Generic Dilantin Chewables Put Children at Risk for Stevens Johnson Syndrome
By John Curran
Drug companies try to extend patents, and Dilantin side effects were exacerbated by the fact that drug maker Pfizer made a chewable version that was targeted toward kids. On one hand, the cost of a brand name made the medication off-limits for many. Now, however, the first generic maker has won FDA approval. Patients are warned that the generic version of Dilantin still carries the risk of Dilantin side effects like Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
According to many doctors, Dilantin is one of the safer drugs on the market. It unfortunately carries the possibility of epilepsy patients developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) side effects. The condition starts off as a rash, but can quickly cause the body to start attacking the skin as well as internally. The symptoms of Dilantin Stevens Johnson Syndrome begin as a skin rash. The red dots on the skin are very tiny, and many people initially think of them as chicken pox or other more innocuous conditions.
This is particularly problematic for the new generic chewable version of Dilantin, as Dilantin side effects can resemble childhood diseases. More importantly, while Dilantin and fellow anti-seizure medication Lamictal carry black-box warnings for Stevens Johnson Syndrome side effects, many parents may not know what to look for in their kids. The recovery period for these painful conditions can take months, if not years.
Worse, there is a more dangerous variant of Dilantin SJS called toxic epidermal necrolysis. In one recent case, a woman lost more than 80% of the skin on her body. While she was still struggling to recover, it is important to note that it wasn’t some strong medication, but rather a cold remedy. An 11-year-old boy is still trying to regain his eyesight completely after dealing with toxic epidermal necrolysis. [See “Boy Nearly Dies from Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.”]
Dilantin side effects profiles contain the information parents should follow. It is critical for them to realize that nearly any medication can cause the autoimmune conditions Stevens Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuit lawyers note that the most common include cold and flu remedies, anti-epileptic drugs and OTC drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin.
However, many people may not be aware of the risks of SJS and TEN before taking these medications, as the warnings are in the fine print. A successful legal claim could result in a jury award or Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuit settlement to help pay for any treatments or offset lost wages. Learn more and visit the Stevens Johnson (SJS) & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. A free consultation with an experienced Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuit lawyer is just a click away. Take the first step in making an educated choice about pursuing a claim today.
Updated January 2nd, 2013
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