The popular anti-inflammatory drug, Daypro, may be linked to a severe Daypro rash, or Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

Daypro, also known as oxaprozin and manufactured by Pfizer, is part of a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

NSAIDs are most commonly used to treat pain or inflammation caused by arthritis.

Daypro works by reducing hormones that cause pain and inflammation in the body. It reduces pain or stiffness associated with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and is associated with some side effects.

More frequent Daypro side effects include diarrhea, constipation, dyspepsia, skin rash and nausea.

Some Daypro users have experienced a very serious skin reaction called Stevens Johnson Syndrome. This Daypro rash is a severe skin reaction usually in reaction to use of a drug and is considered an emergency situation.

Daypro does include a black box warning, however the warning references both cardiac and GI complications. The black box warning does not list a Daypro rash or Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Developing a Daypro Rash

If a patient who uses Daypro develops a Daypro rash, like Stevens Johnson Syndrome, it is recommended that the patient seek out medical help immediately.

This type of Daypro rash, or Stevens Johnson Syndrome, is an autoimmune type disorder. It begins with flu-like symptoms but then progresses into something much more serious. After the flu-like symptoms, a rash and then brightly colored skin lesions develop.

This SJS Daypro rash causes cell death in the skin and creates a separation between the epidermis and the dermis. Stevens Johnson Syndrome also affects the mucous membranes of the body including the eyes and mouth.

Permanent scarring may occur on the body, but even more serious is the threat of severe eye complications. These complications include severe conjunctivitis, corneal blisters and holes, and vision loss that could lead to blindness.

If a SJS Daypro rash is not treated, it may turn into a condition called  toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). This occurs when Stevens Johnson Syndrome covers a larger portion of the body.

Many drugs can cause a Stevens Johnson Syndrome reaction, but NSAIDs like Daypro are often reported to be linked to SJS.

As extreme medical emergencies, SJS and TEN are considered conditions in need of immediate care.  A SJS Daypro rash may be life-threatening, but if the offending drug is stopped, symptoms may stop progressing. However, treatment for the severe SJS Daypro rash is necessary.

Treatments for SJS focus on controlling symptoms and reducing complications. For a severe Daypro rash like this, treatments often occur in the burn section of a hospital. Recovery can take many months.

Filing a SJS Daypro Rash Lawsuit

Pfizer and other drug makers have been sued for failing to warn patients about the risk of developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome from medication. If you have taken Daypro and have developed a SJS Daypro rash, you may have a legal claim.

SJS Daypro rash lawsuits hold drug companies responsible for negligent marketing and labeling practices, and seek compensation for hospital bills, pain and suffering, and more.