A Washington State resident recently filed a Pfizer Dilantin lawsuit, alleging that the pharmaceutical giant’s drug Dilantin caused severe, permanent cerebellar atrophy.

The plaintiff, Kyle A., says in his lawsuit that he was prescribed Dilantin back in 2012 to treat his seizure disorder, and continued regular usage of the drug for several years. Unfortunately, after years of ingesting Dilantin, Kyle says he has developed cerebellar atrophy, displaying symptoms like speech difficulties, severe cognitive deficits, and memory loss, along with issues with basic movement like gait and balance.

Now 27 years old, Kyle lives with his mother and is dependent on her as a caregiver for functioning in his daily life, he alleges.

According to the Pfizer Dilantin lawsuit, Kyle’s use of Dilantin led him to develop “severe and permanent” cerebellar atrophy that has made him dependent on caregivers.

Kyle’s Pfizer Dilantin lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington on a number of counts, including failure to warn, defective design, breach of express and implied warranty, fraud, negligence, and more.

Dilantin Basics

Dilantin (also known by its generic name, phenytoin) is an anti-epileptic drug used to reduce seizure activity in the brain. Dilantin is manufactured by Pfizer, and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in 1953. In the intervening decades, Dilantin has become one of the most popular anticonvulsant options available on the market.

Cerebellar Atrophy

Cerebellar atrophy (also known as cerebellar ataxia) is a degenerative brain condition that severely affects the brain tissue of the cerebellum, which controls many basic voluntary movements like posture, coordination, balance, and speech.

People suffering from cerebellar atrophy may display symptoms like a lurching walk, slow or slurred speech, memory loss, or rapid eye movement. Complications from ataxia can severely affect a person’s daily life. The effects of this condition can sometimes be alleviated, but may in other cases be long-lasting or permanent.

Filing a Dilantin Lawsuit

More and more people are choosing to file lawsuits after experiencing severe Dilantin side effects, including cerebellar atrophy. These lawsuits allege that Pfizer failed to adequately warn patients and the medical community alike about the risks associated with the medication.

If you or someone you love has suffered from cerebellar atrophy after taking Dilantin, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by such complications, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Filing a lawsuit can seem like a daunting prospect, especially while dealing with health issues, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

The Dilantin Cerebellar Atrophy Lawsuit is Case No. 2:20-cv-00243, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.