$48 Million Verdict in Motrin Case

A 22-year-old man was awarded $48 million earlier this month by a California jury.  After taking Motrin for less than one week to get rid of aches and alleviate a fever in October 2005, the man developed a drug-induced reaction called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) which damaged his mucosal membranes, which protects the body from infections, and caused severe pulmonary damage, near-blindness, infertility, whole-body scarring and hypoxic brain injury.

The lawsuit accused McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, of failing to warn consumers of the risk for skin disease or other severe reactions associated with the use of Motrin.  The company also failed to alert consumers that if they experienced signs that indicated any adverse reactions to the drug, they should discontinue using it and seek immediate medical attention.

Messa & Associates is currently representing the family of a woman who at the age of 9 was given Children’s Motrin for a headache, stomach pains and fever.  She developed a rash on her cheeks but continued to take the Children’s Motrin for four days after the rash first appeared because of the lack of any warning labels on the bottle.  When she was finally hospitalized, she was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Vanishing Bile Duct syndrome (VBDS).  The woman also has suffered other severe injuries and was required to undergo a liver transplant as a result of liver failure.  In addition, her reproductive organs were scarred as a result of the SJS causing a loss of fertility and increasing her risk for cervical cancer.

Motrin, a trade name for ibuprofen, is used to reduce fever and mild pain.  In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordered that labels be added to the bottles warning consumers about skin reddening, rashes and blisters as a result of using ibuprofen.

Our attorneys are available to handle cases involving skin disorders or other injuries related to Motrin or other ibuprofen products.  We have handled dozens of cases involving drugs and drug product injuries and obtained verdicts and settlements for victims suffering from these injuries.  If you or a loved one has used Motrin or any other ibuprofen product and suffered serious illness or death, please contact us at 1-877-MessaLaw or visit us at www.messalaw.com.