Dilantin (phenytoin) is an anticonvulsant drug used to control grand mal (tonic clonic) and complex partial (temporal lobe) seizure activity.

It is also used to treat seizures during neurosurgery or seizures that may occur after surgery.

As with any medication, Dilantin has a number of side effects associated with its use. Some common Dilantin side effects include constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, loss of balance, headache, nausea, nervousness, tremors, vomiting, swollen gums, slurred speech, or rash.

Dilantin SJS Rash

While patients experiencing a mild rash when using Dilantin may have only minor discomfort, the drug may also cause a very serious rash with life-threatening consequences.

This rash and its associated symptoms is known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or SJS. SJS is an allergic reaction, most commonly to a medication. In rare cases, SJS may be caused by a reaction to an infection.

Oftentimes, SJS begin with symptoms associated with the flu. Fever, cough, sore throat, burning eyes, and aches often precede the skin manifestations. Once the rash manifests, it is often purple or red with blisters and spreads to multiple areas of the body.

In addition to affecting the skin, SJS Dilantin rash may also affect the mucous membranes of the body. This includes areas inside the eyes, nose, anus and genital areas. Tongue swelling and pain is also common.

As the SJS rash spreads, layers of skin begin to die and subsequently peel or flake off. The rash can affect small parts of the body or nearly the entire body can be affected.

In general, Stevens Johnson Syndrome affects 30 percent or less of the skin. A more serious related condition is called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). This condition affects over 30 percent of the skin on an individual’s body.

SJS Treatment

Both SJS and TEN are considered life threatening emergency situations. Individuals with SJS must be hospitalized and are often treated in the intensive care unit or in the burn center of a hospital.

The patient must immediately stop taking the drug that caused SJS, but beyond that SJS can generally not be treated. Instead, doctors focus on symptom management. Steroids may be used to decrease inflammation, pain medications alleviate pain and discomfort, and intravenous fluids keep patients well hydrated.

It may take weeks or months for Stevens Johnson Syndrome symptoms to subside. The average reported mortality rate of SJS is about 5 percent, while the rate rises for TEN, to a 25-35 percent mortality rate.

Further complications of SJS

The damage done from Stevens Johnson Syndrome is not limited to the skin and mucous membranes. Additional complications of Stevens Johnson Syndrome include:

• Eye problems, including vision loss or blindness
• Internal organ damage
• Permanent skin damage
• Secondary skin infection
• Sepsis (often due to secondary skin infection)

Dilantin SJS Lawsuit Information

If you or a loved one developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome following the use of Dilantin or any other medication, contact an experienced attorney to determine whether you are eligible to bring a Dilantin SJS lawsuit.