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Lawsuits Over Dilantin Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Rise
By Sarah Pierce
Dilantin (phenytoin) is a popular anticonvulsant that has helped thousands of patients treat and prevent epilepsy and seizures. Despite its effectiveness, a number of adverse side effects of Dilantin have been reported that many users are unaware of. One of the most dangerous Dilantin side effects — and the least known — is the risk of developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a life-threatening condition that can cause severe skin burns, infection and even death. Hundreds of Dilantin SJS lawsuits have been filed recently as patients learn their seizure medication may have caused their SJS symptoms.
What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)?
Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a rare, potentially fatal disease caused by a severe allergic reaction to medication. SJS is characterized by horrible skin blisters that materialize as the body literally burns from the inside out. SJS blisters can occur all over the body, but are typically found on the skin and mucous membranes, such as the mouth, eyes and vaginal area. The blisters are so bad that the skin will often slough off in large sheets, exposing the patient to infection. A more severe form of Stevens Johnson Syndrome is Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which occurs when 30% or more of a patient’s skin burns off. Up to 40% of TEN patients will die from complications related to the disease.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome is estimated to affect 1,400 out of 1 million children and 900 out of 1 million adults, according to one study. African Americans and Asian Americans are particularly susceptible to Stevens Johnson Syndrome, although it doesn’t discriminate among the sexes and races.
The Link Between Dilantin and Stevens Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Dilantin is just one of the many medications linked to SJS and TEN, although many patients are unaware of this. A study involving 15 U.S. burn centers found that more than 20 percent of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis cases were thought to be caused by Dilantin. Of these, 25% died from their Dilantin side effects.
Although the number of Dilantin SJS and Dilantin TEN cases is relatively small, the fact still remains that patients are at risk for developing these diseases. As the number of cases grows, so too do the number of Dilantin lawsuits filed by victims and their families. Dilantin lawsuit Plaintiffs allege Pfizer and others are liable for their or their loved one’s injuries because they did not properly warn the public about the side effects of Dilantin.
As of February 2011, over 100 Dilantin Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuits had been filed by patients claiming Dilantin caused SJS or TEN. One of these Dilantin lawsuits was filed by the family of 9-year-old Jesse Nichols Jacobson, who died after taking Dilantin less than a month. The family settled with Pfizer and was awarded a $3.78 million Dilantin SJS lawsuit settlement.
If you or your loved one suffered SJS or TEN after taking Dilantin, phenytoin or another anti-seizure medication, you may have a legal claim against the drug’s manufacturer. A Dilantin lawsuit, Dilantin SJS lawsuit or Dilantin TEN lawsuit may help you recover compensation for your pain, suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and more. A Dilantin lawyer who specializes in SJS/TEN cases can provide a free consultation.
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Updated September 10th, 2012
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