Dilantin is a popular and widely used phenytoin sodium anticonvulsant drug that has been named in various Stevens Johnson Syndrome class action lawsuits, for allegedly causing patients to experience a painful skin reaction.

The drug is regularly prescribed to treat and prevent various types of seizures and epilepsy. In 1937, Dilantin was created by one of Pfizer’s subsidiaries Parke-Davis, though the drug was not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) until 1953. There are various generic version of Dilantin, which are marketed similarly to the Pfizer brand-name drug, but they are all used for the same medical purpose and all contain phenytoin sodium.

Given its 60 years in the American drug market, Dilantin is considered by physicians and patients as the oldest, most popular and effective methods to treat medical conditions resulting in extreme patient convulsions. However, consuming Dilantin does not come without additional risks. Recent studies and reports have linked Dilantin use with an increased patient risk of developing a severe, and sometimes life-threatening skin condition known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

According to a report published by eHealthMe.com, a 2014 research study states that 10,952 consumers of a phenytoin sodium drugs, including Dilantin, reported unwanted side effects. Of this group, 577 people reported developing SJS after taking Dilantin or a similar drug.

Currently, there have been hundreds of Dilantin SJS clawsuits filed by Dilantin users and their families alleging Dilantin caused dangerous, and deadly, side effects for their consumers.

What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)?

Stevens Johnsons Syndrome (or SJS) and a related skin condition Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are rare, life-threatening skin diseases that initially present as an allergic reaction by an individual to certain types of prescription and over-the-counter medications. When a patient develops SJS, the topmost skin cells die and separate from the deeper layers of the epidermis. The more sensitive layers of skin and mucous membrane then become exposed and prone to infection. Painful blistering of the mucous membrane is also likely to occur.

SJS and TEN sufferers experience extreme pain and sensitivity, which requires weeks or months of hospitalization and constant monitoring. In extreme cases, a patient with SJS may die. As a result, many family members have pursued Dilantin SJS class action lawsuits on behalf of the deceased.

According to the Stevens Johnson Syndrome Foundation, some symptoms of SJS include:

• Painful blistering of the skin and mucous membrane
• Flu like symptoms and high fever in many cases
• Sloughing off of skin
• Severe ocular (eye conditions) such as:  severe conjunctivis, iritis, palpebral edema, conjunctival and corneal blisters and erosions, and corneal perforation

Dilantin Side Effects

Aside from an increased risk of developing SJS, Dilantin has also been associated with an increased occurrences of fatal cardiovascular events. Other Dilantin side effects include:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Aggressive behavior
• Mood changes
• Trouble sleeping
• Swelling in face, lips, eyes, and tongue
• Skin rash and hives
• Fever
• Swollen glands
• Severe fatigue
• Severe muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting