Telaprevir Now Linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome
By Andrea Gressman
There have been a number of medications linked to the severe side effect Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Telaprevir has now been added to that list. Telaprevir, manufactured by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, is used to treat hepatitis C. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on December 19, 2012 that there would now be a black box warning on the packaging of Telaprevir regarding the side effect risk of developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), which can be fatal.
It has been advised that if a patient begins to experience a skin reaction while taking Telaprevir as well as one of its partner drugs used for treatment of hepatitis C, ribavirin and peginterferon, they should consult their physician right away. This is especially important when you experience a skin rash with systemic symptoms or basically a rash that progresses. It has also been reported that Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) patients who have died were situations where the patient continued taking the medication after they started developing the symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
The Telaprevir manufacturer, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, did announce that in the third phase of their clinical trials there were less than one percent of their patients that developed a serious skin rash side effect while taking Telaprevir in combination with the other hepatitis C medications. They also went on to say that they hospitalized each the patients affected and that they all recovered. However, the possible development of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is nothing that you should be taken lightly and despite the drug manufacturer’s results it is still advised that you consult your physician if you do develop a skin rash while taking Telaprevir.
What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)?
Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) can be potentially fatal and is typically the result of a reaction to some type of medication. Both over the counter and prescription medications have been linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS). When Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) becomes more severe it results in toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Both conditions are very painful and the patient usually has to be treated in a burn unit of a hospital due to the severe skin rash that is developed. The skin begins to slough off and severe blisters form. One common cause of death for Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) victims happens to be infection that is developed in the affected skin rash areas.
A person of any age can develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) but it seems that the elderly or children are most at risk. Also, those with AIDS are at a higher risk as well. It is also important to note that you can develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) from a medication that you previously tolerated without side effects.
Filing a Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) Lawsuit
If you or someone you know developed SJS or TEN after taking medication, either a prescription or over the counter, you need to know your legal options. Visit the Stevens Johnson (SJS) & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page right away to discuss the details of you potential Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) lawsuit. You can receive a free legal review with an experienced Stevens Johnson (SJS) & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) lawsuit attorney.
Updated December 24th, 2012
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One thought on Telaprevir Now Linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome
10 years ago I was under treatment for Hepatitis C.
5 years ago I started developing a rash and itching that I have to suffer with everyday since . I had a biopsy done on it. And the results came back that it is caused by pegasus interferon. A.
It is a 24 hour ,constant Itching and discomfort that is a predominant affliction in my life. Please let me know if I qualify for some kind of compensation.