Common Epilepsy Medicine May Cause SJS, TEN

The anti-seizure medication Lamictal (lamotrigine) can make a huge difference in the life of epileptics. Unfortunately, some patients have gone on to suffer from life-threatening skin reactions like Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

Patients on Lamictal are counseled by physicians – and a black box warning on the drug’s label – to watch out for skin rashes. Some of these skin rashes can progress to SJS, an autoimmune reaction.

In autoimmune disorders, the body treats its own tissue as a foreign invader like a bacteria or virus. In SJS in particular, the body attacks its own skin. The syndrome typically starts with vague, flu-like symptoms, including aches, fever and chills. In fact, physicians may mistake the initial stages of SJS for influenza. However, the reaction rapidly progresses to a rash, then sores, then ulcers. This rash happens on both the skin and mucus membranes. In some cases, the reaction can spread to the eyes and internal organs, causing blindness and organ damage. Roughly 5 percent of patients with SJS die from the disorder.

In the most extreme cases, SJS progresses to TEN. In TEN, the damage escalates, and large patches of skin slough off and die, leaving the patient with burn-like damage. This massive damage leaves patients much more likely to succumb to secondary infections, hypothermia and dehydration. Unfortunately, about 40 percent of patients with TEN die from the disorder. 

Even in patients that survive these reactions, the damage can last a lifetime. When the reaction spreads to the internal organs, the organ damage can be permanent. Similarly, eye damage can leave a patient permanently blind. Even the rash on the body can leave lasting damage in the form of disabling and disturbing scars. 

Lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of drugs linked with SJS and TEN. These lawsuits allege that the manufacturers failed to adequately protect the public from potentially dangerous drugs, resulting in life-threatening illness. 

If you or someone you care about developed SJS or TEN after taking Lamictal, you have almost certainly been through an overwhelming ordeal. A medical crisis like SJS or TEN requires emergency medical intervention, a painful, terrifying ordeal. Coping with these conditions may involve a substantial financial burden, including both mounting medical costs and lost wages. Unfortunately, in some cases, Lamictal SJS can be fatal.