Parker, Waichman, Alonso LLP

Home » Topics » Defective Drugs » Dilantin

Injured by Dilantin?

Dilantin (Generic: Phenytoin) is an antiepileptic drug prescribed to manage temporal lobe seizures and grand mal seizures. The FDA approved Dilantin, manufactured by Pfizer, on November 20, 2001. A major side effect of Dilantin is a severe skin reaction called Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a severe allergic reaction to a drug.  SJS is a potentially life threatening skin disease that causes rashes, skin peeling, sores on the mucous membranes and death.

With Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a person often encounters blistering of mucous membranes, typically in the mouth, eyes, and genitals. Nearly all cases are caused by a reaction to a drug, most often sulfa antibiotics, barbiturates, and anticonvulsants such as Dilantin. Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) generally starts with a fever, headache, cough, and body aches, symptoms which may last from 1 to 14 days. Then a flat red rash breaks out on the face and trunk of the body, often spreading later to other parts of the body in an irregular pattern. The areas of rash enlarge and spread, often forming blisters. The skin of the blisters becomes very loose and easy to rub off.  In addition, the damage to the lining of the mouth makes eating difficult. Closing of the mouth may be painful, so the person may drool. A person’s eyes may swell and become so filled with pus that they seal shut. The corneas can become scarred. The opening through which urine passes (urethra) may also be affected, making urination difficult and painful. Sometimes the mucous membranes of the digestive and respiratory tracts are involved, resulting in diarrhea and difficulty breathing.

Other side effects associated with Dilantin include: confusion, constipation, discolored urine (pink, red, or brown), fatigue, slurred speech, agitation, anemia, bone marrow depression, chest discomfort, difficulty learning (children), dizziness, fever and chills, frequent bone fractures or breaks, headache, joint pain, light gray stools, low thyroid function, malformed bones, numbness or tingling in extremities (long-term use), painful erection, restlessness, severe stomach pain, severe skin reaction, shallow or troubled breathing, uncontrolled jerking of limbs, uncontrolled facial movements, unusual bleeding or bruising, weight loss, and yellow eyes or skin.

If you or a loved one took Dilantin and suffered side effects, please fill out the form at the right for a free case evaluation by a qualified drug side effects attorney.