Product liability attorneys are available for potential plaintiffs who may be considering bringing a Dilantin lawsuit against the pharmaceutical’s manufacturers.

Based on Dilantin lawsuits that unhappy consumers have already filed, these potential lawsuits may allege that the drug’s manufacturer violated consumer protection laws and failed to warn the medical community and general public about serious side effects associated with taking the medication.

Dilantin, generically known as phenytoin, is a popular medication used to treat patients who suffer from epilepsy and seizures. It is an anticonvulsant that works by slowing down the electrical impulses in the brain that cause seizures. Dilantin does not treat all types of seizures and should be taken only as prescribed by a medical professional.

Dilantin Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Dilantin has been linked to cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a serious condition of the skin and mucous membranes. Medical professionals believe SJS can be caused by a variety of factors including viral infections and allergic reactions to various medications.

Phenytoin, the active ingredient in Dilantin, is one of the medications that can result in this serious allergic reaction.

According to the Mayo Clinic, medical professionals have found that some persons have a genetic predisposition to developing SJS.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome often presents with flu-like symptoms in its beginning stages. After a few days, the symptoms become more physical. Patients suffering from SJS may experience a quickly spreading red or purple rash, blisters on their mucous membranes, hives, tongue and facial swelling, and, in severe cases, the shedding of skin.

In some cases Stevens Johnson Syndrome can turn into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). TEN is characterized by the same symptoms as SJS, but covers a much larger area of the body. Both conditions are serious and can lead to death if left untreated.

Patients are generally treated in the burn ward of the hospital. Treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms and keeping the patient hydrated. Treatment can take between several weeks and several months depending on the severity of the case.

Dilantin Lawsuits

Bringing a Dilantin lawsuit is a decision that should be made on case-by-case basis with the advice of a legal professional. An attorney can help weigh the facts and circumstances of each individual’s case and assist with making the decision.

In some cases plaintiffs have the option of bringing lawsuits individually or as a member in a class action. Each type of lawsuit has its advantages. Lawsuits brought individually often provide the plaintiff more autonomy over the litigation, while joining a class action lawsuit helps spread the cost of litigation among the members.

Successful plaintiffs may receive monetary compensation for their pain and suffering as well as payment for any past and future medical bills they incurred due to the side effects of the medication. Lawsuits like these can also help hold pharmaceutical manufactures accountable for their actions by reminding the companies that they owe their consumers a specific duty of care.