Dilantin (or generic Phenytoin)is an anti-convulsant medication taken by many individuals to manage seizure disorders. However, while many consumers have found success managing their seizures by using Dilantin, a number of patients have experienced severe Dilantin side effects, including a painful skin condition known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

Dilantin SJS victims experience several injuries and complications, including SJS rashes and burns, sores and blisters, skin peeling, and sometimes even death in extreme cases. In light of the severe physical, mental, and emotional trauma many Dilantin SJS victims are put through when they develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome, many patients or their family members have filed Dilantin SJS lawsuits.

To date, at least 100 Dilantin lawsuits have been filed in state and federal courts and have resulted in settlements awarding Stevens Johnson Syndrome victims millions of dollars.

Dilantin Stevens Johnson Syndrome

The anti-convulsant drug Dilantin was approved by the FDA in November 2001 as a seizure treatment for a number of disorders and conditions. However, since its inception Dilantin has been accused causing some patients to develop a painful and deadly skin reaction. Numerous adverse effect reports have been filed with the FDA, the World Health Organization, and Health Canada concerning incidences of Dilantin and phenytoin causing Stevens Johnson Syndrome reactions.

Dilantin is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc. and the generic version (phenytoin) is manufactured by Mylan Pharmaceuticals and Baxter Healthcare. All three manufacturers have been hit with Dilantin SJS lawsuits for allegedly failing to warn patients and the medical community about dangerous Dilantin side effects.

Dilantin SJS Side Effects and Complications

Dilantin is just one in a list of drugs that have been known to cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome and the related disease Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). SJS is a milder form TEN, and when SJS rashes and burns cover over 30 percent of a patient’s body, at which time skin begins to fall of the body in swathes, the patient is considered to be suffering from TEN.

Patients who develop TEN have a greater chance of dying from the affliction. According to SJS studies, 5 to 15 percent of patients die from Dilantin SJS side effects, while 30 to 40 percent of TEN patients meet a fatal end.

Some SJS and TEN symptoms that patients should look out for when taking Dilantin or Phenytoin include:

• Flu-like symptoms (such as fever, sore throat, cough, burning eyes)
• Red or purple skin rash
• Hives
• Blisters on the skin and mucous membranes (especially in the mouth, nose, and eyes)
• Facial swelling
• Tongue swelling
• Skin pain
• Skin shedding (also known as sloughing)

While patients can and do survive bouts with SJS or TEN, they may still suffer severe complications for the rest of their lives. These long-term Stevens Johnson Syndrome complications can potentially include:

• Secondary skin infection (cellulitis)
• Sepsis (blood infection)
• Eye problems that can lead to blindness
• Internal organ damage
• Permanent skin damage

If you believe you or a loved one developed SJS or TEN after taking Dilantin or generic phenytoin, you may consider filing a Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuit or a Stevens Johnson Syndrome class action lawsuit against the pharmaceutical manufacturers in order to help compensate for medical expenses as well as pain and suffering.