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.

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Dilantin, Lamictal carry risk of serious skin condition called SJS

Brown was booked about a month ago for not paying child support. She said the jail physician had switched her anticonvulsant medication to Dilantin, which triggered the allergic reaction. While rare, SJS has been linked to more than 2,000 medications, commonly antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen) and anti-seizure drugs. There is no way of knowing who will have the reaction; the condition affects both children and adults.

“Her skin is burning off. Her eyes are swollen shut,” Brown’s sister-in-law Alysha Banks told JC Online. “If you see her, it’s just terrible.”

Much of Brown’s skin has peeled away, leaving her at risk for serious infections. Like many patients hospitalized with SJS, Brown is being treated in a burn unit. Blisters in the mouth can lead to dehydration, and sores in the eyes can cause scaring and vision problems. Doctors haven’t said how long Brown will be hospitalized.

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Seizure medication triggers severe allergic reaction in inmate

In April 2008, Juan Morales was prescribed Dilantin and Phenytoin, both made by Mylan Pharmaceuticals. Morales says he sought medical treatment after he developed a rash on 80 percent of his body. He was given another prescription to treat the rash and sent home. However, the rash continued to get worse and on May 22, 2008, he was admitted to Corpus Christi Medical Center and treated for SJS. He was told it was caused by his medications.

SJS is a life threatening reaction to medication. More than 2,000 prescription and over-the-counter drugs have been linked to SJS. The condition begins with a rash that blisters over causing the skin to peel off in sheets. Patients with SJS are often treated in burn units. The painful condition can expose the body to infections. Blisters can also form on the internal organs and eyes leading to dehydration, digestive problems and vision disorders.

Morales claims had he known the risks associated with taking Dilantin and Phenytoin he would not have taken the medications. His lawsuit claims Mylan Pharmaceuticals knew of the dangers but failed to remedy the defects. Morales is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Texas man sues drug maker after suffering serious skin reaction

Ralph was rushed to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton and was diagnosed with toxic epidermal necrolysis, or TEN. TEN is a severe form of the hypersensitivity disorder known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or SJS. The condition occurs as a severe reaction to medication and presents as a rash that blisters over, causing the skin to peel off in sheets. Mucus membranes such as those on the eyes and in the mouth also can blister over. Complications include infection, dehydration, blindness and even death.

Phenytoin, made by Mylan Pharmaceuticals and sold under the name Dilantin, was listed as the culprit.

Ralph never recovered. He died on May 27, 2006, from TEN. Amy has since filed a lawsuit against the Mylan Pharmaceuticals and Mylan Inc., on behalf of the estate of her late husband Ralph. Amy says her husband would not have taken the drug had he known of the potential for serious side effects.

The 10-count lawsuit claims the drug maker repeaed huge profits while concealing from the public the dangers of taking Dilatin/Phenytoin. The lawsuit seeks punitive and compensatory damages for Ralph’s injuries, pain and suffering. It also seeks damages to Ralph’s estate.

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Wife files lawsuit against drug maker