Anapol Schwartz Investigating Deadly Side Effects of Onfi

PHILADELPHIA – The Anapol Schwartz personal injury law firm is investigating warnings that were recently issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the anti-seizure drug, Onfi (clobazam). The FDA is advising the public that Onfi can cause Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TENs) which are dangerous and severe skin conditions. Patients who suffered from these conditions while taking Onfi are encouraged to contact the firm immediately.

Both SJS and TENs are medical emergencies that require immediate treatment to avoid death, sepsis and other dangerous complications. The FDA warns that SJS and TENs can develop at any time in both children and adults who use Onfi. All FDA reports of SJS and TENs have resulted in hospitalization. One case resulted in blindness, and one resulted in death.

"It is imperative that physicians and patients be warned of medications' side effects. This is especially so when the side effect risk is as serious as SJS and TENs," said Anapol Schwartz Partner Greg Spizer.

The drug's Warnings and Precautions section and Medication Guide have been updated to reflect the association of Onfi and SJS and TENs. The update urges that patients be closely monitored for signs of SJS and TENs, especially during the first 8 weeks of treatment or when restarting the drug. Symptoms may include severe and painful rash, blistering skin, peeling skin or sores in the mouth and hives.

Onfi is used to treat seizures associated with a form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. The FDA recommends physicians discontinue patient use of Onfi at the first sign of rash, unless it is clearly not related to the drug. Patients should talk to their health care professional before stopping Onfi.

About Anapol Schwartz
Anapol Schwartz is a national leader in product liability and pharmaceutical litigation, having successfully litigated thousands of cases in state and federal courts during the last 30 years. The firm has obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in successful verdicts, settlements and judgments on behalf of its clients.