Onfi Seizure Medication Facing Stevens Johnson Syndrome Allegations

While Onfi’s future in the United States looks promising, Onfi is already facing allegations that it may cause one of the biggest medical hurdles associated with older medications — Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS). SJS is a severe and rare allergic skin reaction caused by medication in patients. It can be fatal if not treated in time, and leave permanent damage if the condition progresses without intervention.

At this time, the number of Onfi lawsuits being filed is increasing due the occurrence of SJS in some patients. Despite the legal concerns, the company has yet to announce any effort to update Onfi’s warning label to include the potential risk of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

In the United States, Onfi is currently only approved to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Additionally, Onfi is also approved for certain therapies for epilepsy patients when first-line drugs do not work, and is also prescribed to children who are refractory to first-line drugs. Doctors do not recommend children younger than three take this medication.

What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

While it is currently unknown what exactly triggers this reaction among patients, many medical experts strongly believe that it from certain drug combinations. Recent studies have found that the patients who are at the highest risk are post-menopausal women who start using a medication in combination with something they are already taking. Medication allergies are not uncommon, but many patients are not aware they have the allergy until the reaction hits.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an extreme type of allergic reaction. Because early detection can greatly improve outcomes, doctors encourage patients to be on the lookout for any adverse side effects they could be facing. Stevens Johnson Syndrome often starts out with flu-like symptoms, with purple blistering around the body. In less than a week, 30 percent of the body’s surface area could be covered in purple blisters, which could lead to skin literally melting off, blindness and even death. Due to the nature of SJS injuries, many patients with Stevens Johnson Syndrome are treated in burn units.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is diagnosed in approximately 300 patients per year worldwide. While this is a small number from a global standpoint, the severity of the condition makes it particularly noteworthy. Therefore, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) highly encourages drug companies to include all possible side effects, including Stevens Johnson Syndrome, on the drug’s warning label.

File an Onfi SJS Lawsuit Today

If you believe that you or a loved one have been the victim of a Stevens Johnson Syndrome occurrence, you have legal options. Please visit the Stevens Johnson (SJS) & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. There, you can submit your claim for a free legal review and if it qualifies for legal action, a seasoned Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawyer will contact you for a free, no-obligation consultation. You will be guided through the litigation process at no out-of-pocket expenses or hidden fees. The Stevens Johnson Syndrome attorneys working this investigation do not get paid until you do.