Epileptic patients who take the anti-seizure medication Lamictal could develop a Lamictal rash, also known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Lamictal, generically known as lamotrigine, is available in immediate-release and extended-release dosages.

What Is Lamictal Rash?

Lamictal rash
is a rare allergic reaction that is often misdiagnosed as the flu. What begins with a fever and rash quickly progresses to blistering, painful skin peeling and open sores.

When Lamictal rash progresses, it can become Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), an extreme progression of the rash that exposes raw tissue as large sheets of skin come off of the body. Painful, deep sores develop in the mouth, eyes and vagina.

These mucous membranes react the same way the skin does, by filling up with fluid generated by the immune system in a severe allergic reaction to the medication. When large areas of raw skin are exposed, the chances of the patient developing infection, sepsis (blood infection) and death increase.

Pediatric Patients Are Susceptible to Lamictal Rash

According to the FDA, the incidence of Lamictal rash and the rate of Lamictal Stevens Johnson Syndrome is greatest in pediatric patients. Other factors that allegedly could increase the risk of rash include:

• Coadministration with the drug valproate
• Exceeding recommended first dose of Lamictal
• Exceeding recommended dose increases of Lamictal
• Family history of Stevens Johnson Syndrome reactions

Also, it is impossible to predict which rash will stay benign and which rash will turn into a serious or life-threatening condition such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome or TEN. All rashes must be taken seriously and reported to a doctor.

Most cases of Lamictal Stevens Johnson Syndrome occur within two to eight weeks of taking the first dose.

Grad Student Survives Lamictal Rash

Khaliah started medication to control her epilepsy in December 2013. Among her medications was generic lamotrigine and brand-name Lamictal.

Within less than a month after starting the medications, she noticed a rash and that her skin was peeling. She did not see these symptoms listed as possible side effects on the drug’s label at that time.

On her first visit to the hospital, she was misdiagnosed with the flu and sent home. Her condition quickly deteriorated, and she said she felt her skin was fire. She was in so much pain, she couldn’t walk.

Within two days, the Lamictal rash turned into blisters and her skin began peeling away. She went to the hospital where she was diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Khaliah’s doctors placed her into a drug-induced coma because the pain was so intense. Five weeks later, she awoke bald and with raw skin, but she did survive the most severe form of Lamictal rash.

Every Rash Should Be Taken Seriously

If you or someone you know is taking Lamictal and develops a rash, contact your doctor immediately. It is not possible to know whether a rash will stay benign or if it might develop into the rare Stevens Johnson Syndrome or TEN.

If you or someone you know has already endured a Lamictal rash, a class action lawsuit directed at drug manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline might be your best course of action.