Dilantin, a popular epilepsy medication, has been known to trigger a potentially fatal Dilantin rash called Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Dilantin, or phenytoin, is an anticonvulsant and is most often used to treat epilepsy.

The drug has been linked to major side effects such as cerebral atrophy, but just as alarming is the potentially life-threatening Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Dilantin Rash Could Be Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a serious skin condition that is often caused as a reaction to certain prescription drugs.

SJS begins with the patient initially exhibiting flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat and headache. Because of this, patients often do not address the Dilantin rash in its early stages.

Then, Stevens Johnson Syndrome proceeds to a rash and blisters that appear on the body. These blisters can progress to large blisters and burns that cover large areas of the body.

Essentially, SJS causes the outer layer of the skin to detach and slough off in large pieces.

This Dilantin rash can also the mucous membranes of the body as well as the eyes. SJS can, in some cases, cause permanent vision damage or loss.

When a patient experiences Stevens Johnson Syndrome, it can evolve into the deadly Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Most of the time victims of Stevens Johnson Synderome or TEN are treated in hospital burn units.

If the skin lesions become infected or if they develop in the lungs, this Dilantin rash can lead to death.

A study that looked at 15 burn centers found that 20 percent of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis cases are thought to have been triggered by Dilantin. In this study 1 in 4 TEN cases resulted in death.

Other symptoms of these Dilantin rash conditions include rash, burns and blisters, sore throat, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, ulcers and lesions.

Warning for SJS Dilantin Rash May Be Inadequate

In 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration acknowledged the risk of Dilantin rash but many critics say that there has not been enough done to warn the public of the possibility of developing the severe skin condition when taking Dilantin.

Dilantin (phenytoin) was first synthesized in 1908 and was then released for use in controlling seizures in 1938. The FDA approved Dilantin as an anticonvulsant in 1953. But Dilantin is often prescribed off-label for conditions like anxiety, panic attacks and depression.

Some critics claim that Pfizer, the maker of Dilantin, had prior knowledge that their drug could trigger a Dilantin rash and that they did not include a label warning.

If you or someone you love has been affected by a Dilantin rash you may be entitled to legal compensation. An experienced Dilantin attorney is waiting to review your case.