Ashley Milano  |  August 4, 2015

Category: Legal News

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Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuitThe anti-epileptic drug Dilantin has been linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). More than 20% of TEN cases, which can develop from SJS, are believed to be caused by Dilantin.

Dilantin is one of the most commonly prescribed anti-seizure medications and has been marketed by Pfizer and its predecessor companies since 1936. Although primarily used to treat epilepsy, it is also used in hospitals and emergency rooms to prevent seizures following head injuries and to treat severe headaches when traditional medications simply don’t work.

Dilantin controls seizures by slowing down brain impulses and reducing the maximum activity of brain stem cells responsible for seizures. Although Dilantin has proven effective in controlling seizures of this specific nature, Dilantin may also be linked to dangerous side effects like Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Reports of Dilantin SJS were recorded as early as the 1930s.

Dilantin SJS

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is typically caused by a severe allergic reaction to medication like Dilantin. SJS symptoms usually begin with a skin rash that can lead to blistering, severe peeling and open sores.

Often an SJS rash is not diagnosed in time, and the condition becomes life-threatening. SJS can be caused by almost any medication, including antibiotics, anticonvulsants, sedatives and painkillers. SJS side effects include:

  • Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, cough, burning eyes
  • Facial swelling
  • Tongue swelling
  • Hives
  • Skin pain
  • A red or purple skin rash that spreads within hours to days
  • Blisters on skin and the mucous membranes of mouth, nose, eyes and genitals
  • Skin shedding or sloughing

In more severe cases, the skin reaction is known as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, or TEN. Dilantin SJS often results in hospitalization with treatment in an ICU or Burn Unit, and it may be fatal in some cases. Although many medications can cause SJS or TEN, Dilantin side effects appear to increase the risk, especially among some users of the medication.

Dilantin SJS Lawsuits

Dilantin has been named in at least 100 lawsuits that claim the drug caused the Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. In 2011, a class action lawsuit was filed against Dilantin manufacturer Pfizer claiming that Dilantin caused the plaintiffs or their deceased relatives to develop SJS or TEN.

These Dilantin SJS lawsuits allege that Pfizer knew of the drugs’ dangers and admitted that Dilantin substantially increased the risk of adverse skin reactions like SJS more than other anti-seizure drug on the market.

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.