If you or a loved one have suffered or developed Steven Johnson syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis following Lamictal use, you may qualify to file a Lamictal lawsuit.

Lamictal (lamotrigine) is a medication prescribed to treat bipolar disorder and seizures. It’s been linked, however, to a number of severe adverse side effects and complications including: Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS); Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN); Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DIHS); Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH); and Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS).

Overview: Lamictal and Steven Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare and serious condition. It may be caused by an immune system disorder, or can be a response to infection, illness, and medication.

The anticonvulsant medication Lamictal, however, has been linked to cases of Steven Johnson syndrome. This condition, known for causing considerable and painful damage to the skin, is also known for causing damage to internal organs, permanent skin damage, eye problems, and sepsis.

Steven Johnson syndrome is very serious and requires immediate medical attention. Early onset signs for SJS development includes a fever, sore throat, coughing, and burning eyes.

Some other symptoms may include facial swelling, hives, skin pain, blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. The skin rash may be either purple or red, and the rash that spreads may be followed by the shedding of skin.

Essentially, signs and symptoms of Steven Johnson syndrome includes a purple and painful rash that spreads and blisters. The rash that develops eventually causes the most superficial layer of the skin to die and shed.

Steven Johnson Syndrome may develop as an allergic reaction to Lamictal. The reaction affects the skin and mucous membranes which then results in skin burns and blisters affecting almost 30 percent of the body’s surface area. All age groups and races may be affected; however, Lamictal SJS is found to be more common in women than in men by a small margin.

Unfortunately, a large portion of skin may become affected upon the development of SJS. Treatment of the affected area may include skin grafting, or the removal of a portion of the skin from one body part to be placed and attached to another. Although rare, this kind of treatment may be required.

Treatment focuses first on eliminating what caused SJS to begin with, however. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, “Treatment focuses on eliminating the underlying cause, controlling symptoms and minimizing complications.”

Although an exact cause for SJS development has yet to be determined, your physician may request you to stop taking “nonessential medications” upon diagnosis. Once diagnosed, be sure to try and avoid being prescribed Lamictal to withhold another attack.

In addition to Steven Johnson syndrome, other reported adverse reactions to Lamictal include: blurred vision; chest pain; sleeping problems; dizziness; fatigue; head pain; confusion; constipation; diarrhea; joint pain; and others.

If you developed a Lamictal condition such as ones detailed that includes SJS, TEN, DRESS, or HLH, you may be eligible to file a Lamictal lawsuit for your injuries.