Diclofenac Side Effects May Trigger SJS, TEN

The anti-inflammatory drug Diclofenac is used to treat actinic keratoses and the pain and swelling caused by osteoarthritis. Diclofenac side effects vary, but some of the scariest potential side effects of Diclofenac are the potentially life-threatening autoimmune diseases Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

Diclofenac belongs to a class of drugs called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), which relieve pain and inflammation. NSAIDs lack the side effects of steroids, which can suppress the immune system. Additionally, these drugs are theoretically not addictive like narcotics.

Diclofenac side effects may cause serious autoimmune reactions. In an autoimmune reaction, the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, treating these tissues like bacteria or viruses. In the case of SJS, the body attacks the skin. SJS starts with flu-like symptoms, including a fever and aches. However, it rapidly transitions to a painful skin rash, complete with sores and ulcers. In some cases, the reaction spreads to the eyes and internal organs. In some cases, the reaction can kill. Even survivors face lifelong complications. The damage to the skin can cause lifelong disfigurement and disability. The damage to the eyes can cause permanent blindness.

The most serious cases of SJS progress to TEN. In TEN, patches of the skin die and slough off, leaving injuries similar to thermal burns. In fact, intensive care units usually treat patients with TEN in their burn wards, since the damage is so similar. In TEN, the mortality rate can jump as high as 40 percent.

Many aspects of SJS and TEN elude physicians. Their exact cause of these reactions is unknown, but it appears that a genetic component has some role. However, the exact combination of alleles that triggers SJS and TEN is unknown. It is known that in almost all cases, these autoimmune reactions are triggered by exposures to various drugs, including Diclofenac.

Lawsuits have been filed by patients and surviving family members who develop SJS and TEN. These lawsuits allege that the manufacturers were aware—or reasonably should have been aware—of the risk of serious complications like SJS and TEN. The lawsuits further allege that the manufacturers not only knew about the risks, but actively downplayed or even concealed them from healthcare professionals and patients, preventing them from having the information they needed to make informed medical decisions, and possibly endangering their health and safety.

Help for Victims of Stevens Johnson Syndrome

If you or a loved one took Diclofenac or another medication and developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), you may be eligible to take legal action against the drug’s manufacturer. Filing a Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuit may help you obtain compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering and other damages. Learn more and obtain a free case evaluation at the Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Class Action Lawsuit Investigation.