What’s the Problem?

Advil is a brand name for the drug ibuprofen, which was approved by the FDA in 1974. The medication is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and works by reducing pain and inflammation by operating on certain hormones. Advil is widely used to treat pain and inflammation caused by many different conditions such as headache, joint pain, menstrual cramps or injuries.
Unfortunately, the ibuprofen in Advil is a known cause of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and its more severe version, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Though these conditions are rare, their effects can be devastating when they do occur.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Symptoms

Skin reactions to ibuprofen can include:

  • Rash
  • Hives
  • Facial swelling
  • Inability to eat and drink

These are often the first symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrosis. If you take Advil or other similar medication, you should discontinue use of the drug and contact your doctor immediately.
Additional symptoms of SJS and TEN include:

  • Sores in the mouth, eyes, throat or genitalia
  • Open lesions
  • Worsening body rash
  • Blistering
  • Detachment of skin
  • Unexplained or persistent fever

Treatment

Patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrosis will likely be required to quit taking Advil or other suspect medications. The patient is less likely to have long-term complications the sooner the drug is discontinued. SJS and TEN require hospitalization – preferably to an ICU or burn care unit. Nutritional and fluid replacement (crystalloid) will be administered by intravenous and nasogastric routes, which are reviewed and adjusted daily.

Lawsuit Allegations

In May 2006, FDA required manufacturers of Advil and other ibuprofen-containing medications to carry a warning (PDF) about an increased risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. However, patients who developed SJS or TEN after taking Advil have filed lawsuits alleging that the manufacturers failed to adequately warn of this risk sooner. Complaints also allege that the companies actively hid information regarding the risks of Advil from the FDA and public.

Can I Participate in a Class Action?

To date, no class action lawsuit has been filed over injuries allegedly caused by Advil, and it is unlikely that any such claim will be filed in the future. Our lawyers are currently only accepting potential individual lawsuits on behalf of injured parties. If you were diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrosis after taking Advil, you may be entitled to compensation to assist with medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Do I Have an Advil Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit?

The Class Action Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Advil lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new SJS cases in all 50 states.
Free Case Evaluation: Again, if you developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome after using Advil, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.

FREE Confidential Case Evaluation

To contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: (866) 223-3784.

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