Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a very serious allergic reaction that the some people develop in response to a medication.
The condition is considered a medical emergency and patients must be hospitalized to obtain palliative care for the condition, as no treatment exists.
Dilantin is one such medication that has provoked Stevens Johnson Syndrome in certain individuals. Dilantin (phenytoin) is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat seizures, in particular, grand mal/tonic clonic seizures and complex partial seizures originating from the temporal lobe.
While Dilantin lists rash as a common side effect (along with constipation, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, lack of balance and coordination, anxiety, tremors, swollen gums and slurred speech), the rash referred to as a customary side effect refers only to a mild Dilantin rash, not SJS.
Dilantin SJS Rash
The Stevens Johnson Syndrome rash that accompanies Dilantin use can be distinguished from a normal side effect due to the severity of the rash. Over time, it will be very apparent that the rash is not customary with mild redness, itching, bumps and swelling. The Dilantin SJS rash is much more intense and problematic.
Most cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrom actually do not start out as a rash at all. The initial signs of SJS are often flu-like symptoms that develop shortly after beginning the course of Dilantin. Aches, tenderness, sore throat, fatigue and general malaise are common and are often overlooked as a drug reaction.
After the flu-like presentation of SJS has begun, the rash typically develops shortly thereafter. A Dilantin SJS rash manifests as purple or red blisters and it quickly spreads to other areas of the body. It affects skin and also the mucous membranes of the body, including the nose, eyes, genital areas and anus. Swelling of the tongue may also be seen.
As the rash spreads, layers of skin die and sheets of skin begin to slough off. This leaves an appearance sometimes of looking like the patient has suffered burns. The rash can affect small parts of the body or it can affect almost the entire body.
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is a more severe form of Stevens Johnson Syndrome. The two conditions are distinguished from one another by determining how much of the body has been affected by the rash. In SJS, less than 30 percent of the body is affected. With TEN, 30 percent or more of the body is affected. Individuals who develop TEN have a poorer treatment outcome.
SJS symptoms start out as rashes and blisters on the skin and mucous membranes, but depending on how the condition develops, more severe damage can be done in other parts of the body. Dilantin SJS can lead to vision loss or blindness and internal organ damage. This is in addition to permanent skin damage, acquisition of secondary skin infections, and sepsis due to skin infection.
Treatment of SJS
As previously mentioned, there is no cure for SJS. Once in the hospital, the drug is stopped immediately to allow the body to begin to purge it from the system. Symptom management is the main focus of treatment, with pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications and IV fluids. The mortality rate for SJS is about 5 percent, and for TEN it is between 25-35 percent.
Dilantin SJS Lawsuit Information
If you or a loved one suffered from SJS after taking Dilantin or another medication, you may be able to file a Dilantin lawsuit against the manufacturer. Attorneys are available to offer free case reviews and can assist you in understanding your legal options.
Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The SJS attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual lawsuit or Dilantin class action lawsuit is best for you. [In general, Dilantin lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.] Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.
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Help for Victims of Stevens Johnson Syndrome
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) after taking a prescribed or over-the-counter medication, you may be eligible to take legal action against the drug’s manufacturer. Filing an SJS lawsuit or class action lawsuit may help you obtain compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. Obtain a free and confidential review of your case by filling out the form below.
An attorney will contact you if you qualify to discuss the details of your potential case at no charge to you.
- First Name*
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- Were you, or a loved one, medically diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis?*
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- What year(s) were you or your loved one diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis?*
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Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
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