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Rituxan May Cause Serious Skin Infections. Parker Waichman LLP is investigating potential lawsuits on behalf of patients who experienced severe skin reactions such as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) after using Rituxan (rituximab). Rituxan is an intravenous medication used to treat cancer in the lymph cells and bone marrow or autoimmune diseases […]
Rituxan May Cause Serious Skin Infections. Parker Waichman LLP is investigating potential lawsuits on behalf of patients who experienced severe skin reactions such as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) after using Rituxan (rituximab). Rituxan is an intravenous medication used to treat cancer in the lymph cells and bone marrow or autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
However, TEN and SJS have been rarely reported by patients with autoimmune diseases, Roche Registration (maker of rituximab) issued in a communication in April 2013. Severe skin reactions, including fatal cases of TEN, have been reported very rarely in patients with haematological malignancies, as well, the company reported. (This is already included in rituximab’s product information.)
The drug, which is manufactured by Hoffmann-La Roche Limited, has been associated with severe skin reactions.
According to a Public Communication issued by Health Canada on February 23, 2013, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome have been reported in some patients who used Rituxan. Some cases of these severe skin reactions were fatal. Health Canada has warned that TEN and SJS may occur on the day the drug is administered or appear as much as four months later. If you or someone you know suffered TEN or SJS after using Rituxan, our attorneys would like to speak with you. Call Parker Waichman LLP today for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your case.
SJS is a potentially fatal skin disease that is caused by a drug reaction. In both SJS, cell death causes the epidermis layer of the skin to separate from the dermis. SJS is thought to occur due to a hypersensitivity to a medication affecting the skin and mucous membranes beneath it. The condition often causes a painful red or purplish rash that spreads and blisters; ultimately this causes the skin to die and shed. Prior to the rash, patients may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough or burning eyes. According to Mayo Clinic, typical signs of SJS include:
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is considered a medical emergency that usually requires hospitalization. Complications of SJS include secondary skin infection or cellulitis, sepsis, eye problems, damage to internal organs, permanent skin damage and death.
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis is a more severe form of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. They are clinically similar except for their distribution; in SJS changes affect less than 10 percent of the body while TEN patients typically suffer changes that affect more than 30 percent of the body. There is thought to be some overlap between the conditions. About 15 to 30 percent of the involved body surface area is considered to be SJS-TEN overlap. As with SJS, TEN may start out with flu-like symptoms such as coughing, fever, headaches or achiness. Patients with TEN typically suffer from:
Most cases of TEN fatalities stem from infection. This can occur when the skin separates from the other layers of the flesh and becomes exposed.
The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).