Tegretol, known generically as carbamazepine is an anti-epileptic drug commonly used to treat seizure disorder.

Additionally Tegretol has also been used in the treatment of chronic pain, bipolar disorder and trigeminal neuralgia.

Despite its wide use, a very severe side effect that can even cause death is associated with Tegretol use.

This severe allergic reaction is known as Tegretol Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

The Risk of Tegretol Stevens Johnson Syndrome

With any pharmaceutical or over-the-counter drug, the risk of side effects is unavoidable. Physicians understand this and typically prescribe medication when they believe the benefit to the patient is greater than the potential risks associated with taking the drug.

However, there are certain drugs in particular classes that are linked with a higher likelihood of developing severe allergic reactions. Tegretol Stevens Johnson Syndrome is one such reaction.

In fact, a number of antiepileptic drugs are associated with an increased risk of developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Other drugs such as those for treating gout have also been associated with an increased risk of SJS, and even acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin) pose an increased risk.

Symptoms of Tegretol Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Initially, the symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome mimic that of the flu. Fever, fatigue, malaise, sore throat, chills and more are often present in the first couple of days of a Tegretol Stevens Johnson Syndrome reaction.

Because the symptoms of a Tegretol Steven Johnson Syndrome reaction look like the flu, often it gets dismissed as a separate viral condition and is not taken seriously as an allergic reaction.

Once the characteristic Stevens Johnson Syndrome rash appears, it is then that patients and caretakers begin to take notice. The rash is made of red or purple blisters that typically spread quickly, causing skin cells to die.

After the skin cells die, the skin begins to flake off from the body, often in large sheets. The mucous membranes of the body are also very commonly affected, and blisters may appear in the mouth, nose, eyes, genital area and in its.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome can cover a small part of the body only or it can affect up to 90% of the skin on the body. In instances where more than 30% of the body is affected by the condition, it is referred to as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.

SJS affects less than 30% of the body, but there appears to be overlap of the two conditions when between 10% and 30% of the body is affected.

Treatment of Tegretol Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Stevens Johnson Syndrome, and measures taken to assist and SJS patient include those of a palliative nature.

Patients experiencing Tegretol Stevens Johnson Syndrome reactions must be hospitalized and are often treated in the ICU or burn unit of the hospital due to the severe wounds on the skin.

Other measures such as pain relief, anti-inflammatory medications, wound care, nutrition and hydration are provided to the patient in order to assist in stabilization.

Patients with SJS may be hospitalized for days, weeks or even months. Following an SJS reaction, some patients may return to their previous level of functioning with little to no damage while others have permanent, lasting damage or may even succumb to death.

The mortality rate for Stevens Johnson syndrome is estimated at 5 to 10% in the mortality rate for Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis is estimated at 25 to 35%.

Filing a Tegretol Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit

If you developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis following the use of Tegretol, you may have a legal claim.

An attorney can review your case for free and can help you decide if filing a Tegretol Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuit is right for you.