The popular anti-seizure medication Dilantin is one of the most effective ways to control grand mal seizures and convulsions. However, it may be placing patients at risk for developing the rare but life-threatening condition known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

Dilantin (generic phenytoin) is often prescribed to epileptic patients and individuals undergoing brain surgery to control inadvertent seizures. Despite its popularity, the medication now carries an FDA warning that taking the medication could lead to an SJS diagnosis.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Dilantin in 2001, but only a few years later the agency began warning patients of the risks of Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), both of which are an allergic reaction to the medication.

Dilantin SJS Symptoms

Dilantin is just one of the numerous medications linked to the dermatological condition SJS. The medical condition affects about 300 patients each year, causing the to develop a skin rash that leads to weeks and sometimes months of hospitalization.

SJS symptoms start out almost flu-like with chills, fever, and body aches. After that, a quickly spreading purple or red rash develops across the skin, especially in the trunk and face region. Blisters then begin to form in the mucous membranes including the mouth, nose, and eyes. The tongue and face begins to swell, while the skin begins to die and shed.

The more advanced diagnosis of SJS is Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which occurs when the rash covers more than 30 percent of the body. While both conditions require similar treatments involving physicians determining which medication is causing the reaction, TEN is more severe. Stevens Johnson Syndrome is fatal in 15 percent of cases, while TEN carries a 40 percent mortality rate.

Dilantin Side Effects

Numerous patients filing Dilantin lawsuits claim they were unaware of the life-threatening side effects linked to the epileptic medication. Despite a FDA warning in 2008, Dilantin consumers allege drug manufacturer Pfizer hasn’t done enough to fully warn patients of the SJS and TEN risks associated with taking the drug.

Dilantin patients have reported various short-term and long-term side effects of the medication, including: jerky eye movements, slurring of speech, shaking of hands, memory difficulties, coordination problems, concentration issues, bone weakness, nerve damage, and gingival hyperplasia.

Dilantin SJS Lawsuits

More than 100 Dilantin SJS lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer, all alleging that the drug maker failed to warn of Dilantin’s potentially life threatening adverse side effects. Many plaintiffs who developed SJS claim that the manufacturer knew of the SJS risks but did not disclose the information on the drug’s warning label.

Dilantin SJS lawsuits seek to compensate victims for the medical expenses they incurred after developing the allergic skin reaction. Many times SJS lawsuits are the only way patients can receive economic payment to help offset the pain and suffering they have endured. If you have suffered from SJS after being prescribed Dilantin, contact an SJS attorney to see if you have a legal claim.