In 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration instructed Johnson & Johnson, the makers of Tylenol, Motrin and other common painkillers to amend the warning labels on their products.
The FDA informed the public that acetaminophen is associated with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). An FDA senior official stated, “It is extremely important that people recognize and react quickly to the initial symptoms of these rare but serious, side effects, which are potentially fatal.”
Other drugs used to treat fever and pain, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen and naproxen, already carry warnings about the risk of serious skin reactions.
Children’s Motrin Causes SJS
Perhaps because they are more sensitive to drugs, a large number of Stevens-Johnson victims are children. In one devastating case, a family was awarded $63 million after a young girl was left permanently blind. Plaintiffs said the condition was directly caused by Motrin.
The jury determined that Johnson & Johnson failed to provide sufficient warnings about the serious side effects of Motrin. In fact, as of 2003, the over-the-counter medication for children contained no warning at all.
Johnson & Johnson has also been found liable in other major Motrin-related cases. In 2011, a California jury awarded a $48 million judgment, and in Philadelphia a court awarded $10 million to the family of a young victim.
Tylenol Lawsuits & Injury Settlement
The Lyon Firm is dedicated to assisting injured plaintiffs in a variety of drug injury cases and pharmaceutical defect lawsuits. Negligent drug companies may put dangerous medications to market, and gain FDA approval, before proper testing and drug trials can deem the drug safe for short or long-term use.
When drug companies are responsible for injuries and wrongful deaths, it may be necessary to contact an experienced product liability attorney to investigate with the help of national experts and consumer safety advocates. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost earnings, and other damages.
