Symptoms of Lamictal Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Symptoms of Lamictal Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare skin condition that is caused by an allergic reaction to medication, such as Lamictal. SJS often manifests as blistering that resembles third-degree burns. Blisters can also form around the mouth, throat and genitals. SJS and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) can be fatal and can affect members of any age group. Because SJS and TEN are rare, physicians frequently do not associate the early symptoms of SJS with an allergic reaction of the drug. Often, SJS symptoms resemble those of the common cold or flu.

Symptoms of Lamictal SJS can include:

• Swelling of the face and/or tongue
• Hives
• Skin pain
• Rash
• Blisters, especially around the mouth, nose and eyes
• Fever
• Sore throat

If you experience any of these symptoms after taking a medication or taking a larger than normal dose of a medication, contact a doctor immediately.

Actress Contracts SJS after Taking Increased Dose of Lamictal

Josephine Ganner, an actress living in New York City, developed a severe case of SJS after taking Lamictal. Just 10 days after her doctor increased her dosage she began to develop the first symptoms of her Lamictal SJS during a trip to Colorado.

While SJS is generally associated with skin rashes and blisters, the first symptoms are often internal. She began having difficulty breathing and suffered from internal pain. When she visited the hospital, doctors initially suspected allergies. After examining the spots that were forming on her body, doctors told her she had contracted herpes.

When Ganner began developing blisters all over her body, she went back to the hospital. This time, doctors recognized that these blisters were SJS symptoms. She was transferred to the Burn Center at the University of Colorado Hospital. She claims that she spent 17 days in a drug-induced coma and suffered hallucinations from the medications. Because she experienced blistering around her eyes, she required surgery to restore her vision. She was fortunate to be treated in Colorado because Dr. Darren Gregory of the University of Colorado Hospital specializes in saving the eyesight of patients suffering from SJS. Because eyes often heal with scar tissue, patients with eye damage often suffer severe pain and impaired vision. Dr. Gregory is a pioneer in SJS treatment, using amniotic membranes to treat blistered eyes.

Learn about Your Legal Rights

If you have suffered from SJS after taking Lamictal or other medication, visit the Stevens Johnson (SJS) & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) Class Action Lawsuit Investigation to learn about your legal options. Many plaintiffs have filed SJS lawsuits against drug manufacturers and received significant compensation for their injuries. By filing a Lamictal SJS lawsuit, you could be able to recover for your past and future medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.