Onfi, a medication used to treat Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, may cause serious side effects such as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) or Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS). According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these conditions may cause blistering, severe rashes and portions of the skin to fall off of the body.
If you or a loved one suffered from adverse side effects or complications such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome while taking Onfi, you may be entitled to pursue a claim and seek compensation for your injuries.
What is Onfi?
Originally introduced in the 1970s as an anti-anxiety medication, researchers found in the 1980s that it could also work as an anticonvulsant for those suffering from seizures. Although the drug was used widely throughout Asia and Europe, it was only recently approved to treat seizures in the U.S.
The medication, a benzodiazepine, is typically used to treat a severe type of epilepsy known as Lennox-Gastraut Syndrome. However, several patients have allegedly developed autoimmune reactions while taking the medication, including Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis and Stevens Johnson Syndrome. In these conditions, the body treats its own skin like a foreign invader and attacks it. In SJS, this can result in sores, rashes and ulcers as the body mistakes the skin for a dangerous, disease-causing organism. Unfortunately, between five and 10 percent of patients diagnosed from SJS die from the condition. In TEN, large patches of skin die and fall off of the body, causing injuries similar to burns.
The FDA reported that over 20 cases of these conditions were experienced in patients taking the medication, and each of the patients were hospitalized. Additionally, one patient was allegedly blinded and yet another died during treatment. The FDA has reportedly required the manufacturer to update the medication’s label to include information pertaining to the increased risk of Stevens Johnson Syndrome and other serious or life-threatening skin reactions.
Common side effects of Onfi include:
- listers on the nose, eyes or mouth
- Skin sloughing off the body
- Burning eyes
- Swelling of the face or tongue
- Painful blisters, hives or rashes
- Toxic Epidemal Necrolysis (TEN)
- Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
Possible Onfi Class Action Lawsuit
A class action lawsuit may be beneficial when a large number of plaintiffs have allegedly suffered the same complications and are seeking similar compensation awards. In these cases, it would not make sense for victims to file individual lawsuits; instead, the claims are consolidated into one class action lawsuit and simultaneously brought before the court. If compensation is awarded on behalf of the plaintiffs, it is typically evenly divided among the members of the class action lawsuit.
However, an Onfi class action lawsuit may not be beneficial for those who have allegedly sustained severe or unusual injuries, particularly if these plaintiffs decide to settle a lower settlement amount than what they would otherwise receive through an individual claim. In a class action lawsuit, one plaintiff represents the group, meaning that many victims are not eligible to bring their own claims before a jury and judge. A class action lawsuit investigation has begun to determine whether there is a possibility of bringing a mass tort claim against the manufacturers.
Plaintiffs filing lawsuits may be entitled to seek compensation for permanent injuries including scarring and blindness, lost employment or income, pain and suffering or medical expenses including recovery, rehabilitation or hospitalization. Additionally, if you have lost a loved one and you believe his or her death was directly caused by the medication, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim on his or her behalf and recover damages for out-of-pocket expenses such as funeral or burial costs, debts or outstanding medical bills.
Want More Information? Contact Us Today
If you or someone you love suffered injury after taking Onfi and developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome or if you would like to learn more about the most recent class action lawsuit, contact Attorney Group today. We will answer your questions to the best of our ability and help you to determine if you have a valid claim. Should we find that you may be entitled to recover damages for your injuries, we will connect you with an attorney who will assist you throughout the legal process.
