Joanna Szabo  |  October 5, 2015

Category: Legal News

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dilantin-icu-sjsDilantin, a popular anticonvulsant, has been associated with a severe allergic reaction known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), which has resulted in a rising number of lawsuits.

Dilantin (phenytoin) is  the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug for adults. Dilantin is prescribed to treat bipolar disorder, purporting to be effective in mood stabilizing, but according to a rising number of Dilantin SJS lawsuits, the side effects of Dilantin can be extremely dangerous, and sometimes fatal.

Injured patients and their families are filing Dilantin SJS lawsuits, alleging that Pfizer Inc., Dilantin’s manufacturer, failed to adequately warn consumers and the medical community of the dangerous and potentially fatal risks of Dilantin SJS.

These plaintiffs claim to have developed either Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS’s more severe and life-threatening form) as a result of taking Dilantin without proper warnings.

Dilantin SJS

Recent studies have shown that Dilantin (phenytoin), as well as several other anticonvulsants, can trigger SJS. Dilantin is a prescription medication manufactured and sold by Pfizer, Inc.

Dilantin’s packaging has included warnings about the risks of SJS since at least 2011, and even includes the potential risk of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). TEN is a more advanced, severe, and dangerous form of SJS.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an allergic reaction that causes the epidermis, or the top layer of skin, to develop severe and painful blisters. In cases of Dilantin SJS, this blistering and eventual peeling usually occurs a few weeks after using Dilantin.

These blistering rashes can lead to intense pain, eye problems, secondary skin infection (cellulitis), and/or damage to internal organs. In most cases of Dilantin SJS, patients suffer scarring and permanent disfigurement.

Because the symptoms of Dilantin SJS are similar to symptoms of burns, SJS patients are often treated in the hospital burn unit.

SJS symptoms include:

  • facial swelling
  • tongue swelling
  • hives
  • skin pain
  • a red or purple skin rash, spreading within hours to days
  • blisters on skin, mouth, nose, and/or eyes
  • shedding of skin

The more severe form of SJS called TEN involves victims having painful blisters on more than 30 percent of their bodies. TEN has a higher mortality rate than SJS. About 40 percent of those diagnosed with TEN die.

Dilantin SJS and TEN can lead to major eye problems, internal organ damage, and permanent skin damage. Some surviving SJS and TEN patients require major skin grafting to properly heal. Recovery periods can vary from days to months.

If you or someone you know has suffered from SJS or TEN as a result of using Dilantin, you may have reason to file a Dilantin SJS lawsuit to receive financial compensation for your medical, financial, and emotional suffering.

Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The SJS attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual lawsuit or Dilantin class action lawsuit is best for you. [In general, Dilantin lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.] Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.

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Help for Victims of Stevens Johnson Syndrome

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) after taking a prescribed or over-the-counter medication, you may be eligible to take legal action against the drug’s manufacturer. Filing an SJS lawsuit or class action lawsuit may help you obtain compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. Obtain a free and confidential review of your case by filling out the form below.

An attorney will contact you if you qualify to discuss the details of your potential case at no charge to you.

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Please note: Top Class Actions is not a settlement administrator or law firm. Top Class Actions is a legal news source that reports on class action lawsuits, class action settlements, drug injury lawsuits and product liability lawsuits. Top Class Actions does not process claims and we cannot advise you on the status of any class action settlement claim. You must contact the settlement administrator or your attorney for any updates regarding your claim status, claim form or questions about when payments are expected to be mailed out.