Dilantin Linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)

By Sarah Mirando | August 15, 2012

Category: Pharmaceuticals

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By Mike Holter

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a horrific allergic reaction to medication that has been linked to numerous drugs, including the anti-convulsant Dilantin (Phenytoin). Consumers who have been diagnosed with Dilantin Stevens Johnson Syndrome may be entitled to compensation for their injuries if they can prove the drug maker, Pfizer, failed to adequately warn them of the risk of SJS side effects.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) — and its more severe form, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) — is a potentially deadly skin disease that’s usually caused by a severe allergic reaction to medication. More than 20 percent of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis cases are believed to be caused by Dilantin, with 1 out of every 4 Dilantin TEN patients dying. Dilantin is one of the most commonly prescribed anti-seizure medications in the U.S. and has been on the market since 1936. Numerous Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuits and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer for failing to warn consumers about the serious risks of Dilantin side effects.

SJS typically begins with an upper respiratory tract infection during which fever, sore throat, chills, headache and malaise may be present. Within a few days or even minutes, skin lesions and blisters may develop abruptly, lasting from 2-4 weeks. Oftentimes lesions and ulcers will appear in the mouth, throat, eyes, genitals and intestinal tract, making it too painful to eat or drink. As Stevens Johnson Syndrome evolves, the skin will slough off in sheets, giving the appearance of severe burns. In fact, most SJS patients are treated in the hospital’s burn unit. If the skin lesions become infected, the patient can die. In these cases, the family often files a wrongful death lawsuit against Pfizer.

In addition to Dilantin SJS, Dilantin side effects can include liver damage, rash, hallucinations, irregular heartbeat, decreased blood pressure, increased blood sugar and birth defects.

A 2006 Dilantin SJS wrongful death lawsuit filed on behalf of a 9-year-old girl who died from Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis claimed Pfizer never warned doctors and patients in the U.S. that Dilantin carried a higher risk of SJS and TEN. According to the lawsuit, “Pfizer’s label does not advise clinicians that a drug-company sponsored survey of seizure clinicians concluded that Dilantin should virtually never be used as a first link anti-seizure drug for children.” Four years later, the family of the deceased girl was awarded a $3.78 million Dilantin SJS/TEN lawsuit settlement.

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with Dilantin SJS or Dilantin TEN, you may have a case to pursue compensation from Pfizer and the other companies behind the drug. These companies should be held liable for failing to warn the public and medical community about the possible risk and severity of developing Dilantin side effects such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. A Dilantin injury attorney can provide a free consultation about your case to see if you’re a good fit to file a Dilantin lawsuit or Dilantin class action lawsuit.

Visit the Stevens Johnson (SJS) & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page for more information about your legal rights. While you’re there, submit your information, or your loved one’s, to Dilantin attorneys actively investigating all claims of Dilantin side effects, including SJS and TENS. The Dilantin lawyers working this investigation do not get paid unless you win or settle.

Updated August 15th, 2012

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