Skip to Navigation

Provigil Lawsuits

Provigil is a stimulant that is intended to help patients who suffer from sleep disorders, including shift work sleep disorder (SWSD), narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to physicians and consumers about the potential risk of the drug causing Stevens Johnson Syndrome — a rare disorder that causes the skin and mucous membranes to become sensitive to medication or infection.

Patients who have taken Provigil and have developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome or other adverse side effects may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering. In the event a victim dies due to serious side effects, his or her family can file a survival action and/or wrongful death claim. If you have suffered from the side effects of Provigil, it is important that you contact an injury lawyer as soon as possible to adhere to your state's statutes of limitations, which likely impose strict time constraints on the filing of your claim.

Compensation for Provigil Side Effects

Patients who develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome as a result of taking Provigil may be able to receive compensation to offset the costs of their medical expenses, lost income, lost prospects and emotional burdens. In many instances, patients need to take time off from work in order to properly care for their disease, which can lead to them being passed over for promotions and other career opportunities. It can also greatly interfere with their social lives and put a strain on relationships with loved ones.

In instances where compensatory damages seem inadequate, some patients may receive punitive damages as well, which are awarded to discourage the defective drug manufacturer from repeating this behavior. Juries typically award punitive damages if the defective drug manufacturers showed blatant negligence or disregard for consumers' safety.

Other Dangerous Side Effects

In addition to Stevens Johnson Syndrome, Provigil has recently been linked to several psychiatric disorders, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Mania
  • Hallucinations
  • Suicidal ideation

If you or someone you know develops any of these conditions while taking Provigil, it is important to contact a physician.

Filing a Provigil Lawsuit

Manufactured by Cephalon Incorporated, Provigil is an oral medication that treats sleep disorders and excessive sleepiness by suppressing the need to sleep while improving alertness. In many instances, however, physicians prescribe the drug to treat other conditions, such as attention-deficit disorder (ADD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, fatigue, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and cocaine addiction.

Research has found that Provigil can cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. The symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome include:

  • Blisters around the mouth, nose and eyes
  • Burning eyes
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Hives
  • Red or purple-colored rash that spreads quickly
  • Shedding of the skin
  • Skin irritation
  • Skin pain
  • Sore throat
  • Swelling of the face and tongue

In some instances, patients have experienced fatal complications of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, including lesions on the internal organs and organ failure caused by sepsis. The FDA is urging patients to contact their doctors immediately if they develop a skin rash or any other skin irritation while taking Provigil.

Many believe Cephalon failed to properly warn consumers and physicians of the risks associated with Provigil. As a result, some Provigil victims have filed personal injury claims against Cephalon, seeking compensation for the harm caused by the company's product.

Treating Stevens Johnson Syndrome

There is no standardized treatment for Stevens Johnson Syndrome, making it difficult to manage for patients who develop serious cases. In most instances, physicians focus on replacing fluids lost due to skin loss. They also take other measures such as applying cold compresses to heal blisters. Patients with severe cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome may require skin grafting, a procedure which removes sections of skin from one area of the body and attaches them to another area.

Defective Drug Attorneys

Patients who have been hurt by the side effects of Provigil should speak with a skilled personal injury attorney. Defective drug attorneys, who often work alongside wrongful death lawyers, help victims build strong cases against pharmaceutical companies. In some instances, victims are advised to join class action lawsuits, which have the potential to award millions of dollars in damages. A qualified Provigil lawyer can evaluate your case and determine if you are eligible for compensation.

[Last revision: September 21, 2009]



Did You Know?

Many scientists believe that genetics play an important role in the development of Stevens Johnson Syndrome. People carrying the gene HLA-B12 may be more susceptible to developing the disease.