A popular anticonvulsant known as Dilantin (generic, phenytoin) has been linked with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction.

The association between phenytoin and SJS has led to some phenytoin  SJS lawsuits alleging that the drug’s manufacturer failed to adequately warn consumers of the dangerous and potentially fatal risks associated with taking Dilantin.

Dilantin Background

Dilantin (also known in its generic form as phenytoin) is a widely-distributed prescription medication manufactured and sold by Pfizer Inc. It is the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug for adults.

Phenytoin works to stabilize moods, and is generally prescribed for the treatment of bipolar disorder. However, a growing number of complaints about Dilantin/phenytoin SJS suggest that Dilantin side effects can be not only extremely dangerous, but even fatal.

Dilantin SJS

Plaintiffs in Dilantin SJS lawsuits have accused Dilantin of triggering a serious reaction known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an allergic reaction that causes the epidermis, or the top layer of skin, to develop severe and painful blisters. In cases of Dilantin SJS, this blistering and eventual peeling usually occurs just a few weeks after using the medication.

These blistering rashes can lead to intense pain, eye problems, secondary skin infection (known as cellulitis), and/or damage to internal organs. In most cases of Dilantin SJS, patients permanently suffer from significant scarring and permanent disfigurement even after they are healed.

Dilantin’s packaging has included boxed warnings about the risks of SJS since at least 2011, and even includes the potential risk of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). TEN is a more advanced, severe, and dangerous form of SJS.

Because the symptoms of phenytoin SJS are similar to symptoms of burns, SJS patients are often treated in the hospital burn unit. SJS symptoms include:

• facial swelling
• tongue swelling
• hives
• skin pain
• a red or purple skin rash, spreading within hours to days
• blisters on skin, mouth, nose, and/or eyes
• shedding of skin

While not all cases of Dilantin SJS and Dilantin TEN are fatal, they do have lasting harmful effects. These conditions can lead to major eye problems, internal organ damage, and permanent skin damage.

Some surviving SJS and TEN patients require major skin grafting to properly heal. Cases of SJS and TEN can result in recovery periods from days to months.

Dilantin SJS Lawsuits

Many injured patients and their families are filing Dilantin SJS lawsuits, alleging that Pfizer Inc., Dilantin’s manufacturer, failed to adequately warn consumers and the medical community of the dangerous and potentially fatal risks of taking Dilantin.

These plaintiffs claim to have developed either Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS’s more severe and life-threatening form) as a direct result of ingesting Dilantin without the proper warning.

If you or someone you know has suffered from SJS or TEN as a result of using Dilantin, you may have reason to file a Dilantin SJS lawsuit to receive financial damages for your medical, financial, and emotional suffering.