Side effects of Dilantin, an antiseizure medication used to treat epilepsy, have been linked to reports of rare and potentially fatal skin reactions. Users may be entitled to compensation through a Dilantin Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) lawsuit or Dilantin Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) lawsuit as a result of inadequate warnings provided by the drug manufacturer.
DILANTIN LAWSUIT STATUS: A number of Dilantin SJS lawsuits brought on behalf of individuals who developed the debilitating skin reaction have resulted in compensation being paid. Dilantin lawyers are reviewing potential claims throughout the United States for individuals diagnosed with SJS or TEN from Dilantin.
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OVERVIEW: Dilantin (phenytoin) is an anticonvulsant used to treat epilepsy that was first approved by the FDA in 1953, although it was originally created in 1908.
Some users of Dilantin may face an increased risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), which is a severe skin reaction that has been linked to several medications. The debilitating condition causes the skin to burn from the inside out, producing blisters, severe rashes and the skin may begin to separate from the body. When the skin lesions from Dilantin affect more than 30% of the body, the condition is referred to as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).
DILANTIN STEVENS-JOHNSON SYNDROME SIDE EFFECTS: In November 2008, the FDA warned that some Asians who carry a certain gene could face an increased risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome from Dilantin. The warning was issued after data suggested that Asians who have the HLA-B*1502 allele could face a substantially increased Dilantin Stevens-Johnson syndrome risk.
A blood test or genetic test can be used to identify the human leukocyte antigen allele, HLA-B*1502. It occurs almost exclusively in people of Asian ancestry, with approximately 10-15% of people from parts of China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Taiwan carrying the allele.
Treatment in a hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or Burn Unit is often required, and the conditions can be fatal in many cases.
DILANTIN SKIN REACTION SYMPTOMS: Individuals who experience a Stevens-Johnson syndrome skin reaction from Dilantin often require treatment in a hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or Burn Unit, and the condition may be fatal in some cases.
Symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis from Dilantin may include:
- Rash, Blisters or Red Spots on the Skin
- Blisters in the Mouth, Eyes, Ears, Nose or Genitals
- Swelling of the Eyelids
- Fever or Flu-Like Symptoms
2 Comments
jimJuly 7, 2011 at 11:06 pm
I have used the drug for years and it is now not available
WandaApril 2, 2011 at 11:18 pm
I was given this drug and had a severe allergic reaction, in 1985 at Johns Hopkins but, now I am on Topamax 500 mg. A day. I am facing major health problems! I have osteomyelitis, squamous cell carcinoma going on. I keep getting ganglion tumors in my hands. I HAVE HAD A RASH under my right breast for years now! Could the rash be a result from dilantin? No doctor can cure the red burn rash, not e[Show More]I was given this drug and had a severe allergic reaction, in 1985 at Johns Hopkins but, now I am on Topamax 500 mg. A day. I am facing major health problems! I have osteomyelitis, squamous cell carcinoma going on. I keep getting ganglion tumors in my hands. I HAVE HAD A RASH under my right breast for years now! Could the rash be a result from dilantin? No doctor can cure the red burn rash, not even the doctors at MD Anderson Cancer Clinic. I have been prescribed more medications than you could possibly believe to cure this and no cure yet!