The widely prescribed anti-seizure medication Dilantin is being linked to a rare and deadly dermatological condition known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

As one of the most prescribed epileptic seizure medications on the global market, Dilantin is considered an effective way to control convulsions and is commonly used to prevent and treat seizures that occur during brain surgery. However studies show Dilantin is one of several medications that trigger Stevens Johnson Syndrome, a condition that has a 15 percent mortality rate.

The initial symptoms of the painful allergic skin reaction SJS is similar to the flu. The flu-like symptoms quickly change into a serious, life threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. A quick-spreading purple or red rash begins to appear on the skin and mucous membranes followed by skin blisters eventually causing the top layer of the skin to die and shed.

When the Dilantin SJS skin lesions cover more than 30 percent of the body, the condition is then referred to as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). In both disorders, hospitalization is almost always required due to the lengthy process of recovery.

SJS and TEN treatments require doctors to focus their efforts on finding the underlying cause of the syndrome and to control the symptoms. Dilantin SJS requires a permanent avoidance of the drug.

In addition to the potential of developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome, patients may also develop short-term and long-term side effects of using Dilantin.

The short-term Dilantin side effects include:

• Difficulties with memory
• Drop in coordination
• Jerky eye movements
• Shaking of hands
• Slurring of speech
• Trouble with concentration

Long-term Dilantin side effects include:

• Bone weakness
• Gingival hyperplasia
• Nerve damage

Experts estimate an average of 300 new cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome are diagnosed in the United States each year.

Dilantin SJS Lawsuits

A recent Dilantin lawsuit between Pfizer Inc. and a New York family ended with a settlement of nearly $4 million after the death of their 9-year-old daughter who developed TEN and died. The family alleged their daughter developed the deadly condition due to being treated with Dilantin and Flagyl prescribed due to her brain surgery.

Shortly after surgery, the 9-year-old developed TEN and died of organ failure 21 days later.

According to her family, the drug manufacturer Pfizer has issued Dilantin SJS warnings in Canada and other countries yet failed to adequately inform U.S. doctors of the potential Stevens Johnson Syndrome risks.

The FDA issued warnings in November 2008 that Dilantin carried a risk of developing SJS. However, according to the numerous lawsuits filed by patients, Pfizer has not updated Dilantin’s label to warn consumers of the potential of developing either SJS or TEN.

In most cases, Dilantin SJS lawsuits are the only way patients can be reimbursed for the lengthy hospital stays and required medical attention needed after being diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome or TEN.

If you have suffered injuries due to your use of Dilantin, you may have a legal claim.