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

Drug manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety and efficacy of their products before marketing them for public consumption. Failure to do so is considered negligent and grounds for personal injury litigation. The law offices of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis and Overholtz boast some of the most experienced Pensacola, Florida personal injury attorneys. They have successfully represented and obtained substantial compensation for a number of patients who have been harmed by drugs. Contact AWKO law today at (888) 255-AWKO (2956) to get more information about your rights as a Provigil injury victim. The lawyers of AWKO Law are also some of the best wrongful death Pensacola lawyers. These gifted attorneys have helped many consumers who have been harmed by recalled medical products, such as defective drugs.