July 22, 2014 — Johnson & Johnson has lost an appeal of a $10 million jury verdict awarded to a girl who was severely injured by Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) after taking Children’s Motrin, according to Law360.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Brianna Maya, who was just three years old in 2000, when her parents gave her Children’s Motrin (ibuprofen) and Children’s Tylenol (acetaminophen) to treat a cough and fever, at the recommendation of their pediatrician.
Within days, Maya developed a rash all over her body and redness in her eyes. She ultimately lost 84% of her skin, suffered brain damage, and went blind in one eye. Her family was awarded $10 million for her injuries by a Pennsylvania jury in May 2011, according to ABC News.
The label on Motrin lacked warnings about SJS in 2000, when Maya took the medication. SJS is a severe hypersensitivity reaction that causes the uppermost layer of skin to detach. It can also cause blistering, skin sloughing, or damage mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, throat, and genitals. The most severe form is known as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).
Johnson & Johnson did not include warnings about SJS/TEN from Motrin until December 2005, when the FDA required warnings about allergic reactions, blistering, skin reddening, and a rash.
Johnson & Johnson has lost several lawsuits from other plaintiffs who accuse the drug-maker of concealing risk information about SJS/TEN, including:
- September 2011 — $48 million awarded to a Christopher Trejo, a man who used Motrin as a teenager in October 2005 and developed TEN.
- February 2013 — $63 million awarded to Samantha Reckis, a girl who lost 90% of her skin from SJS after taking Motrin in 2003.
Do I have a Children’s Motrin Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Children’s Motrin induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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