Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is an illness that can be disfiguring or even life-threatening, especially if not treated immediately. This condition can also appear as a side effect of the anticonvulsant medication Lamictal (lamotrigine).
Most of the cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome being linked to Lamictal occurred early on in treatment when the dose was increased rapidly.
What Type of Drug Is Lamictal?
Lamictal (lamotrigine) is approved by FDA for the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline has a “new warnings” alert on their website for the drug, which leads to information about the potential risk of Stevens Johnson Syndrome from Lamictal.
The warning indicates that signs of SJS are most likely to happen within the first two to eight weeks of Lamictal treatment. It also warns that children ages two to 16 are the most likely victims of Lamictal Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
SJS Symptoms
Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare disorder that occurs when the body has an intense allergic reaction, usually to a medication or drug; however, the reaction also can be brought on by an illness or infection. The allergic reaction affects the skin and mucous membranes, especially around the mouth, eyes and nose.
Those who have SJS usually will experience flu-like symptoms first, including a sore throat, fever, cough and burning eyes. As the disorder progresses, a fast spreading red to purple rash will appear and blister on the affected areas. The SJS rash can be very painful. Eventually, the top layer of skin will die and slough off, leaving the underlying area of skin exposed.
If SJS is not treated immediately, it can develop into a much more critical condition called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). The main difference between SJS and TEN is the amount of body covered by the rash: patients with 30 percent or more of their bodies covered by the rash are diagnosed with the more serious TEN.
The patient mortality rate increases with the amount of body area covered by the rash; patients with TEN have higher death rates than those with SJS. On average, patients with TEN have a 30 to 35 percent mortality rate while those with SJS have a 5 to 15 percent mortality rate.
Patients who have SJS or TEN require emergency medical care and must be hospitalized as soon as possible to treat the condition. As the skin sloughs off, it leaves the underlying skin open and exposed to infection, which is the main reason why patients with SJS or TEN die.
Because of the seriousness of their condition and the risk of death, patients with SJS and TEN are treated in the ICU or burn unit. If the attack was triggered by a medication such as Lamictal, it is imperative that the patient stop taking the medication immediately.
Lamictal SJS Adverse Reactions
A 2012 quarterly report on adverse drug reactions by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) indicates Lamictal was one of two drugs most associated with Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), as well other skin problems.
The report indicated that Lamictal was linked to the most skin reactions overall, with 119 cases of severe cutaneous adverse reactions, a category that can include 46 different skin reactions. However, 86 of those reports were specifically linked to SJS or TEN.
Lamictal SJS Lawsuits
Lamictal carries an FDA Black Box Warning about the risk of life threatening skin reactions, including SJS and TEN. People who are filing Lamictal Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuits against GSK claim that the drug manufacturer was aware of the SJS side effects associated with Lamictal but fraudulently concealed this information from the medical community and consumers.
Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The Stevens Johnson Syndrome attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual lawsuit or class action lawsuit is best for you. [In general, SJS 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*
- Last Name*
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- What is the best time to call you?*
- 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?*
- Please select which symptoms you or your loved one were medically diagnosed with:*
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Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
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Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.
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