Dilantin, Lamictal carry risk of serious skin condition called SJS
August 19th, 2010 by Jennifer Walker-Journey
The Epilepsy Foundation is warning people who take Dilantin or Lamictal to control their seizures that the medications can cause users to suffer from a rare but serious skin condition known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).
SJS and its more severe form, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), have been associated with thousands of medications, most notably ibuprofen and anti-seizure drugs. The condition often begins with a fever, sore throat and burning eyes and is followed by a rash. The rash spreads and begins to blister, which causes the skin to peel off. This extremely painful condition requires immediate medical attention. Patients are often admitted to the hospital and because their peeling skin makes them prone to life-threatening infection, they are often treated in burn units. Blisters can also form on the eyes, mouth, and internal organs, causing permanent damage and vision problems.
Lamictal has also been linked to other dangerous conditions. Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that the drug’s safety label would be updated to include a warning for aseptic meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. The drug was also named among other anticonvulsant medications that studies showed put users taking them for the first time at an increased risk of suicide, attempted suicide and violent deaths.
Anyone who experiences any severe side effects while taking Lamictal should contact their health care provider immediately. Any adverse events with this or any medication should be reported to the FDA MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program at www.FDA.gov/MedWatch.