Cerebyx® is Pfizer's trade name for a different form of phenytoin delivery. Instead of tablets, caplets, or other forms designed for oral delivery, Cerebyx® is delivered by injection. Cerebyx® is not phenytoin, but fosphenytoin, a chemical that the body transforms into phenytoin with a half-life of approximately 15 minutes. Injection into the muscle instead of the vein delays the process when compared to intravenous injection.

 

How Cerebyx® Works

 

Cerebyx® is a prodrug. It is not believed to have any significant effects until it is transformed by the body into phenytoin. The mechanism of conversion is unknown, but some processes are suspected. It is known that the conversion from fosphenytoin into phenytoin produces phosphate and formaldehyde, but it is believed that these compounds are not produced in biologically significant quantities. Fosphenytoin is not excreted in urine, and it is believed that 100% of fosphenytoin is converted into phenytoin within 3 hours of administration.

 

Once Cerebyx® is converted into phenytoin, it functions as Dilantin®.

 

Dangers of Cerebyx® Use

 

Because 100 % of fosphenytoin is converted into phenytoin, Cerebyx® has all the same dangers as Dilantin®, and similar precautions should be followed before beginning Cerebyx® treatment. These dangers include Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), purple glove syndrome, and various birth defects when used by pregnant women.

 

However, Cerebyx® is not intended for long-term use. It is approved only as a substitute for Dilantin® use when oral or IV phenytoin application is not feasible. The safety and effectiveness of Cerebyx® has not been tested or approved for periods longer than 5 days.

 

One benefit postulated for the use of Cerebyx® over Dilantin® or other phenytoin is the prevention of purple glove syndrome. However, clinical data does not support this postulate, and the only current benefit of Cerebyx® is that it can be delivered via intramuscular injection when a patient is unable to take oral phenytoin like Dilantin®. In this case, fosphenytoin reduces pain and burning at the injection site by 90 % and diffuses better than IV phenytoin.

 

Compensation for Cerebyx® Injuries

 

Cerebyx® injections can lead to serious adverse reactions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. If you or a loved one suffers this type of injury, the consequences can be devastating: a long hospital stay, prescriptions for harsh antibiotics and antifungals with their own side effects, a recovery time that is measured in months, potential for permanent disability or disfigurement, even death.

 

These types of Cerebyx® injuries merit compensation for the economic, physical, and emotional damage done to your life. To ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injury, work with pharmaceutical injury lawyers whose expertise, experience, and recognized leadership in multi-district litigation show that they are ready to take your case. The attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton represent victims of pharmaceutical injuries in all 50 states. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.