Onfi (Clobazam) is a benzodiazepine anti-epileptic medication, which is often prescribed to treat various forms of epilepsy such as Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. For over a decade, Onfi has been one of the most popular choices of medication for epilepsy for its effective and fast-acting treatment, but it has recently been associated with severe side effects such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

While Lundbeck proudly manufactures this drug and reaps its financial rewards every year, it has garnered massive criticism for an alleged association with Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Currently, the Onfi warning label does not include SJS as a possible side effect, which has led to numerous Onfi SJS lawsuits against the company.

Lundbeck and other pharmaceutical companies have been the subject of legal action because of this reaction, mainly due to the fact that they omit SJS as a possibility from the labels of certain drugs. For example, fellow anticonvulsant drug Lamictal, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, has become infamous for potentially inducing Stevens Johnson Syndrome. From another medication group, the popular antibiotic Zithromax, has also been accused of causing this reaction.

However, Onfi is one of the most thoroughly documented medications to cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome, prompting a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning and numerous Onfi Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuits.

On Dec. 3, 2013, the FDA announced that it had identified 20 cases of Onfi SJS, with six cases being from the United States, which reported patients developing either SJS or TEN after using Onfi. Five of the American cases were children, with two of the worldwide cases resulting in death, though Onfi SJS was not conclusively stated to be the cause. Reportedly, the patients in these injury cases had been on more than one medication, and the additional drugs were also associated with SJS or TEN.

With the awareness of Stevens Johnson Syndrome increasing every day, an growing number of patients may choose to file Onfi lawsuits, claiming that these pharmaceutical companies had the responsibility to warn their patients of any and all side effects associated with their products.

Overview of Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an extreme allergic reaction, which is specifically caused by an adverse reaction to one or more medications. This condition is characterized by red or purple skin lesions left on the skin, and then causes the infected areas to detach. This exposes various muscles and skin to possible infections, as well as other complications.

Typically, this condition can cover up to 30 percent of skin surface area, but can also cause damage to the eyes and other mucus areas of the body. In contrast, its more severe cousin Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), can cover up to 90 percent of skin and tends to be much faster in progression.

SJS and TEN can be fatal if not treated in time, or patients may be left with lifelong scarring at the very least. However, if a patient is diagnosed with either SJS or TEN too late, they will most likely need to be treated in the burn unit of hospitals to replenish lost skin, and will have to be under constant medical surveillance.

Healthcare experts warn that if a patient were to get Stevens Johnson Syndrome, then it would appear within two to eight weeks of starting a medication. It is an extremely rare condition, and is more commonly seen in adults than children. Currently, medical experts are unsure why SJS only occurs in certain patients, but believe patients are more vulnerable if they have a family history of drug sensitivity.

Regardless of the reason, healthcare providers state that SJS should be listed as a possible side effect on any drug that has been reported to cause the reaction.