Parker Waichman LLP

Lamictal Side Effects May Be Linked To Meningitis Lawsuits

Patients Using Lamictal Risk Developing Aseptic Meningitis. Lamictal is a prescription anticonvulsant medication given to adult and child patients suffering from epilepsy and to adults who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The medication is sold as an oral tablet, a disintegrating oral tablet (Lamictal ODT), a chewable tablet (Lamictal CD), and in an extended release form, […]

Lamictal Side Effects

Patients Using Lamictal Risk Developing Aseptic Meningitis. Lamictal is a prescription anticonvulsant medication given to adult and child patients suffering from epilepsy and to adults who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The medication is sold as an oral tablet, a disintegrating oral tablet (Lamictal ODT), a chewable tablet (Lamictal CD), and in an extended release form, (Lamictal XR). Doctors can prescribe Lamictal to patients starting as young as two years of age. Now the FDA has indicated that the drug is linked to a risk of aseptic meningitis. Forty incidents of aseptic meningitis were reported to the FDA, and 35 of those cases required that the patient be hospitalized. The reports of adverse events date from the time when the drug was approved in 1994 through 2009.

What is aseptic meningitis?

Meningitis is a condition that involves the inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. There are several causes of meningitis, including bacterial infections, viruses, malignancy, toxic agents and reactions to drugs, such as Lamictal. The symptoms of aseptic meningitis include fever, nuchal rigidity (or a stiff neck), vomiting, rash, photophobia (light sensitivity), myalgia’s, and headaches.

When a patient presents with signs of meningitis, a test can indicate if a bacteria is present. In the case of aseptic meningitis, the test will be negative for bacterial infection. Because it is not caused by bacteria, aseptic meningitis cannot be treated with antibiotics. Instead, it is important to get lots of fluids, bed rest and to take medication to treat headaches and fevers. Diagnosing meningitis quickly is crucial for a patient’s treatment.

How long after taking Lamictal do symptoms begin?

Some people have reported symptoms after taking Lamictal for only one day, while other people have not suffered side-effects for up to 42 days. The delayed onset of symptoms is one of the factors that creates some difficulty in linking the symptoms to the drug.

Can I start taking the medication again after I recover?

In cases where patients developed aseptic meningitis as a result of Lamictal, re-exposure often led to a more Lamictal severe reaction. Fifteen reported cases involved the recurrence of symptoms within half an hour to 24 hours after the patient began taking the medication again.

Underlying diagnosis

According to FDA reports, some of the individuals who suffered from aseptic meningitis had also been diagnosed with lupus erythematosus and other types of autoimmune diseases. There is also some indication that some of the reactions occurred as the result of a hypersensitivity to the drug, or a more generalized drug-related reaction.

Other complications with Lamictal

Lamictal can cause other serious medical complications, especially if the patient is administered too high of a dose, or if the patient is also taking valproic acid or divalproex (which are both drugs that are used to prevent seizures and are sold under the names Depakene and Depakote). In these cases, some patients develop grave skin rashes that can become life-threatening.

As with any prescription drug or medication, it is essential to speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits and to discuss potential alternative treatments if you are concerned about possible risks and side effects.

Call for Your Free Lamictal Case Evaluation Today

If you have suffered a reaction to Lamictal, such as aseptic meningitis, you could be entitled to financial compensation for the harm that was done to you. Call Parker Waichman LLP today at 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529) for a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys.

 

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker And Wakeman are without a doubt some of the absolute best of the best Attorneys around anywhere in the Tri state area and I’d like to give a big shout out to Ashley L her outstanding commitment to helping me every step of the way honestly she deserves a medal for her help and professionalism and all around kindness when I thought i was done she made me feel like I couldn’t lose and that’s the person any client would want taking care of them , Thank you so much Ashley I couldn’t have done without you, God Bless you and Parker and Wakeman is truly Blessed to have you working with them , I will refer anyone that needs an Attorney to your office, thanks again....
Anthony Sutton
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness helped my dad win his case was very professional and everything went very smooth and easy.... special shout out to tina morace.
Adam Marcus
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I couldn’t say more good things about Daniel Burke. He was there every moment that I needed him. Thank you so very much for all that you did.
Edgar Poole
7 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038