Dilantin is a popular anticonvulsant drug used to treat or prevent epileptic seizures. Dilantin was created by Pfizer subsidiary Parke-Davis in 1937 and was given U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 1953. Generic versions of Dilantin (or phenytoin sodium) are marketed under a variety of names.

To many doctors, and patients who suffer seizures, Dilantin is considered the tried and true treatment given its 60 year history. However, recent studies and reports have linked use of Dilantin with a high risk of contracting Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a severe skin condition that can lead to death.

There are currently more than 100 Dilantin SJS lawsuits filed by Dilantin users against pharmaceutical companies.

What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and a related disease, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), are life-threatening skin conditions. SJS and TEN occur as a result of an allergic reaction to certain prescription and over-the-counter medications. When a patient contracts SJS or TEN, their skin cells die and separate the epidermis from the dermis causing painful blistering of the skin and mucous membrane.

Victims of SJS or TEN suffer extreme pain and sensitivity. As a result, they must be hospitalized for weeks at a time for treatment and monitoring. In some cases, a victim may even die from resulting medical complications during SJS or TEN treatment.

According to the Stevens Johnson Syndrome Foundation, some symptoms of SJS include:

• Painful blistering of the skin and mucous membrane
• Preceded with flu like symptoms and high fever in many cases
• Sloughing off of skin
• Severe ocular (eye) conditions such as severe conjunctivis, iritis, palpebral edema, conjunctival and corneal blisters and erosions, and corneal perforation

Dilantin Side Effects

While any prescribed or over-the-counter medication can cause SJS and TEN, certain drugs have a high prevalence rate among SJS victims. Since 2008, there have been hundreds of cases documenting Dilantin users developing SJS after use of the anticonvulsant drug.

Aside from a risk of developing Steven Johnson Syndrome, Dilantin has also been associated with a high risk of fatal cardiovascular events. In addition to these two serious health conditions, the FDA has also identified other Dilantin side effects, including suicidal thoughts, aggressive behavior, mood changes and rash.