A class action investigation has been launched after numerous patients have reportedly developed serious Lamictal rash, with some developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

The risk of Lamictal rash has been well documented for decades, with the drug also linked to other serious side effects like autoimmune reactions.

According to a study conducted during the 1990s, several patients reportedly developed Lamictal rash during clinical trials, including some cases of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. Researchers estimated the risk of Lamictal SJS at 0.8 percent for patients under 16 and 0.3 percent for adults. However, the risk decreased to 0.08 percent in adults when GlaxoSmithKline had lowered the recommended starting dose.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an extremely rare allergic skin reaction, specifically caused by adverse drug reactions. This condition is often characterized by red or purple skin lesions that appear on the patient’s skin, which can take up to 30 percent of skin surface area.

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis is the more severe form of SJS, with the skin lesions taking up 90% of skin surface area. It is important to note that SJS reactions are more likely in patients prescribed more than one medication, or in patients with drug sensitivity.

It is important to note that SJS and TEN are potentially fatal also. The skin lesions can lead to infection and that patients’ throats swell and often sustain internal organ damage. Oftentimes patients experience flu like symptoms soon after starting the medication and should consult their doctor as quickly as possible if they develop a Lamictal rash.

Overview of Lamictal Adverse Reactions

Lamictal is a popular antiepileptic medication that is used to treat various forms of epilepsy, and is used to help control seizures. This medication can also be used to control mood swings, making it useful for bipolar disorder.

Even though this medication has been prescribed to millions of patients, a black box warning was issued Lamictal over the potential development of Stevens Johnson Syndrome. While over five percent of patients who develop Lamictal rash are not SJS cases, there is no way to determine the difference during early stages.

The FDA recently issued a safety warning in April 2018, stating that the medication had been linked to a serious immune system reaction called hemophagocyctic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). This condition is characterized by the body making too many active immune cells, and often appears early on in the patient’s life.

This condition can either be genetic, or caused by an environmental factor like adverse drug reactions. The alleged association with Lamictal, has spurred the FDA to order GlaxoSmithKline to provide a new warning on the drug’s warning label. HLH symptoms often include, but not limited to are:

• Fever
• Enlarged Liver
• Swollen Lymph Nodes
• Skin Rash
• Yellow Skin or Eyes
• Unusual Bleeding
• Nervous System Problems

Even with the severity of this condition, the FDA stated that patients should not stop taking Lamictal without consulting their doctors. Patients who developed Lamictal rash, HLH, and other serious complications, may be able to file legal action against GlaxoSmithKline for allegedly failing to warn the general public.