Recent studies indicate that the anticonvulsant and mood stabilizing medication Lamictal is linked to multiple serious side effects, including the potentially life-threatening skin rash known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

Lamictal SJS can occur at any time, but patients most often report that the allergic skin condition developed within the first few weeks of taking the medication.

Adults taking Lamictal have a reported one in 1,000 chance of developing SJS, while pediatric users have a much greater risk of developing this skin condition. Patients under the age of 16 have a one in 50 chance of being diagnosed with SJS.

The medication commonly prescribed to epileptic and bipolar disorder patients now carries a U.S. Food and Drug Administration black box warning due to the reported link to SJS.

In addition to the federal warning, Lamictal manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline has added a “new warnings” alert on their website as a way to further caution consumers of the risk of Lamictal SJS.

What is Lamictal SJS?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is considered a dermatological emergency that almost always requires hospitalization. Patients report experiencing flu-like symptoms at first such as a fever, chills and body aches.

However, what comes next is a painful red or purple rash that covers the skin and mucous membranes. The rash will blister and eventually cause the top layer of skin to die and shed.

When the skin rash covers up to 30 percent of the body, it is known as SJS, but if the condition worsens and rash cover over 30 percent of body, it is then medically referred to as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

Patients will be treated similar to a burn victim while doctors try to determine which medication is causing the allergic skin rash. If Lamictal is suspected, physicians will urge patients to permanently avoid the drug.

An estimated 300 new reports of Stevens Johnson Syndrome occur each year. SJS is fatal up to 15 percent of the time, while a TEN diagnosis carries a 40 percent mortality rate.

Lamictal Side Effects

While studies indicate that Lamictal is linked to an increased risk of developing SJS more than any other medication on the U.S. market between the years 1968 to 2009, the drug also carries warnings about other serious side effect risks.

Reported Lamictal side effects include:

• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Widespread skin pain
• Swollen lymph glands
• Severe muscle pain
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Frequent infections
• Hives
• Swelling of the lips or tongue
• Painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes
• Severe fatigue or weakness
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts

Lamictal SJS Lawsuits

Numerous Lamictal lawsuits have accused drug manufacturer GlaxoKlineSmith of failing to adequately warn consumers about the possibility of developing SJS.

In general, plaintiffs seek compensation in order to financially recover from the high medical costs of treating SJS, including lengthy hospital stays. Plaintiffs also typically ask to be compensated for the pain and suffering that occurs from developing the serious skin condition.

If you developed SJS as a result of taking Lamictal, contact a Lamictal attorney to find out if you have legal claim.