Over-promoted drugs may lead to fines for pharmaceutical companies, but overall revenues usually offset those costs. In the case of GlaxoSmithKline, its promotion of off-label, or unapproved, uses of the epilepsy drug Lamictal may have increased the number of people who suffered from a serious Lamictal rash known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

GSK settled with the Department of Justice in 2012 over allegations regarding Lamictal marketing as well as several other drugs for $1 billion in total. The federal agency had accused the drug maker of pushing the anti-seizure medication for “non-covered psychiatric uses, neuropathic pain and pain management.” One problem with such a Lamictal settlement is that doctors already prescribed the medication due to the allegedly improper promotion of Lamictal uses, resulting in an increased risk of Lamictal side effects in some patients.

Some of these uses include peripheral neuropathy, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder, and GlaxoSmithKline has not received approval for Lamictal to be used for any. Moreover, while the medication is approved for maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder, it is not recommended for use in acute episodes. Put another way, Lamictal can be used like a daily asthma pill but is ineffective for immediate problems the way an asthmatic would use an inhaler.

The scope of this uptick in usage naturally leads to a higher likelihood of adverse events. While comparatively rare, Lamictal Stevens Johnson Syndrome side effects are more likely than for any other medications, which is why it carries a “black box” warning from the Food and Drug Administration. The autoimmune disorder attacks mucus membranes in the skin, throat and eyes and can even lead to skin cell death.

While it is most likely to occur when a patient begins treatment, it can also occur when dosages are increased or decreased. Patients need to be wary that these Lamictal side effects can occur quite quickly. Often starting as a rash and flu-like symptoms, things can go downhill in as little as 24 hours from when symptoms first manifest themselves.

Unfortunately for many, it is already too late to learn those warning signs. If that is the case, contacting a Lamictal lawyer about potential legal action. You may be able to pursue damages from GlaxoSmithKline based on the merits of your case to pay for any rehabilitation and therapy costs as well as lost wages and quality of life.