FDA Warns Consumers about Tylenol Skin Reactions

Last week, the FDA added a new warning about acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, the prescription painkiller Vicodin, and other pain relievers. The FDA announced that acetaminophen can cause rare but serious, and even deadly, skin reactions in some users. The skin reactions include Stevens - Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). Tylenol is one of the most popular and widely-used pain medications in the U.S. From now on, however, Tylenol and any other medications containing acetaminophen will carry warnings concerning the risk for these skin diseases.

SJS is a skin disease characterized by small red or purple blisters accompanied by thickened skin. It is an inflammatory disease which is caused by an allergic reaction. TEN is a much more dangerous condition in which the skin can peel off the body in sheets. Both of these conditions may start out with a rash and flu-like symptoms and generally require hospitalization. In TEN, skin damage can spread to the body's mucous membranes and can be fatal. AGEP is a less serious skin condition characterized by a fever, rash, and pustules forming on the skin. It generally resolves within a few weeks after the acetaminophen usage is stopped. All of these reactions can occur in first-time users as well as in those who have previously used the drug. Anyone developing any type of rash or skin condition after using acetaminophen should immediately stop its usage and seek medical attention.

Earlier in the year, a jury awarded $63 million to a Massachusetts teenager and her family when the teen developed TEN a decade earlier after taking Motrin. The girl lost 90 percent of her skin as well as her eyesight and sustained brain damage from the event.

Personal Injury Firm in Modesto, California

Many medications as well as medical devices have proven to be dangerous and even deadly to consumers in the past few decades. Those who have been injured or suffered health damage have often required extensive medical care including surgeries to repair the damage. These people often seek financial compensation for their damages and losses through personal injury claims and lawsuits.

The Law Offices of Steven A. Fabbro, serving clients in and around Modesto, offers competent and dedicated legal service for those who have been harmed through the negligence of others, including negligent pharmaceutical companies. The firm has more than three decades of experience in fighting for the rights of the injured and has recovered more than $300 million in settlements and verdicts. Because of his outstanding legal ability and client service, Mr. Fabbro has earned the highest rating (AV Preeminent) from Martindale-Hubbell as well as other accolades. If you believe you have a valid personal injury claim, contact the firm for a free case consultation. You will pay nothing until your case is satisfactorily resolved.