Dilantin Linked to Fractures & Other Side Effects
By Andrea Gressman
It has been reported that older patients taking certain epilepsy medications, such as Dilantin, are more likely to suffer fractures, according to a study recently published. Dilantin was one of the primary drugs cited in the study. In fact, every major epilepsy drug (with the exception of one) including popular Tegretol was linked to the increased risk of fracture in elderly patients.
Dilantin Reported to Have the Highest Side Effect Risk
The amount of the increased side effect risk of fractures varied based on the epilepsy drug, but Dilantin claimed the top spot with the highest risk of Dilantin fractures. Relatively mild side effect risk increases of 24% were shown with clonazepam-based drugs. This class includes Klonopin and Valpax. Dilantin’s side effect risk increase was far more substantial, with the susceptibility for fracture increasing by 91%.
The study was published in the January 2011 issue of Archives of Neurology. Conducted as a cohort study, the sample group included 15,792 people who were 50 years of age or older. Each of the patients had also suffered a non-traumatic fracture in their wrist, hip or vertebra. The injuries occurred from 1996 to 2004.
Fractures are Not the Only Side Effect Linked to Dilantin
This is not the first adverse side effect attributed to Dilantin, manufactured by Pfizer. Up until the publication of this recent study, the attention has been focused on Dilantin side effects like Stevens Johnson Syndrome, suicidal tendencies and birth defects.
The history of the drug’s adverse effects goes back to 2008 when the FDA issued a new requirement that all epileptic medications must carry a warning speaking of added suicide risks. Since the addition of the warning, studies have shown that this risk may only apply to newer medications like Dilantin.
In addition to the side effect risk of suicide, Dilantin has been singled out for additional adverse side effects. November 2008 saw additional warnings issued by the FDA for the Pfizer medication. Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) has been linked to Dilantin as well. The condition causes burning skin, blisters, severe rashes and skin separation and is known to be exceptionally painful. Stevens Johnson Syndrome can develop into the often fatal Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). TEN develops with the lesions from Stevens Johnson cover 30% of the skin. In most cases, treatment in an Intensive Care Unit or a Burn Unit is required.
Dilantin SJS Lawsuits Continue to Pile Up
Pfizer is already facing litigation as a result of the side effects of Stevens Johnson Syndrome. The plaintiffs have claimed they incurred serious physical and financial damage and are seeking relief for their pain and suffering. If this risk of fractures is solidified, it would not be a surprise to see further lawsuits against Pfizer to develop.
If you or someone you know has experienced fractures, has been diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or has developed any other side effects and you believe Dilantin may be the cause, visit the Dilantin Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page right away. You can receive a free consultation from a qualified Dilantin lawsuit lawyer and learn more about your legal options.
Updated December 11th, 2012
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