Lamictal Linked to Life-Threatening Reactions

Lamictal & Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Lamictal (Lamotrigine) is a drug sold by GlaxoSmithKline for the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, evidence is mounting that this drug can cause a severe allergic reaction called Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) in susceptible patients.

SJS and its more severe form TEN are life-threatening skin reactions. These reactions can be triggered by bacterial infections and a number of medications. When SJS strikes, the skin and mucous membranes undergo an intense allergic reaction. This creates a painful rash, with blisters and ulcers. The mouth and eyes are of special concern, since the rash in the eyes and mouth make it hard to eat, drink, and even see.

In the most serious cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, the reaction progresses to a state where the skin starts to die and slough off. At this point, the disorder becomes toxic epidermal necrolysis. In this state, the injuries to the skin and mucous membrane are so severe that they resemble burns. Once skin starts sloughing off, the patient is extremely vulnerable to infection and other life-threatening complications. The mortality rate for TEN can be as high as 40%

The early symptoms of SJS and TEN include headache, fatigue, and fever. These symptoms mimic an upper respiratory infection before moving on to more severe symptoms such as:

• Conjunctivitis of the eyes
• Painful rash on skin, eyes, and mouth
• Ulcers and lesions in the mouth
• Round lesions an inch across on the skin
• Secondary infection and sepsis

This is not a full list of Lamictal Stevens Johnson Syndrome side effects.

Lawsuits Allege Manufacturers Downplayed Risks

Victims of SJS and TEN have filed lawsuits alleging that pharmaceutical manufacturers knowingly downplayed the risks of developing these potentially fatal reactions to their products. These lawsuits allege that companies knew about the risk of SJS and TEN but failed to adequately warn users regarding this risk. To this day, few patients are aware of the risk of developing SJS and TEN from taking Lamictal.

Hundreds of people have developed SJS and TEN after taking Lamictal. Even the young actress Josephine “Jo” Ganner, who appeared in the award-winning film “The Artist” went on to develop SJS after being prescribed Lamictal. Her skin reaction was so severe that she had to be treated in a burn ward, and almost lost her vision. More tragically, a teenager named Gabrielle Corral died of TEN after being prescribed Lamictal. Prior to developing TEN, the 17-year-old high school cheerleader was active and healthy, other than her epilepsy.

If you or someone you know has taken Lamictal and gone on to develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, you have rights. Please stop by the Stevens Johnson (SJS) & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page. Here, you can submit information about what happened to you and a Lamictal injury lawyer will review the information for free to help you figure out the next steps.