Skin rash caused by Dilantin (phenytoin) may turn out to be Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) for some patients.

As one of America’s most popular antiepileptic medications, Dilantin’s alleged correlation to the extremely dangerous allergic reaction is troubling.

Approximately 100 medications have been linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome, with Dilantin being linked to a number of cases. There have been numerous complaints from patients alleging their skin rash caused by Dilantin had developed into Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Every years, numerous patients who suffer from grand mal seizures and other forms of epilepsy are prescribed Dilantin. However, a number of reports indicating skin rash caused by Dilantin had developed into Stevens Johnson Syndrome has incited concern in major health officials.

The FDA had actually required Dilantin’s warning label to be updated in November 2008 to state that certain patients may be more vulnerable to skin rash caused by Dilantin. Specifically, patients with the gene allele HLA-B*1602 may be more vulnerable to Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Overview of Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is one of the most extreme allergic reactions patients can experience, with less than 1,000 cases diagnosed per year in the United States. Often characterized by red or purple skin lesions appearing on the body, SJS is a very aggressive condition that can quickly turn fatal.

Besides permanent skin damage, SJS symptoms can also affect internal organ function, eyesight, and the ability to swallow. Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis shares symptoms with SJS, but is more aggressive and causes more skin lesions to appear.

Due to the fact that Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an extremely rare condition, many patients are not aware of the initial symptoms. While SJS typically begins with flu like symptoms, any skin rash caused by Dilantin should be reported to a medical professional immediately.

Most patients suffering from SJS and TEN have to be treating hospital burn units, to replenish lost skin that peeled off due to the skin lesions. According to a recent study, 15 burn centers in the United States had indicated over 20% of TEN cases are caused by Dilantin with one to four cases ending in fatality.

Patients should contact their physicians immediately if they experience skin rash caused by Dilantin to get treatment as soon as possible. In addition, patients who allegedly suffered Dilantin SJS may be able to file legal action against Pfizer Inc. and generic manufacturers for failure to warn.