Provigil Side Effects

Provigil is a brand name for modafinil, a type of stimulant used for the treatment of sleep disorders and excessive sleepiness. Developed by Cephalon Inc. Provigil is designed to improve the alertness of its users while suppressing their need for sleep.

Although Provigil has proven effective in providing treatment for various sleep disorders, it has also been linked with the development of a serious side effect: Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS). This immune-complex-mediated hypersensitivity condition causes sufferers to experience inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes. Serious cases of SJS may be fatal.

FDA Issues Provigil Warning

The FDA has issued a warning to physicians and consumers about this potential link, advising Provigil patients to consult their doctor immediately if they develop a skin rash or experience another form of hypersensitivity.

Provigil is one of Cephalon’s most popular drugs. The pharmaceutical company recently gained FDA approval for a new drug designed to treat similar sleep-related conditions. The drug, Nuvigil, has already been linked with some of the same warnings that have been applied to Provigil. Patients taking Provigil or Nuvigil should consult their doctor to determine whether to discontinue use of the drug.

Clinical Application of Provigil

Provigil was approved by the FDA in 1998. It may be prescribed for the treatment of a number of sleep-related conditions, including:

• Narcolepsy
• Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD)
• Obstructive sleep apnea / hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS)

Physicians have also been known to prescribe Provigil for a number of off-label uses, including treatment of attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, general fatigue, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and cocaine addiction.

Provigil Lawsuits

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of using Provigil, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your pain and suffering. Drug manufacturers are responsible for measuring the safety and efficacy of their products before marketing them to consumers. Failure to adequately gauge potential side effects, or inform physicians and patients of them in a timely manner, is viewed as negligent behavior and grounds for legal action.

The law offices of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz boast some of the most experienced personal injury lawyers Pensacola, Florida has to offer. Contact AWKO Law today at 877 810 4808 to discuss your rights as a defective drug victim and determine your eligibility for compensation.