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Girl Awarded 10 Million In Lawsuit Against Motrin Part 1

Many parents give their children over-the-counter medicine in the hopes that it will make them feel better. Unfortunately, it can sometimes have the opposite effect when the over-the-counter medications have an adverse effect on the user.

This was the case for one family, whom a Philadelphia jury recently awarded $10 million in a personal injury lawsuit, after parents gave their 3-year-old daughter Children’s Motrin for a fever and it left her blind in one eye and in a burn unit fighting for her life.

Ten years ago, after properly administering the appropriate dosage of Children’s Motrin, what began as a rash turned into what the family now knows is Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TENS).

The child’s mother read the warning label, which made no mention of the risk of SJS and TENS. Stevens-Johnson syndrome results in blisters and the break down the mucus membranes of the cornea, mouth, rectum, vagina and urethra.

TENS, which is a more severe form of the syndrome, affects a larger percentage of the skin and mucus membranes. SJS and TENS are estimated to affect roughly one to eight out of a million individuals, ABC News reported.

The family’s lawsuit came down to the issue of what constituted an adequate warning to consumers regarding the possible risks of medication, and who is responsible when a medication is administered and taken correctly, yet still results in harmful consequences.

The child’s mother told ABC News, “I was astounded, […] I know that there’s a danger with any drug, but when you think of an over-the-counter medication, you always think of them being the safer ones because you don’t need a prescription. You just go to CVS or Walmart or Rite Aid, and pick one off the shelf.”

What effects have SJS/TENS had on the child’s life? And what other drugs may result in SJS/TENS? See the following post later this week to learn more.

Source: ABCNews.com “Motrin Lawsuit: Jury Awards Girl $10 Million for Burns and Blindness” Jane E. Allen, June 3, 2011.