Anti-Seizure Medication Linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)

Trileptal is an anti-seizure medication that is often prescribed for several off-label uses, including bipolar disease and epilepsy. The Food and Drug Administration began carefully monitoring Trileptal after receiving reports the drug may be associated with Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and multi-organ hypersensitivity. Novartis, the manufacturers of Trileptal, have refuted these claims and continue to produce the drug.

Trileptal and Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Several studies have found that Trileptal may cause patients to develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome, which is a rare, serious medical disorder that causes the skin to become hypersensitive to medication or infection. The condition often requires hospitalization and extensive treatment. Some symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome are:

• Blisters around the mouth, nose and eyes
• Cough
• Excessive skin shedding
• Eye irritation
• Fever
• Hives
• Rash that spreads quickly
• Red or purple rash
• Skin irritation and pain
• Sore throat
• Swelling of the face
• Tongue swelling

In addition, some patients develop potentially life-threatening complications of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, including multi-organ hypersensitivity. This condition arises as mucous membranes settle in the internal organs and cause them to become hypersensitive to infection.

There is no cure for Stevens Johnson Syndrome, and more than 15 percent of all patients die from SJS complications.

Filing a Trileptal Lawsuit

Patients who develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome often incur thousands of dollars in medical expenses and suffer severe emotional distress. Many SJS patients are forced to take time off work to treat their condition, as well as forgo social interactions in order to prioritize their well-being.

A skilled defective drug attorney can help you receive rightful compensation for expenses caused by Trileptal side effects. To learn more about filing a claim against Novartis, contact the defective drug lawyers of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis and Overholtz at (888) 255-2956 and begin your journey toward justice.