Although the anticonvulsant Lamictal has become widely used since its FDA approval in 1994, this drug has been linked with some serious side effects, including an immune system reaction known as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).

HLH is a severe condition that can lead to major issues with the liver, kidneys, and lungs. Symptoms that may indicate HLH include a Lamictal side effects rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, or unusual bleeding. If you or someone you love have suffered from HLH or another serious Lamictal side effect, you may be able to file a lawsuit.

Background of Lamictal

Lamictal (generic name lamotrigine) is an anticonvulsant manufactured by the pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline. Lamictal was granted FDA approval in 1994, and has since become a widely-used treatment for epilepsy in adults and children alike. Lamictal has been approved for use in patients two years and older.

Lamictal and HLH Risk

Despite the popularity of Lamictal, the medication has been associated with a number of major side effects. Lamictal side effects include blurred vision, chest pain, sleeping problems, dizziness, fatigue, head pain, confusion, and more. Patients may experience even more severe drug reactions to Lamictal, including a Lamictal side effects rash, which may indicate the immune system reaction HLH.

Over the years, the connection between Lamictal and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) has become increasingly clear. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Drug Safety Communication, referring to HLH as a “Serious Immune System Reaction.”

HLH Symptoms

According to the FDA Drug Safety Communication, symptoms of HLH that patients should be on the lookout for include Lamictal side effects rash, rash, enlarged spleen, cytopenias, elevated levels of triglycerides, low levels of fibrinogen, high levels of blood ferritin, and more.

In fact, according to clinical trials, around 10 percent of Lamictal patients end up experiencing some form of Lamictal rash symptoms. In many cases, Lamictal rash symptoms may go away on their own, but in others, these rashes may indicate a more serious or permanent condition.

Patients may first experience Lamictal rash symptoms days after taking Lamictal, or weeks thereafter.

According to the FDA, patients who develop a Lamictal side effects rash or fever promptly after beginning use of Lamictal should be evaluated for HLH. Even if you notice Lamictal side effects rash or other symptoms of HLH, the FDA says it is important to not stop taking Lamictal until after you’ve consulted your doctor. Stopping Lamictal in this way can cause serious problems, including uncontrolled seizures.

On top of the risk of HLH, Lamictal patients may also face a risk of conditions like blurred vision, chest pain, and the serious skin condition Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a skin condition that attacks the skin and mucous membranes, leading to blisters and burns, which can lead to intense pain, eye problems, secondary skin infection, and internal organ damage.

Filing a Lamictal HLH Lawsuit

If you or someone you love have suffered from Lamictal side effects rash symptoms leading to conditions like HLH, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or others, you may be able to file a Lamictal lawsuit. While filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by these conditions, or bring a loved one back to life, it can help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses and lost wages.