Dilantin SJS & TEN Side Effects Worse than Third-Degree Burns
By Andrea Gressman
Pfizer has long manufactured and sold the anti-seizure medication Dilantin. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration first approved the medication for use in seizures in 1953. However, recent studies have started to show that there are serious adverse side effects of Dilantin. For instance, the drug has been linked to an increased risk of fracture in elderly patients. The most severe side effect of Dilantin, however, can be fatal, which include the development of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).
Dilantin’s Severe Side Effects: Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Dilantin has been strongly linked to severe skin reactions, which can lead to premature death. In November 2008, the FDA released a warning that links Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) to the anti-seizure medication. This serious condition is dangerous enough on its own. However, it can develop into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) which can absolutely be fatal.
Simply put, Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a condition where the death of skin cells causes the epidermis to separate from the dermis. It normally starts with flu-like conditions before the rash breaks out. This condition is extremely painful and difficult to treat and it is fatal about 5% of the time. However, when the lesions caused by SJS spread to about 30% of the body, it develops into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). This condition is even more serious and has a fatality rate of 30-40%, with lifelong health implications. Ominously, 95% of patients with TEN have a history with a drug linked to the condition and one of the main drugs known to cause SJS and TEN happens to be Dilantin.
Dilantin’s SJS and TEN Side Effects — Worse Than Third-Degree Burns
Even for those who survive Dilantin Stevens Johnson Syndrome, the condition is extremely painful and requires extensive medical treatment. The suffering endured by patients is terrible, having been described as worse than third degree burns, some of the most uncomfortable injuries suffered. In addition, the lifelong ramifications include blindness and organ damage.
The link between Dilantin and these tremendously impactful adverse side effects is serious enough that Pfizer has faced multiple Dilantin lawsuits about the drug. However, Dilantin SJS lawsuits against Pfizer and other similar manufacturers have not progressed very far before settlements have occurred. The amounts of Stevens Johnson Syndrome settlements have been unknown for the most part. It has been theorized that this aversion to prolonged litigation may be that these pharmaceutical companies have known about the link to SJS and TEN for a long time. Evidence of this includes the fact that Pfizer and others have included a warning about Stevens Johnson Syndrome on labels in foreign countries including the Netherlands and Canada long before the FDA had them include this information on the United States label.
With the severity of these conditions, it becomes obvious that a serious link between the drugs and SJS/TEN that has been swept under the rug by pharmaceutical companies would be devastating to the drug maker.
Dilantin’s side effects can be extreme and if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) you are not alone. Visit the Dilantin Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page to find out how you can file your own Dilantin lawsuit. You can simply provide your information and receive a free consultation from a qualified Dilantin lawsuit lawyer.
Updated December 19th, 2012
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