be covered in the rash; if more is covered, a condition known as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is diagnosed.

There is no cure for Stevens Johnson Syndrome from Motrin or other drugs. SJS is a medical emergency requiring hospitalization. Patients must immediately stop the offending drug and measures are taken by hospital personnel to stabilize the patient until the condition resolves itself. This can be days, weeks or months, depending on the severity of the situation.

The mortality rate of Stevens Johnson Syndrome from Motrin or other drugs is approximately 5% to 15%, and when Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis is diagnosed, the mortality rate jumps up to 25% to 35%.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome from Motrin or other drugs can present itself at any time, not just the first time a drug is taken, and patients taking Motrin or any other drug should be on the lookout for signs of this potentially devastating condition.

Taking Legal Action after Suffering Stevens Johnson Syndrome from Motrin

If you or a loved one developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome from Motrin use, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer to recover damages associated with your injury. A lawsuit can help recover losses related to medical expenses and hospitalization, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of spousal companionship, loss of earnings and earning capacity and more.

An experienced SJS attorney can provide a free case consultation and can assist you in understanding the legal paths available to you.