Chantix® and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
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Produced by Pfizer, Chantix® is a prescription drug that helps people quit smoking by preventing the brain from experiencing the pleasurable effects of nicotine. However, since its 2006 FDA approval, Chantix® has been found to cause a few, life-threatening complications, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS).
SJS is severe skin condition in which rashes and blisters on the skin eventually cause the outer layer of skin (the epidermis) to:
- separate from the lower layers of skin
- die
- peel off of the body
While SJS can be caused by viral infections (including HIV, herpes and hepatitis), in most cases, this potentially fatal condition is the result of an allergic reaction to a medication, such as Chantix®.
Due to the severity of SJS, it's vital that Chantix® users:
- Are aware of the symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome so they know when to seek medical attention
- Get emergency medical care, should they start developing SJS symptoms
- Discontinue use of Chantix® upon developing SJS
- Meet with a Chantix® lawyer, once they have recovered, to find out if they are entitled to compensation for their injuries.
SJS Symptoms
In its early stages before noticeable symptoms affect the skin, SJS is characterized by:
- burning, itchy eyes
- coughing
- fever
- sore throat
As SJS sets in, symptoms can include:
- blisters (particularly around the mouth, nose, eyes and genitals)
- facial and/or tongue inflammation
- hives
- red or purple rashes that spread around the body
- shedding (medically known as sloughing) of the skin
- skin pain
To confirm or rule out Stevens-Johnson syndrome, doctors will:
- gather information about a patient's medical history
- examine a patient's symptoms
- take a skin biopsy
Following a Chantix®-Related SJS Diagnosis
Injured Chantix® users will need to be hospitalized, likely in a burn or intensive care unit. To save SJS patients' lives, treatments typically include:
- antibiotics
- intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), an element of the blood administered intravenously (through the veins)
- pain medication
- skin grafts (Skin grafts are only needed in the most severe cases of SJS when large portions of the skin have already fallen off)
It can take several days to weeks for patients to fully recover from Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Upon recovery, injured Chantix® users should set up an initial legal consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney to:
- Find out if they have a legal claim against Pfizer.
- Hear more about settlements in cases similar to their own.
- Learn about the process of filing, compiling and winning a Chantix® lawsuit.
- Get advice about whether filing an individual case or joining a class-action lawsuit is best for their needs and circumstances.
Most Chantix® lawyers provide these initial legal consultations for free to encourage injured Chantix® users to pursue the compensation they deserve. Similarly, many will work on contingency so that injured plaintiffs don't have to pay legal fees until their case is settled. By pursuing a Chantix® lawsuit, injured individuals can get compensated for damages such as:
- past medical bills
- vital ongoing treatments
- pain and suffering
- lost income, lost earning capacity
Have you or a loved one been harmed by Chantix®? If so, contact us today to speak to an experienced lawyer who will evaluate your case and help you recover compensation for your losses.
