There are now hundreds of Dilantin lawsuits alleging that the drug causes the potentially serious and sometimes fatal skin reactions Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis syndrome (TEN).

More Dilantin lawsuits are expected as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Adverse Event Reporting System, World Health Organization, and Health Canada Adverse Event Database all confirmed reports of skin reactions allegedly due to Dilantin. Lawsuits also allege that drug makers knew of Dilantin side effects but failed to inform patients of potential risks.

Dilantin (phenytoin sodium) is a drug commonly used for treating seizures. Dilantin drug maker Pfizer Inc. received approval for the anti-seizure medication from the FDA on Nov. 20, 2001.

In 2008, the FDA added Dilantin to its “Potential Signs of Serious Risks” list because the agency had identified the potential risk of Dilantin-induced SJS through published studies and injury reports, prompting them to conduct their own investigation. Coincidentally, in the same year, Pfizer updated Dilantin’s warning label to include SJS and TEN. However, the warning came too late for many people.

Anyone taking Dilantin should seek medical attention immediately if a rash occurs, even if it appears harmless. Blisters in wet regions are a tell-tale sign of SJS, and these blisters can quickly spread.

Misdiagnoses are common with SJS, so unfortunately many patients are left to their own when it comes to understanding the reaction. Since there’s no cure for SJS or TEN, the earlier a victim gets help, the better the odds of surviving with fewer permanent injuries.

A person with SJS may encounter blistering of mucous membranes, typically in the mouth, eyes, and genitals. It may also start with a fever, headache, cough, and body aches — symptoms which may last from one to 14 days. A flat red rash will break out in the face and trunk of the body, often spreading later to other parts of the body. The rashes can turn into blisters and the skin may become very loose and easy to rub off.

Damage to the lining of the victim’s mouth will make it difficult to eat. The victim may drool because closing the mouth becomes painful. The eyes may swell and scar the corneas. Even the urethra, where the urine passes, may also be affected. Diarrhea and difficulty in breathing may ensue.

Other side effects associated with Dilantin include: confusion, constipation, discolored urine (pink, red, or brown), fatigue, slurred speech, agitation, anemia, bone marrow depression, chest discomfort, difficulty learning (children), dizziness, fever and chills, frequent bone fractures or breaks, headache, joint pain, light gray stools, low thyroid function, malformed bones, numbness or tingling in extremities (long-term use), painful erection, restlessness, severe stomach pain, severe skin reaction, shallow or troubled breathing, uncontrolled jerking of limbs, uncontrolled facial movements, unusual bleeding or bruising, weight loss, and yellow eyes or skin.