Dilantin Increases Risk of Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Potential Symptoms of SJS/TEN

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a skin reaction that causes the development of burns and blisters to appear under the skin. Patients who develop SJS as a result of taking Dilantin are often required to be hospitalized and treated in the ICU or burn unit. In some cases, the development of SJS/TENs can be fatal. Symptoms that have been observed in patients with SJS or TEN include the following:

• Blisters in the ears, mouth, nose, eyes or genital area
• Blisters, Red Spots or Rash on the skin
• Fever
• Flu-like symptoms
• Swelling of the eyelids

Patients who develop the rare skin reaction from Dilantin may experience fever, fatigue and sore throat in the beginning stages of SJS. This can then lead to the appearance of lesions and ulcers on the lips, in the mouth and in the genital area. Lesions or a rash may then develop on the arms, face, trunk, legs and bottoms of the feet. Skin blisters that develop as a result of Dilantin use are very painful and often debilitating.

FDA Requests New Warnings Be Added to Dilantin Label

Although there are many medications that can cause SJS-TENs, the side effects that have been linked to Dilantin have been known to increase the risk of developing the rare skin reaction.  First approved for use by the FDA in 1953, Dilantin is used for the treatment of seizures. Dilantin is also sold under the name Phenytek. In November of 2008, the FDA requested that the makers of Dilantin add new warnings to the anticonvulsant to warn users of the potential SJS side effects.

Lawsuits Allege Drug Makers Care More About Profits

Although the makers of Dilantin added warnings to their drug label, lawsuits that have been filed against the company allege that the drug makers put their desire for profits above the safety of their consumers. Failing to properly warn Dilantin users of the potential skin reactions, the drug company has opened the door to multiple lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has taken Dilantin and has developed SJS-TENs, you may be entitled to receive compensation. For more information about the Dilantin class action lawsuit, please visit Stevens Johnson (SJS) & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page. You can submit your information to our legal and compensation experts who can advise you on your potential lawsuit and what you can expect.