Dilantin Side Effects Include Stevens Johnson Syndrome and TEN
By Christina Drury
Dilantin was originally approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001 as an anticonvulsant medication. During the course of its use, some patients developed a rare skin disease by the name of Stevens Johnson Syndrome – also known and referred to as SJS.
SJS causes the development of both lesions and blisters on a person’s skin and these afflictions can also develop internally causing severe pain and infections. Worst-case scenarios have resulted in death from SJS.
FDA Requires Stevens Johnson Syndrome Warning Labels in 2011
It wasn’t until 2011 that the FDA required a change on the labels of 40 prescription drugs – Dilantin being one of them – to warn those who took the medications of the possible side effects of Dilantin. One of the Dilantin side effects noted was the possibility of developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
Those who develop Dilantin SJS are at risk for also developing Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis – also known and referred to as TEN. TEN affects a person’s mucus membranes, their skin and eyesight. The development of TEN will require hospitalization as it is considered an emergency medical condition.
Study Reveals Connection between Dilantin and SJS/TEN
In June of 2012, an English journal by the name of Medical Oncology published a study that revealed just how ghastly SJS and TEN can be. In this unique medical case, a 49-year old man was prescribed phenytoin, the generic of Dilantin, while in the care of the physicians and subsequently began to develop blisters, lesions and eventually retraction of the skin. Underneath the layers of skin that were peeling off was a layer of skin that was swollen and blistered. The physicians diagnosed him with Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis after this occurrence and stopped the use of phenytoin and within several days, all symptoms disappeared. Two weeks later, the patient was released from the hospital.
Dilantin Side Effects Don’t Halt Prescriptions
While the FDA has formally recognized that the use of Dilantin can lead to serious Dilantin side effects, including Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, the medication is still being administered as one of the most common drugs for epilepsy treatment. The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics rates Dilantin as having less than optimal effectiveness and more importantly, less than optimal safety.
Those who take Dilantin are urged to be on the lookout for the development of any Dilantin side effects, including the development of SJS or TEN. One of the primary warning signs of SJS and/or TEN is the sudden onset of a skin rash. If you experience this Dilantin side effect while using the medication, it is advisable to visit your physician or the emergency room, should the symptoms accelerate quickly.
Side Effects Lead to Dilantin Lawsuits
Those who have experienced Dilantin side effects are urged to contact an attorney who is qualified and already in the midst of investigating claims of Dilantin SJS and Dilantin TEN.
You can get more information by visiting our Dilantin Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page. Here you can get more information about the investigation itself, as well as submit your information to attorneys who are actively involved in the investigation into Dilantin side effects.
Updated December 31st, 2012
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