In addition to posing fewer side effect risks than Dilantin, Keppra was also found to improve long-term outcomes for patients following stroke or traumatic brain injury.  

This recent study, conducted by researchers at the University of Cincinnati Neuroscience Institute (UCNI) at University Hospital, will be published in the April 2010 issue of the journal, Neurocritical Care.

This study of anti-seizure medications is one of many studies this research team is conducting in an effort to improve the treatment and prognosis of patients following serious brain injury.  Because seizures are a major complication following such injuries—affecting 25 to 30 percent of all patients after stroke or brain injury—the researchers focused on medications that would provide the best outcome with the lowest risk of side effects.

Prior to this study, Keppra was considered an effective medication to treat epilepsy but had not been conclusively proven effective in preventing seizures in patients following stroke or brain injury.  While Dilantin has long been the standard preventative treatment, its side effect risks make it less desirable in some patient populations.  Thus, the researchers were interested in establishing the safety and efficacy of Keppra in preventing seizures in this specific patient population.

Their study confirms the benefits of using Keppra over Dilantin in preventing seizures among traumatic brain injury and bleeding stroke patients.

Video Summary

We studied 27 patients with Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) 20 of whom had the syndrome in response to drugs. Six of the patients had SJS due to infection of microplasma pneumonia. The most common drugs implicated in SJS were antibiotics and anti-convulsants. All patients had involvement of the oral mucous membranes, while 81% of the patients had involvement of at least two mucous membranes. 70% of patients also had involvement of the ocular mucous membranes. Microplasma pneumonia induced cases manifested less severely than their drug induced counterparts as evidenced by decreased days in the hospital, no internal organ involvement & no treatment in the ICU.

We also looked at biopsy results, but due to the limited number of samples of microplasma pneumonia induced SJS, we were unable to make any conclusions based on the biopsy results. Our findings can help providers recognize the typical features of SJS, both in terms of the typical skin findings as well as the typical mucous membrane findings. Our findings also illustrate the most commons causes of SJS both in terms of medications and microplasma pneumonia. Our findings also illustrate for providers important principles on how to manage patients with SJS, including the paramount importance of supportive care measures. Finally, our study highlights the importance of performing biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of SJS and to rule out mimicking diseases.

There are several important points for patients based upon our study findings. First of all, our study highlights common causes of SJS- in particular medications. It is important for patients to be aware of the severe cutaneous reaction that can occur as a result of several different kinds of medications they may be taking. It is also important for patients to realize that typically, reactions will start within one month of starting the medications. Moreover it is important for patients to realize that if they do develop SJS, and a causative agent is found, the most important treatment is supportive care. Finally, it is important for patients to remember that chronic effects can take hold and affect eyesight- as a result follow-up treatment is paramount.

Future research on the subject of SJS can build upon our study in two ways; first, future studies can look at the role of systemic treatments such as steroids in the role of survival benefits for patients, in addition to the role of supportive care measures alone. Furthermore, further studies can aim to looks at the hysto-pathological features of patients with SJS to see if certain biopsy features can be more predictive of certain causes of SJS.

The take away message for our paper is that SJS is a severe cutaneous reaction that is typically due to medications, but is also often time due to infection with microplasma pneumonia. Cases that are due to infection with microplasma pneumonia typically manifest less severely than their drug induced counterparts. The most important treatment measures for patients with SJS are supportive care measures. Finally, close follow-up, particularly with respect to eye-care complications, is paramount for these patients.

Dilantin, currently marketed by Pfizer, has been used for decades despite concerns over its serious risks including its known side effects Stevens Johnson Syndrome, heart arrhythmias, and Stevens Johnson Syndrome’s more severe form, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. This drug is widely prescribed—by some estimates 90 percent of older people with seizures are put on Dilantin because of its low cost.

This risk of osteoporosis is a huge consideration for younger women taking the drug Dilantin. According to the study, women who remain on this medication will have ongoing or significant bone loss that, over time, puts them at risk for low bone mineral density and increased bone fractures.

According to one doctor involved in the study, the effects of Dilantin on bone health were surprising. He also noted that the rate at which Dilantin causes bone loss is significant and that more patients and doctors should be aware of this serious possible risk. The study found that women taking Dilantin experienced a loss of 2.6 percent of their bone mineral density in one year, with the greatest loss occurring to the femoral neck of the hip bone.

While some doctors suggest that young women taking Dilantin add a calcium supplement to their diet, other doctors say this is not enough to help prevent Dilantin-related bone loss. The latter suggest that the drug may actually affect the absorption of calcium by the bones. These experts recommend an alternative to Dilantin for younger women.

If you or a loved one has seizures and has been prescribed Dilantin, it is important to know about the risks of osteoporosis and other serious side effects, such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome. If a loved one or someone you know is suffering from Stevens Johnson Syndrome, call our law firm to speak with one of our attorneys who have experience with this type of injury.

Dilantin, the brand name for generic drug phenytoin, has been used intravenously since 1956. However, this medication has been recalled several times due to concern over serious potential side effects. Phenytoin is known to cause serious injuries, including arrhythmias, toxicity, Stevens Johnson Syndrome (a life-threatening skin disease), and hypotension.

According to one medical study conducted at the Mayo Clinic, approximately six percent of their study patients receiving intravenous Dilantin subsequently developed Purple Glove Syndrome. Furthermore, this study found that Purple Glove Syndrome is common among older patients and those who are regularly receiving high doses of Dilantin or generic phenytoin.

Development of Purple Glove Syndrome

The early symptoms of Purple Glove Syndrome often include the discoloration of the skin near the Dilantin injection site approximately two to twelve hours after an injection. This discoloration often turns the local area anywhere from a pale blue to a dark purple. Approximately twelve to sixteen hours after the injection, a patient may begin to develop swelling and the discoloration often spreads to the rest of the arm.

If a patient develops Purple Glove Syndrome following a Dilantin injection, they will often take between two and four weeks to heal. Often, the discoloration and swelling will gradually subside; however, some patients experience significant pain and may suffer some tissue death associated with this Dilantin side effect.

For patients who develop Purple Glove Syndrome, some medical treatments are available to help relieve the symptoms. In many cases, doctors recommend discontinuing the use of Dilantin.
If a loved one or someone you know is suffering from Purple Glove Syndrome, Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, contact our attorneys to learn specific legal right entitled to the victim and victim’s family.

If someone you know is suffering from Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, read our 10 Tips

While all dilantin users are at an increased risk for these serious side effects, the FDA report indicates that Asians with a certain gene may be at an even greater risk for serious debilitating and deadly dilantin side effects. This gene, known as the HLA-B*1502 allele, is most prevalent in people of Asian ancestry. Up to 15 percent of all people from China, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia, and the Philippines carry this gene.

A blood test or genetics test can be performed to determine the presence of this gene in the body.

The FDA report indicates that patients with this specific gene are at a greater risk of SJS and TEN from use of dilantin, Phenytek, generic phenytoin, Cerebyx, and generic fosphenytoin.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a condition in which the skin burns from the inside out. This condition can cause severe rashes and blisters to develop in or near the mouth, nose, eyes, ears, and genitals. When these lesions cover more than 30 percent of the body, this condition is then called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.

These diseases are extremely painful and debilitating, often requiring extensive medical treatment in a burn clinic or ICU.

They can lead to:

• blindness
• internal organ damage
• extensive tissue damage
• and substantial scarring.

Worse still, 5 to 15 percent of patients who develop one of these conditions will die from it.

Previous studies found that Asian individuals with this gene were at greater risk of SJS and TEN with use of cabamazepine. As a result, many doctors switched their patients to dilantin and similar alternatives, which, unfortunately, carry the same risks.  Now the FDA is urging these doctors to screen for this gene in their patient population and avoid using any of the aforementioned medications in patients that test positive for the HLA-B*1502 gene.

Any patient who is concerned about having this gene should speak with their doctor about a test that can screen them for this gene. It is also important to understand that anyone taking dilantin is at an increased risk of serious side effects such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.

If you or a loved one is taking dilantin and develop any new skin conditions, such as sores, red spots or rashes, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, and you may contact our attorney for a no cost consultation regarding the legal rights of the victim.  Call us today at (800) 641-0098

With hope, Thornton allowed surgeons to implant her tooth inside her eye.  This holds a prosthetic lens in place, according to Fox News from a news release.  The procedure is called modified osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis, or MOOKP.  Thornton had this procedure performed at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Apparently, this is the first time a patient has had the procedure done in the U.S.

SJS is a rare and life threatening disease usually caused from a drug reaction and affects about one in a million people each year.

Symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome include: Hives; Blisters; Shedding of your skin; Swelling on your face; Red or purple skin rash; Swelling of your tongue; and Skin pain. Because the syndrome results in painful rashes and blisters, they are treated similar to how burns are treated.

In Thornton’s case, SJS lead to the destruction of the cells on her eye’s surface and led to the scarring of her cornea.  After the procedure was performed, Thornton said, “This is truly a miracle.”  She can now see again.  Right now, her is reading newsprint with a visual acuity of 20/70, but as the scars heal, her sight will improve.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome can result in anxiety, serious pain and suffering.  If you or anyone you know has Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, you may want to contact the attorneys at Childers & Schlueter, LLP to see how they can help protect your legal rights.

Dilantin and phenytoin are popular medications used for the treatment of seizures. They have shown an increased risk for developing SJS and TENS and have increased effects on African Americans based on adverse event reports submitted to the Food and Drug Administration.

According to a study by the Archives of Dermatology, many patients who have the rare skin conditions SJS or TENS also experience involvement with the eyes. Because ocular involvement is found in many patients with SJS and TEN, those using Dilantin may have a higher chance of getting ocular involvement when compared to other known SJS causing drugs.

Medications within the Dilantin and phenytoin families include:
• Dilantin Infatabs
• Dilantin Kapseals
• Dilantin-125
• Fosphentoin
• Phenytek
• Phenytoin Sodium

Those taking Dilantin may experience common side effects which include:
• Slurred speech
• Mental confusion
• Decreased coordination
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Nervousness
• Headaches
• Motor twitching
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Toxic hepatitis
• Liver damage
• Hypersensitivity syndrome

One of the most serious risks from taking Dilantin is developing SJS or TENS. Those who believe they may be suffering the initial effects of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) lawyers and TEN Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TENS) should seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of SJS include hives; blisters; shedding of your skin; swelling on your face; red or purple skin rash; swelling of your tongue; skin pain. For the first couple of days, you may experience flu-like symptoms including: sore throat; burning eyes; fever; cough.

Those who believe they may be suffering the initial effects of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) lawyers and TEN Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TENS) should seek medical attention immediately in order to help reduce the often deadly effects of the reactions. Early treatment and evaluation is paramount in trying to control an SJS/TEN outbreak.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis due to the ingestion of Dilantin or phenytoin, contact our SJS Lawyers immediately. In addition to providing a free review of your claim, our Dilantin Attorneys can also provide valuable insight into dealing with this debilitating condition and precautions you should consider to prevent future reactions as well.

Dilantin is a drug used for the prevention and treatment of seizures. However, it is not used to treat all seizures. The drug slows down your brain impulses that cause seizures.

What are the side effects?

Below are the most common side effects from taking Dilantin:

• Slurred speech
• Mental confusion
• Decreased coordination
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Nervousness
• Headaches
• Motor twitching
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Toxic hepatitis
• Liver damage
• Hypersensitivity syndrome

Another possible side effect from taking Dilantin is Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TENS) should seek medical attention immediately..

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome affects hundreds of people each year. SJS and TENS is a life-threatening disease that affects skin usually caused from a drug reaction, from prescription drugs and over the counter drugs.

Symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome include: Fever, Sore Throat; Hives; Blisters; Shedding of your skin; Swelling on your face; Red or purple skin rash; Swelling of your tongue; and Skin pain. Because SJS and TENS results in painful rashes and blisters, they are treated similar to how burns are treated. The most serious cases of SJS and TENS are treated in burn units or in critical care centers throughout the United States.

Just last year the FDA began investigating the potential increased risk of serious skin reactions, including Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TENS) from Dilantin and phenytoin therapy in Asian patients who have tested positive with ancestry across broad areas of Asia. Phenytoin is marketed as Dilantin, Phenytek, Cerebyx and through other generics.

In many instances, the consumer sees visible manifestations of the SJS/TEN reaction within a few days of starting the anti-seizure medication. Others may not see or realize the manifestations of the reaction due to Dilantin until weeks later. Typically the reaction starts out with symptoms such as headaches, sore throat, trouble breathing, itchy or irritated eyes, blistered lips, and/or the onset of a skin rash. In time the condition only gets worse, especially if the ingestion of the inducing drug is not stopped immediately.

It is critical once these symptoms arise to seek medical attention immediately. When dealing with SJS and TEN, the sooner the reaction is diagnosed the better apt providers will be to address the often deadly condition.