Dilantin (Phenytoin) has been named in more than 100 Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) lawsuits, which claim that the plaintiffs suffered from a severe drug rash.

While patients can suffer from a number of adverse Dilantin reactions, Stevens Johnson disease is one of the most dangerous a patient can encounter.

As the number of Dilantin SJS injury reports continues to rise, lawsuits are most certainly going to develop alleging Stevens Johnson disease reports. Stevens Johnson Syndrome is characterized by red or purple skin lesions that appear on the patient’s skin, and is specifically caused by an adverse drug reaction.

Stevens Johnson disease is a highly dangerous condition, as the patient rapidly deteriorates and it can be fatal if not treated in time with other symptoms include throat swelling, internal organ damage, blindness, and skin scarring.

Its more severe form, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), features the same symptoms but consumes much more skin and progresses at a faster rate.

What is Dilantin?

Dilantin is a popular antiepileptic drug that is approved to treat a variety of seizures, and was approved by the FDA in 1953.

It is manufactured by Pfizer, and has become one of the most well-known antiepileptic medications in the United States. Unfortunately it is believed that Dilantin reactions account for more than 20 percent of TEN cases.

Dilantin SJS Allegations

Despite how dangerous the Dilantin reaction is, manufacturing company Pfizer allegedly failed to adequately address the drug reaction on the warning label. Pfizer has faced numerous Dilantin SJS lawsuits, including a lawsuit filed by a family of a young girl in October 2010.

Jesse J. allegedly died from Stevens Johnson Syndrome, after taking Dilantin for less than a month. Pfizer ended up settling the wrongful death lawsuit after agreeing to pay the family $3.78 million.

The Dilantin SJS lawsuit pointed out that numerous official health databases and agencies, including the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System and World Health Organization (WHO), all confirmed reports of drug rashes linked to Dilantin reactions.

Furthermore, the family alleged that Pfizer was completely aware of the risk of Stevens Johnson disease but failed to warn patients. As devastating as Jessica’s case was, these claims have become familiar in Dilantin injury reports that later turn into Dilantin SJS lawsuits.

In January 2011, a Dilantin SJS class action lawsuit was filed against Pfizer by Parke Davis and Warner Lambert, who claimed that Dilantin caused the plaintiffs or their loved ones to develop SJS or TEN. This lawsuit also pointed out health agencies having numerous reports of drug rashes, indicating Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

The Dilantin class action lawsuit further alleged that Dilantin significantly increases the risk of drug rashes when compared to other drugs on the market. The allegations raised included: Negligence, failure to warn, misrepresenting a product, concealing information, and wrongful death.

Dilantin SJS Lawsuits

Patients who experience Stevens Johnson Syndrome from Dilantin may want to consider pursuing legal action against Pfizer or generic manufacturers. These lawsuits can help potential plaintiffs seek justice for their injuries, recover medical costs, and other punitive damages.

Potential plaintiffs should consult a specialized lawyer as soon as possible, most preferably one that specializes in drug reactions.