Lamotrigine rash is a serious concern for patients who are prescribed the popular anti-epileptic, as it may lead to most serious complications associated with the medication.

There have been several documented cases indicating a link between lamotrigine rash and the extreme allergic reaction Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

This condition is often characterized by red or purple skin lesions, which causes the skin to detach and peel off. A recent case of Stevens Johnson Syndrome was reported by a young woman who experienced the potential severity that can come with a lamotrigine rash.

Georgia resident and plaintiff Kaliah S. has recently filed a lamotrigine (brand name Lamictal) SJS lawsuit after allegedly experiencing a severe lamotrigine rash that evolved into Stevens Johnson Syndrome. According to her claim, Kaliah was prescribed lamotrigine to treat her depression, and she initially responded well to treatment.

Her lamotrigine rash reportedly began with blisters breaking out throughout her body. She was diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome soon after being hospitalized.

Steven Johnson Syndrome is an extreme allergic skin reaction, most often caused by adverse drug reactions. This condition is an extremely rare reaction linked to several kinds of medications. At this point in time, doctors do not know why the SJS reaction only occurs in certain patients.

Overview of Lamotrigine Stevens Johnson Syndrome

During her time in the hospitals, Kaliah spent five weeks in a medically induced coma while her skin peeled off. Kaliah has survived her SJS ordeal, but has sustained permanent skin damage and severe vision loss.

In addition, she no longer has sweat glands, and she will never be able to regrow her fingernails. Kaliah is filing her lamotrigine rash lawsuit seeking financial damages, alleging her doctor prescribed Kaliah the wrong dose of the medication and the pharmacy failed to notice the mistake.

According to the Daily Hornet, Lamictal has a black box warning regarding the potential for a lamotrigine rash which can potentially evolve into SJS and may require hospitalization. The lamotrigine SJS risk is approximately eight to 13 cases for every 1,000 adult patients, and it usually occurs during the first two to eight weeks of starting the medication.

It is important to note that over 5% of lamotrigine patients develop a rash that is not SJS. But patients should still consult their physician as soon as possible. Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an extremely aggressive condition that can quickly compound if not treated promptly, so early diagnosis is vital.

Early stages of SJS start with flu-like symptoms, which may or may not include the lamotrigine rash. Even though there is a black box warning attached to the Lamictal warning label, Stevens Johnson Syndrome is still a significant risk.

Patients like Kaliah often have to contend with permanent physical impairments and expensive medical bills, and have to be vigilant against recurrence. Patients who have been affected by lamotrigine SJS may be able to file legal action and could benefit from speaking to a lawyer.