Lamictal is a drug used to treat epilepsy for both adults and children in addition to bipolar disorder in adults. This drug is commonly used in combination with other medications and has helped many who suffer from seizures and mood disorders. However, some users have experienced Lamictal SJS (Stevens Johnson Syndrome), a severe skin disorder.

The warning label does warn against some SJS symptoms such as a purple or red rash, sores, or flu-like symptoms. A black box warning now states that SJS rashes may appear in one in every 1,000 adults and 1 in every 50 children.

Lamictal SJS lawsuits have been filed against GlaxoSmithKline, the drug’s manufacturer, that allege that the company failed to adequately warn users against Lamictal SJS side effects even though the drug has been in circulation for 20 years.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

SJS is almost always caused by a drug reaction. Lamictal SJS risks may increase if the drug is being used with another drug, which it commonly is.

SJS symptoms begins with flu-like symptoms and a rash, but SJS later develops into severe blistering across the skin and mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, or pelvic area). It often leaves patients with scars and can cause blindness and even death.

Lamictal SJS blistering causes the skin to peel off, leaving open sores on the skin. SJS usually covers less than 10 percent of the body but may cover up to 30 percent.

Once the Lamictal SJS symptoms cover more than 30 percent of the body, the diagnosis changes to Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). TEN is much more severe than SJS. It can cover up to 90 percent of the body and often causes the skin to slough off in larger sheets. This leaves the body open to secondary infections and sepsis. Sepsis is the most common cause of death in TEN patients.

SJS has a mortality rate of 5 percent to 15 percent, but for TEN patients, it rises to 30 percent to 40 percent.

Both SJS and TEN are rare diseases, but due to their severity, many drugs include SJS symptoms on their warning label.

Lamictal SJS is most likely to affect children instead of adults and is most likely to occur within the first two to eight weeks of Lamictal use.

Lamictal SJS Lawsuits

Thousands of SJS lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of drugs such as Lamictal, Dilantin, Ibuprofen, Zithromax, and dozens of other drugs. The common allegation is that drug manufacturers have failed to warn against SJS side effects and failed to properly inform the public and medical community about SJS risks.

Lamictal SJS lawsuits have claimed that GlaxoSmithKline was aware of SJS side effects but failed to adequately warn users about Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.