Dilantin is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat seizures that may occur during or after brain or nervous system surgery, particularly in people who have epilepsy.

It is also sometimes used as a seizure preventive. Its main function is to act on the brain’s sodium channels in order to suppress abnormal electrical activity. It is made by Pfizer, and has been continuously produced since 1938.

However, recently Dilantin has been linked to a serious and often fatal allergic reaction known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is typically caused by a severe allergic reaction to medication. SJS symptoms usually begin with a skin rash that can lead to blistering, severe peeling and open sores.

Often, an SJS rash is not diagnosed in time, and the condition becomes life-threatening. SJS can be caused by almost any medication, including antibiotics, anticonvulsants, sedatives and painkillers.

SJS symptoms include:

• Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, cough, burning eyes
• Facial swelling
• Tongue swelling
• Hives
• Skin pain
• A red or purple skin rash that spreads within hours to days
• Blisters on the skin and the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, eyes and genitals
• Skin shedding or sloughing

Although many medications can cause SJS or the related condition toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Dilantin use appears to increase the risk.

The majority of Dilantin lawsuits stem from the development of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.  In 2011, a class action lawsuit was filed against Dilantin manufacturer Pfizer claiming that Dilantin caused the plaintiffs or their deceased relatives to develop SJS or TEN.

The SJS lawsuit alleges that Pfizer knew of the drug’s dangers and that Dilantin substantially increased the risk of adverse skin reactions more than other drugs on the market.