Lamictal Can Cause SJS. Parker Waichman LLP is currently investigating potential lawsuits on behalf of patients who took Lamictal and developed Stevens – Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a rare but serious skin condition. According to a study published in the journal Pediatrics, research confirms that Lamictal alone is a risk factor for SJS and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), a more severe form of the disorder. If your child took Lamictal and suffered from SJS or TEN, our attorneys would like to speak with you. Call Parker Waichman LLP today for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your case.
Lamictal Linked to Stevens – Johnson Syndrome in Children
Clinical trials show that approximately 10 percent of Lamictal users experience a rash on their bodies. Although not all rashes caused by the use of Lamictal are severe, in some patients it can lead to a potentially fatal condition known as Stevens – Johnson Syndrome or its more severe form Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). If a patient is taking Lamictal and develops SJS, the drug should immediately be discontinued.
In January 2009, the Pediatrics journal published a study evaluating medications as risk factors among children who had SJS and TEN. The study consisted of 80 cases with 216 matched controls, using pooled data from 2 international studies, the severe cutaneous adverse reaction (SCAR) study and the multinational severe cutaneous adverse reaction (EuroSCAR) study which was conducted in France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, and Israel. All of the patients were under 15 years of age. Based on this international data, the researchers confirmed that Lamictal and three other types of medications “were strongly associated with the risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.”
What is Stevens – Johnson Syndrome (SJS) / Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)?
Stevens – Johnson Syndrome, or SJS is a serious condition where the mucous membranes of the skin react to a medication or infection. Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is a more severe form of SJS, with a mortality rate upwards of 40 percent. According to Mayo Clinic, a patient may experience a fever, sore throat, cough or burning eyes several days before the onset of a rash. Mayo Clinic lists the following as symptoms of SJS:
- Facial swelling
- Tongue swelling
- Hives
- Skin pain
- A red or purple skin rash that spreads within hours to days
- Blisters on your skin and mucous membranes, especially in your mouth, nose and eyes
- Shedding (sloughing) of your skin
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms of SJS. Complications can be life-threatening, and include: secondary skin infection (cellulitis), sepsis, eye problems, damage to internal organs and permanent skin damage.
Need Legal Help Regarding Lamictal?
The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).
