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Chantix® and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome (TENS)

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Since its FDA approval in 2006, Chantix®, a medication designed to help people quit smoking, has been found to cause a variety of serious, potentially fatal side effects. In May 2008, a non-profit medication watchdog group released findings that over 3,000 patients had developed severe health problems following use of Chantix®.

Among the life-threatening side effects associated with the Chantix® drug is toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TENS). Also known as Lyell's syndrome, TENS is a severe skin condition in which:

• The mucous membranes of the skin become seriously inflamed.
• The outer layer of skin (epidermis) separates from the underlying layers.
• The epidermis cells start to die and peel off of the body.

Given the severity of toxic epidermal necrolysis, Chantix® users should:

• Be aware of the symptoms of TENS so they know when to seek medical attention.
• Get emergency medical care and immediately discontinue use of Chantix® drug, should they develop TENS symptoms.
• Meet with a Chantix® lawyer, once they have recovered, to find out if they have a case against Pfizer, the maker of Chantix®.

Causes of TENS

Toxic epidermal necrolysis can be caused by:

• physical stimuli, such as UV light or radiation
• severe allergic reaction to specific medications, including Chantix®, anti-seizure drugs and penicillins
• viral infections, including HIV, hepatitis, herpes and typhoid.

Of these, TENS is most commonly caused by serious allergic reaction to medications.

Chantix® TENS Symptoms

In the first week or two that patients have TENS, symptoms will be non-specific and can include:

• a burning sensation in the eyes
• cough
• fever
• sore throat

As toxic epidermal necrolysis sets in, symptoms can include:

• a warm sensation on the skin
• blisters, especially around the mouth, nose and eyes
• facial and/or tongue swelling
• hives
• red rashes
• sagging skin (do to underlying inflammation)
• skin pain
• sloughing (a shedding of the skin)
• swollen, crusty eyes (This symptom can lead to vision problems and/or temporary blindness if TENS is left untreated).

TENS versus SJS

Although the medical community is currently debating the relationship between toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), most experts accept that TENS is a more severe form of SJS. Typically, TENS will be diagnosed when SJS skin-related symptoms affect more than 30 percent of the body. However, a skin biopsy will be crucial to confirming or ruling out an official TENS diagnosis.

Following a Chantix®-Related TENS Diagnosis

Emergency medical care will be essential to saving a patient's life. Once a patient's health is stable, it's a good idea for the injured Chantix® user to set up an initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in Chantix® lawsuits.

During this meeting, affected individuals can find out if they have a case against Pfizer and get advice on how to proceed with their claims.

To encourage injured Chantix® users to seek out the settlements they deserve, most experienced attorneys offer these consultations for free and will work on contingency so that plaintiffs won't have to pay for legal fees until they win their settlements.

Have you or a loved one been harmed by Chantix®? If so, contact us today to speak to an experienced lawyer for Chantix® injuries who will evaluate your case and fight to recover compensation for your losses.

 

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