Download Onfi linked to Serious Skin Reactions

Onfi linked to
Serious Skin
Reactions
Information about the risk of Stevens
Johnson Syndrome and Toxic
Epidermal Necrolysis
The attorneys at TorHoerman Law represent clients in lawsuits based on injuries received from taking the anti-­‐seizure medication Onfi. The drug has been linked to two potentially life-­‐threatening skin reactions. This information sheet is designed to provide Onfi patients and their caregivers a brief overview of serious side effects that may be linked to Onfi use. It is our hope that symptoms can be identified at the earliest possible date and discussed with medical professional to determine the right medical course of action. Link Between Onfi and Serious
Skin Reactions
Onfi is a prescription medication used to treat seizures, particularly those associated with Lennox-­‐Gastaut Syndrome, a severe, typically life-­‐long, seizure disorder. The drug, approved by the FDA in 2011, has been linked to two very serious related skin reactions: Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-­‐Johnson Syndrome (SJS). Onfi-­‐induced SJS and TEN are rare, but serious. These skin reactions cause the top layer of skin to separate from lower layers. This separation leaves the patient open to severe infection that can lead to multi-­‐system organ failure. Additionally, blisters typically form in the mouth, throat, genitals, and eyes. SJS and TEN are extremely painful and can cause long-­‐term physical damage, including disfigurement, scarring of the cornea, blindness, organ damage, and in severe cases, death. After learning of the relationship between Onfi and these diseases, the FDA issued a warning for patients taking Onfi and approved updated labeling to warn of these potentially life-­‐threatening side effects.
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Symptoms of Stevens-Johnson
Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal
Necrolysis
Patients are most at risk of developing SJS or TEN during the first eight weeks of treatment or when restarting Onfi after a period of time off of the drug. However, either disease can occur at any time, so it is important for patients and their caregivers to be vigilant and to contact a physician immediately if any of the following symptoms of SJS and TENS arise:
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Flu-­‐like symptoms, including fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, joint pain, decreased appetite, and general malaise;
Sore throat;
Rashes, especially red or purple rashes that spread from the face;
Swelling of the face or tongue;
Blisters on the body, especially on the mouth, nose, or ears;
Detachment or sloughing off of skin in sheets; and
Hives.
Typically, the flu-­‐like symptoms present first and are followed by a rash that often progresses into blistering and the sloughing off of skin.
Onfi Patients Should Consult
Their Physicians
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TorHoerman Law is a national drug, medical device and toxic tort law firm representing clients in 50 states. We are not afraid to take on the largest companies when they put profits ahead of safety. With over $300 million in verdicts and settlements, THL believes in justice for people. This handout is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice or a substitute for a physician visit. If you or your child is taking Onfi and any of the symptoms above appear, you should consult with a physician immediately for evaluation. Patients should not stop taking Onfi abruptly without medical guidance, as doing so can result in severe side effects like uncontrollable seizures, nervousness, and hallucinations.
This is attorney advertisement for TorHoerman Law.
For a free no obligation, no cost review of your legal rights, call toll free 1-844-921-0868
or email us at [email protected]