Health Update

The physicians of El Camino Pediatrics want to address two issues that have received attention in the news.

Motrin and Stevens Johnson Syndrome

The first is regarding a lawsuit regarding Steven’s Johnson syndrome (SJS) against the manufacturers of Motrin (ibuprofen). SJS is a rare, but serious drug reaction that causes significant skin and mucous membrane damage and in this case, led to blindness. This reaction can be caused by 1000’s of other medications. Considering the number of doses of Motrin that are used nationwide and considering how valuable this medication is, we feel that it is safe to continue to use Motrin and other ibuprofen products for fever control and pain. As with any medication, rashes and ulcers in the mouth should be brought to the attention of your doctor.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome Foundation

Strattera and Liver Inflammation

The other issue is with Strattera, which is a non-stimulant drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There have been two reports of liver inflammation as! a possible side effect of this drug. Both resolved when the drug was discontinued and in 6000 patients studied prior to the drug’s release, no cases of liver inflammation were detected. The manufacturers of Strattera and leading psychiatrists in the local community do not recommend routine blood test monitoring of liver function. These episodes do serve to warn us to watch for signs of liver inflammation including right sided upper abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools and jaundice.