Treanda Lawsuits

The cancer drug Treanda has been associated with the development of a rare and potentially life-threatening skin reaction known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

TREANDA LAWSUIT STATUS: The potential for Treanda litigation is being reviewed by Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers who investigate cases on behalf of people who suffer from the severe skin rash, as inadequate warnings may have been provided by the manufacturer.

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MANUFACTURER: Cephalon, Inc.

OVERVIEW: Treanda (bendamustine HCl) is a relatively new treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The injection, which was first introduced in early 2008, slows the growth and spread of cancer cells.

TREANDA SIDE EFFECTS: In April 2009, Cephalon disclosed in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that at least two users of their medication suffered from potential Treanda side effects that caused them to suffer severe cases of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), which had progressed to the level of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). At least one of the patients died as a result of the injury.

Both of the post-marketing reports involved patients who were using the medication together with allopurinol, which is commonly used during chemotherapy to treat hyperucicemia (excess uric acid in blood plasma) and its complications, including chronic gout. Allipurinol is a drug that is known to potenitally cause Stevens-Johnson Syndrome side effects.

According to the SEC filing, Cephalon plans to update the warning label for their medication to indicate that side effects of Treanda have been associated with the development of the SJS and TEN when the medication is taken with allipurinol. Similar warnings were already contained on other medications used to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia, such as Revlimid.

STEVENS JOHNSON SYNDROME / TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS: Commonly known as SJS and TEN, Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis are one of the most disabling conditions that can be caused by an adverse reaction to a prescription medication. The skin conditions are associated with the development of severe rash and blisters that can occur throughout the body, but most commonly on the mouth, eyes, ear, nose or genital areas.

Treanda Stevens-Johnson Syndrome side effects could cause the skin to burn from the inside out, requiring treatment in a hospital’s Intensive Care Unit or Burn Unit.

When skin lesions caused by SJS cover more than 30% of the body, the condition is referred to as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). This severe stage is associated with the top layer of skin detaching from the lower layers and could result in death.

Potential lawsuits are being evaluated by Treanda lawyers as a result of Cephalon, Inc.’s failure to properly warn about these debilitating and potentially life-threatening side effects.