Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is one of the most devastating side effects a patient can suffer from a medication, leading to potentially fatal consequences.

There are approximately 300 cases of this condition diagnosed per year, with experts warning that children are more vulnerable to the harsh SJS symptoms.

In one recent example, a mom from Florida was forced to witness her young daughter suffer the consequences of SJS, after the girl was prescribed pediatric Motrin.

The little girl, Riley B. is described as a very happy and optimistic child, who has had to remain vigilant since she was just three years old. At that time in 2010, Riley suffered an allergic reaction to Children’s Motrin and had to be hospitalized.

Her mother describes how her daughter’s skin was severely burned, and had lost over 30% of her skin in total. Her organs also lost their protective outer layers, which left her blind in one eye and left Riley with an overall sensitivity to sunlight.

What is SJS?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an allergic reaction caused by medications, which is often identified by the red or purple skin lesions that appear on the patient’s skin.

These lesions then peel off, exposing the patient’s inner tissue to potential infection. This condition is known for progressing at a fast and aggressive rate, often leaving patients near blind and with permanent skin damage.

Due to the nature of this condition, patients are often treated in the burn units of hospitals. If not caught in time, Stevens Johnson Syndrome can be potentially fatal.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome Allegations

While Riley survived SJS, it has not been without its challenges for the family. The little girl must now wear a hat and sunglasses, and often asks why her friends shield her from the sun, when they walk outside.

After researching Stevens-Johnson Syndrome herself, the girl’s mother became convinced that her daughter’s condition had directly resulted from her daughter’s Motrin prescription.

The mother claims that no where on the drug’s warning label, did it warn against Stevens Johnson Syndrome or its early symptoms. The mother insists that she never would have allowed her daughter to take Motrin if she had known the risk.

SJS Lawsuit

Riley’s mother is filing legal action against Johnson & Johnson, and its McNeil division, for failing to warn her against Motrin SJS. The plaintiff is further encouraged by the fact that this pharmaceutical giant has lost similar lawsuits, and that multiple medical sources have stated that SJS is specifically caused by an allergic reaction to medication.

By filing the SJS lawsuit, Riley’s mother is not only seeking financial compensation, but is also hoping her lawsuit will help spread awareness of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

The plaintiff wants the public to be aware of the early SJS symptoms, such as mouth or eye pain. Medical experts have also warned that early indicators of SJS are flu-like symptoms, which will appear between the first two to eight weeks of starting the drug.

Despite how vital this information would be for the Motrin label, it is currently not available. Riley’s mother states that the company needs to acknowledge the fact that SJS can occur from their medication due to how deadly it is.

Furthermore, she is hoping that the FDA will require people to submit adverse events reports, so experts could have a more accurate reading on how often SJS may actually occur. By doing this, drug companies will be held accountable for SJS side effects patients may suffer from using their products.

As of now, McNeil has released a public statement regarding Riley’s situation. In the statement, the company sympathizes with the girl’s family but insists that the company had given proper disclosure regarding Motrin.

The company also points out that the active ingredient in Motrin, Ibuprofen, has been used for decades without much incident and that the likelihood of getting SJS is very low. Overall, the company admitted to no wrongdoing.