Dilantin (phenytoin) is one of the most popular antiepileptic drugs in the United States, and is primarily prescribed to treat temporal lobe seizures and grand mal seizures.

Dilantin has earned Pfizer millions ever since its release in November 2001. Unfortunately, it was not long after its release that patients reported suffering severe side effects, like Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an extremely rare allergic skin reaction, which is specifically caused by an adverse reaction to one or more medications. It is highly unlikely a patient will suffer this condition, as only 300 cases are diagnosed per year in the United States.

This condition is typically characterized by the red or purple skin lesions left on the body, often resulting in permanent skin damage and vision loss. If this condition is not diagnosed and treated quickly, this condition can cause organ damage, infection, and throat swelling, which is some cases can results in death for patient.

Due to its rarity, many physicians fail to recognize it at first, often leading to a latent stage of prognosis when diagnosed. However, more seasoned medical experts warn that Stevens Johnson Syndrome normally occurs within the first two to eight weeks of starting the medication, typically beginning with flu-like symptoms.

Additionally, experts warn that it is more common in adults than children and is more likely to occur if more than one medication is involved.

Overview of Dilantin SJS Lawsuits

As of now, there are at least 100 Dilantin SJS lawsuits filed throughout state or the federal court system, from patients who allege that Pfizer failed to protect them from the dangers of their product.

With the lack of SJS warning on both brand-name and generic Dilantin, legal experts predict that there will only be more of these claims to come. Additionally, major health agencies and medical institutes concur that there there is a definite risk of Dilantin SJS, and that the label should be updated to include stronger warnings.

These organizations include: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Adverse Event Reporting System, the World Health Organization, and Health Canada Adverse Event Database. Each of these groups confirm that Dilantin could induce the serious skin reaction in unsuspecting patients.

Furthermore, experts state that simply because this particular adverse event is rare does not mean that it should not be taken seriously, and they warn that a significant number of adverse effects of drugs go unreported, including Stevens Johnson Syndrome, which means that the number of SJS incidents may be much higher.

In a recent study conducted on eHealthMe, a number of patients reported developing Dilantin SJS. The data was collected from the FDA and social media sources. Approximately 10,960 Dilantin patients participated in this study, with 577 patients claiming they developed Dilantin SJS. These patients were taking Dilantin for less than one month. The data was compiled in June.

Even though the number of Dilantin SJS cases is only a small percentage of the total number of SJS cases, the number is still significant enough to warrant concern.

Medical experts call for Stevens Johnson Syndrome to be stated on Dilantin’s label, or serious skin rashes at the very least, so patients and doctors can have some information to help come to a diagnosis.