Protonix May Cause SJS More Often than Warning Suggests

Protonix is a commonly-prescribed drug designed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, reflux gastritis (gastric reflux), gastric ulcers, gastroeseophageal reflux in infants and indigestion. It is prescribed to young children as well as to the elderly and everyone in between. Many of these users do not realize that Protonix side effects may include Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a potentially fatal allergic reaction.

SJS is a skin reaction but it can quickly turn into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) if not caught and treated in time. SJS can have a very high fatality rate because there is no cure for SJS, only treatment. It’s an incredibly painful experience that leaves many survivors blind and/or permanently deformed. SJS burns the body from the inside out, causing blister masses in wet regions such as the eyes (which leads to SJS blindness) and causing the skin to peel off in layers.

A study of 33,037 people who were prescribed Protonix was conducted to see just how common SJS is with the drug. Key factors were considered including the gender and age of the users, the severity of their SJS reactions, concurrent drug use, and how the Protonix victims recovered. Information from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) was used to piece together this massive study. However, not all Protonix side effects are necessarily reported to the FDA.

Currently, common Protonix side effects listed on the warning label include nausea, pain, breathing difficulty and dyspnea exacerbated. SJS is commonly reported in people who are suffering from convulsion, epilepsy, fever and high blood pressure. SJS is also a potential side effect of other non-related drugs.

As of Nov. 25, 2013, 33,037 people have reported Protonix complications to the FDA. Among those thousands of people, 113 of them had SJS. The vast majority of these people (81.25%), developed SJS while taking Protonix for less than one month. The remaining people developed SJS within one to 12 months of taking the drug. The majority of Protonix SJS sufferers were also women at 75%.

In terms of age, the majority of SJS victims were over the age of 60 at 65.60%. The second most common age range was 50-59 at 15.20% followed by 40-49 at 13.60%. A very small percentage of people were under the age of 40, and only 1.6 percent of victims were teenagers.

Generally speaking, SJS doesn’t play favorites with age or gender. Most people who used Protonix took it for gastro reflux disease, totaling 35 people or 30.97%. An additional 14 people or 12.39% had arthritis, 13 people or 11.5% had convulsions, and 12 people or 12.62% had nausea.

Finally, nine people or 7.96% had depression.Unfortunately, it’s fairly common for SJS to get misdiagnosed as a simple rash because it’s still relatively rare and many doctors haven’t seen it in person before. If quick medical attention isn’t given, the condition may become exacerbated. SJS victims are often treated in burn units where the body’s symptoms are treated in the hopes that the skin will get clean and healthy enough in order to rebuild itself.

Did You Develop SJS?

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with SJS while on Protonix or another drug, you may have a legal claim. Discover more by visiting the Stevens Johnson (SJS) & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) Class Action Lawsuit Investigation right now. After you submit your information, an attorney will contact you if you have a case for a complimentary SJS claim review.