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Editor: Andy Childers & Brandon Smith
Profession: SJS Attorneys

Category: Drug Causes of SJS

Recent reports and studies have shown that a very popular antiepileptic drug, Dilantin (phenytoin), has been definitively linked to the onset of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and/or Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Dilantin, manufactured by Pfizer, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of temporal lobe seizures and grand mal seizures. Dilantin is also commonly used to treat and prevent the onset of seizures after a major brain or spinal surgery. Other names for Dilantin include: Dilantin Infatabs, Dilantin Kapseals, Dilantin-125, Phenytek, and Phenytoin Sodium.

In many instances, the consumer sees visible manifestations of the SJS/TEN reaction within a few days of starting the anti-seizure medication. Others may not see or realize the manifestations of the reaction due to Dilantin until weeks later. Typically the reaction starts out with symptoms such as headaches, sore throat, trouble breathing, itchy or irritated eyes, blistered lips, and/or the onset of a skin rash. In time the condition only gets worse, especially if the ingestion of the inducing drug is not stopped immediately.

It is critical once these symptoms arise to seek medical attention immediately. When dealing with SJS and TEN, the sooner the reaction is diagnosed the better apt providers will be to address the often deadly condition.