More than 120 Dilantin lawsuits have been filed by plaintiffs claiming that the epileptic seizure medication caused a life-threatening side effect known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

Dilantin (generic: phenytoin) is one of the most effective anticonvulsant medications and is often prescribed to patients undergoing brain surgery in order to prevent inadvertent seizures. However, patients filing SJS lawsuits claim they were not adequately warned by manufacturer Pfizer about the risk of developing the severe skin rash.

What is Dilantin SJS?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an allergic drug reaction that is considered a dermatological emergency. Initial SJS symptoms are similar to the flu as patients report experiencing chills, body aches and even a fever. However, what comes next has been described as horrific.

Dilantin SJS symptoms turn from body aches to a quickly spreading purple or red rash that develops across the skin and mucous membranes, especially on the trunk and face. The SJS skin rash requires weeks and even months of hospitalization as patients are treated in a similar method to burn victims.

If physicians can contain the Dilantin rash to 30 percent of the body it is considered SJS, but if the rash spreads beyond that it is then medically referred to as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Doctors must determine which medication is causing the allergic skin rash and if Dilantin is suspected they will urge patients to permanently avoid the medication.

About 300 patients are diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome each year in the U.S. Up to 15 percent of SJS victims will die due to injuries, while the advanced version of the skin rash TEN is fatal in 40 percent of cases.

Dilantin Health Risks

Dilantin was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2001 but it only took a few years for the federal agency to begin warning consumers about the risks of SJS and TEN.  Yet despite the agency’s warning, Dilantin lawsuits claim Pfizer has yet to update their warning labels to include the risk of developing either SJS or TEN as a side effect.

In addition to the skin rash, other reported Dilantin side effects include:

• Slurred speech
• Trouble with concentration
• Jerky eye movements
• Shaking hands
• Drop in coordination
• Difficulties with memory
• Nerve damage
• Bone weakness
• Gingival hyperplasia

Dilantin SJS Lawsuits

Those who have filed a Dilantin SJS lawsuit claim that the drug manufacturer knew of the SJS risks but intentionally omitted the information from the warning label. SJS attorneys seek to help victims recover from the high cost of treating Dilantin SJS in addition to financially compensating them for the pain and suffering they have endured.

Often times, filing an SJS Dilantin lawsuit is the only way patients can receive compensation for the injuries they have sustained. If you have suffered from SJS after being prescribed Dilantin, contact an SJS attorney to find out if you have a legal claim.

Families who have lost a loved one to Stevens Johnson Syndrome can also file a wrongful death lawsuit.