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Dilantin Claims

What is Dilantin?

Phenytoin, popularly known as Dilantin, is a drug used to manage and prevent seizures. It is classified as an anti-epileptic and anticonvulsant drug that treats seizures and epilepsy by slowing down runaway brain impulses. It was the first the modern drug used to treat seizures and was approved by the FDA for treating seizures in 1953.

Dilantin and Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)/Toxic Epideral Necrolysis (TEN)

Most of the lawsuits being filed against the manufacturers of Dilantin are associated with the development of SJS and TEN. This is not new -  cases of SJS related to Dilantin use was reported as early as the 1930’s.

Further medical studies made in the eighties showed an overwhelming correlation between Dilantin use and the development of SJS and TEN in both adult and pediatric patients. This was widely publicized in many medical textbooks which prominently displayed the high risk of developing SJS with continued use of Dilantin treatment.  A study conducted in the 1980’s also showed that most of the people who developed Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis and Stevens Johnson Syndrome were using Dilantin.

It is estimated that 15 percent of all SJS cases are fatal. SJS is managed through good medical car, but like many diseases, the prognosis is much better when SJS is diagnosed sooner rather than later. This is why immediately discontinuing the administration of Dilantin for patients suffering from SJS is advised. If SJS is diagnosed and there is delay is done in discontinuing Dilantin, these are also potential medical malpractice as well as product liability lawsuits.

Symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epideral Necrolysis

SJS/ TEN Symptoms

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a serious medical condition and if not diagnosed early could be fatal. The danger with SJS is that its early symptoms are very similar to the common flu. Patients suffering from SJS may be misdiagnosed until the first skin rashes and lesions appear.

Steven Johnsons Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis often results from severe allergic reactions to drugs. Common drugs known to produce this effect are sulfa drugs, antibiotics and anti-epileptics. Prognosis depends on how early the medical condition is identified and treated. If drugs are suspected, in this case Dilantin, any delay in the withdrawal of the medication may result to the fast progression of the disease. 

Other side effects related to Dilantin treatment also includes:

  • Liver Damage
  • Rash
  • Hallucinations
  • Irregular Heartbeat
  • Decreased Blood Pressure
  • Increased Blood Sugar
  • Birth Defects

What to Do If You Have a Suffered an Injury While on Dilantin?

Our attorneys have been reviewing potential Dilantin lawsuits. If you would like to discuss your potential lawsuit, call us at 800-553-8082 for a free consultation or get a free Internet consultation.