Allergic Reactions to Dilantin Include SJS Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare and serious skin condition onset by an allergic reaction to medication. Patients who contract Dilantin SJS will typically experience the first symptoms of SJS in the first two weeks. The latent form of SJS, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), affects the skin the same way SJS does, but it will typically cover almost the entire patient’s body with severe skin lesions that eventually cause the skin to slough off in sheets.

Steven Johnson Syndrome has been found to occur from a variety of medicine, to which no one is sure of the exact onset mechanism. However, medical experts have deduced that if some of these drugs are taken in collaboration with other medications, or if the patient has a pre-existing condition which would contradict the medication, they have a higher chance of contracting Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Possible Causes of Steven Johnson Syndrome

While all medications have the potential to cause negative side effects, but only about 5% to 10% of these side effects are from allergic reactions. Allergic reactions occur when the patient’s immune system determines whether or not a substance, or allergen, is harmful to the body. If it is determined to be harmful, the immune system will then create antibodies called Immunoglobulin E to try and stop the drug. These antibodies travel to cells and release certain chemicals, which set off the allergic reaction.

Most Dilantin allergic reactions occur within the first few hours to two weeks after taking the medication; however, skin rashes could develop up to six weeks after exposure. While rare, patients who contract Steven Johnson Syndrome are immediately taken into emergency care, and are often treated the same as burn victim due to the nature of the blistering. It is important to note that blistering rarely develops from rashes, which is how most people are able to tell if they have Steven Johnson Syndrome.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome can occur in all patients; medical experts have managed to conclude that some drug combinations might increase the risk of occurrence. The signs and symptoms of Steven Johnson Syndrome are:

• Painful reddish skin rashes
• Red blisters around eyes,
• Corneal blisters
• Blisters in the mouth, eyes, ears, nose, throat
• Skin blisters
• Facial swelling, hives
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Skin rash and blisters in ones’ genital areas
• Flu-like symptoms

File a Dilantin SJS Lawsuit Today

Currently, there are people across the United States suing Pfizer for not adequately describing Steven Johnson Syndrome as a possible side effect on Dilantin’s warning label. The allegations include fraud, false advertising, negligence, and concealing information.

If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of a Dilantin Steven Johnson Syndrome injury, you have legal options. Please visit the Dilantin Steven Johnson Syndrome SJS Class Action Lawsuit Investigation for more information and to obtain a free legal review of your case.