The popular pediatric anti-seizure drug Zarontin has been recently associated with the deadly skin reaction Stevens Johnson Syndrome. The medical community is concerned because of the drug’s popularity, and that the drug is specifically prescribed to children.

Zarontin (ethosuximide) is a powerful anticonvulsant drug that is used to treat absence seizures in children. It is considered the first choice drug for treating absence seizures in epileptic patients. Due to its biochemical structure, pediatric patients respond well to it. Additionally, it is one of the oldest drugs to be used to treat the most common form of pediatric epilepsy, with some studies suggesting it to be the most effective drug available for children suffering from epilepsy.

Zarontin has been approved and used to treat children with this condition since the 1950s. In spite of being affordable and effective for its purpose, its legacy is being threatened by recent injury reports indicating it has caused Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) in some patients.

According to medical experts, as many as 17 percent of children with epilepsy suffer from absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, which cause brief but frequent staring episodes. These episodes can occur dozens or even hundreds of times a day. These children do not convulse as most would expect in associating the condition with epilepsy, but they are at high risk for experiencing convulsions later in life.

In light of the high number of patients needing this medication, as well as the delicate age of most Zarontin patients, the recent link with SJS is particularly troubling. Many patients and their parents have reported extreme, adverse allergic reactions to Zarontin, which were later diagnosed as Stevens Johnson Syndrome. This condition is specifically caused by bad reactions to one or more medications, and can be fatal if not treated in time.

While a rare condition, SJS can cause internal organ damage, blindness, and leave permanent scarring in patients. Approximately 300 cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome are diagnosed per year in the United States, and it has been observed that adults more commonly experience it than children. However, this obviously does not mean that children do not experience this reaction, as seen with many documented cases.

Doctors warn that if Zarontin patients, or anyone taking a medication, is suffering an adverse side effect, they should seek medical attention immediately. As of now, Zarontin’s warning label does not include the possibility of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, possibly leaving the manufacturing company at risk for Zarontin Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuits.

Overview of Stevens Johnson Syndrome Complications

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is typically characterized by its infamous red or purple skin lesions that appear on the patient’s body. If a patient is suffering from Stevens Johnson Syndrome, the person may experience flu symptoms, and then expect to see a rash develop. This condition normally occurs within the first two weeks of starting the medication, and can become fatal if treatment is prolonged.

Skin lesions can cover up to 30 percent of the body in experiencing SJS, with blotches appearing all over the skin and mucous membranes of the body. The rashes can be so extreme that they actually cause the skin to detach and melt off the patient’s body. Due to the nature of these injuries, Stevens Johnson Syndrome patients are often treated in the burn unit, as skin grafts are normally required to replenish the skin.