A medication designed to treat a rare form of epilepsy has caused many individuals, including children, to develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome, a severe and sometimes fatal skin condition. The drug, Onfi, has been under investigation for causing Onfi SJS and other dangerous skin reactions.

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a form of epilepsy that is first found during early childhood. Onfi was manufactured by Lundbeck LLC in order to treat this condition. While the drug has been useful for many individuals who suffer from Lennox-Gastaut, many have experienced Onfi SJS.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a dangerous skin condition that is almost always caused by a severe allergic reaction to a medication. Early signs of the autoimmune disease begin with basic flu-like symptoms before developing into a red or purplish rash that often spreads across the body. SJS side effects may cover up to 30 percent of the skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, throat, etc.). The rash turns into painful blisters that literally cause the skin to burn off from the inside. This leaves the body especially susceptible to secondary infections and sepsis (blood infection).

Most SJS patients, including Onfi SJS victims, are left with permanent scars, organ damage, or even blindness. Five to 15 percent of all SJS cases are fatal, but the condition may be treated if the patient goes to the hospital immediately.

If the scars and blisters cover more than 30 percent of the body, the condition is then called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). TEN is considerably more painful and dangerous than SJS. Also caused by an allergic to a drug, such as Onfi, TEN can cause an individual to lose large amounts of skin. Skin becomes loose due to the large amount of fluid and sloughs off the body in sheets. Up to 40 percent of TEN cases are fatal.

Though SJS and TEN are relatively rare, their severity and lack of warning has caused many individuals to take action against drug manufacturers for failing to warn against SJS side effects.

Onfi SJS Lawsuits

Many individuals have filed Onfi SJS lawsuits after experiencing painful SJS side effects. Plaintiffs have claimed that Lundbeck failed to warn them about Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis and were negligent in their actions towards the medical community and consumers of Onfi.

Wrongful death lawsuits may be filed by family members who lost a loved one to Onfi SJS or TEN. Parents have also filed Onfi SJS lawsuits on behalf of their child who took Onfi to treat their severe epilepsy.

An Onfi SJS side effect class action lawsuit investigation has been launched.