The allergic dermatological skin condition known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is being linked to Lamictal use, according to recent reports. Lamictal, a mood stabilizing medication often prescribed to treat bipolar disorder and epilepsy, now carries an FDA black box warning for the increased risk of developing an SJS side effect.

The allergic reaction to Lamictal reportedly occurs in one in every 1,000 adult consumers, while the the SJS risk in children is much higher. According to consumer reports, one in every 50 Lamictal patients under the age of 16 will develop the life-threatening SJS skin rash. Studies confirm that while a Lamictal consumer may develop SJS at any time, it most often occurs within the first few weeks of taking the medication.

While Lamictal SJS risks are still considered rare, the medical condition has a high mortality rate, which prompted the FDA to caution about risks of SJS. The drug carries a black box warning, which is the strongest caution the federal agency will assign before pulling a product off the market.

In addition to the FDA warnings, Lamictal manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline has added a “new warnings” alert on the medication’s website that warns patients of the risk of Lamictal SJS.

Lamictal Side Effect Risks

Lamictal was FDA approved in 1994 to be used as an anticonvulsant treatment for children and adults who suffer from epileptic seizures. The medication was later proven to be an effective treatment of mood episodes in bipolar disorder patients.

Studies show the medication is linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome more than any other drug on the U.S. market between 1968 and 2009. However there are other serious Lamictal side effect risks including:

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

Lamictal SJS Symptoms

The first symptoms of Lamictal SJS are similar to the flu as consumers report experiencing chills and body aches. What comes next is a painful purple or red rash that quickly spreads across the body. The SJS rash will cover the skin and mucous membranes, which will cause blistering that eventually leads to the top layer of skin to die and shed.

Lamictal SJS can cover up to 30 percent of the body but if the condition worsens beyond that, then it is medically referred to as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Both SJS and TEN require hospitalization similar to treating a burn victim. If Lamictal is found to be the medication that caused the allergic skin reaction, doctors will urge patients to permanently avoid the drug.

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

Lamictal SJS Lawsuits

Those who file Lamictal lawsuits accuse the manufacturer GlaxoKlineSmith of not adequately warning patients of the risks of the life-threatening SJS rash. In general, plantiffs seek financial compensation for the high medical costs of treating Lamictal SJS as well as the pain and suffering they have endured. Contact a Lamictal attorney to find out if you have legal claim.