Dilantin® and Phenytek®, are trade names for phenytoin, an antiepileptic drug used for the treatment of grand mal (tonic-clonic) and complex partial seizures. Cerebyx® is the trade name for fosphenytoin, a prodrug that the body changes into phenytoin. Although these drugs were approved by the FDA they have a number of dangerous, even potentially deadly effects, including:

• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
• Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)
• Purple glove syndrome (most common in intravenous administration of phenytoin)
• Birth defects

 

In December 2007, and again in November 2008, the FDA announced data showing that the risk of SJS/TENS seems to be significantly higher for persons with a particular allele, known as HLA-B*1502, which is most commonly found in persons of Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, Indonesian, and Filipino ancestry.

 

A non-governmental foundation exists to promote the use of phenytoin for other symptoms and disorders, and you may have received an off-label prescription of Dilantin® for anything from obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression to cardiac arrhythmia and hypertension. Although anecdotal evidence and small studies hint that phenytoin may have some positive effects on these disorders, no one has presented sufficient evidence of its safety and effectiveness in these applications. If you are taking phenytoin for anything other than seizures, you should definitely consider a medical negligence claim against your health care provider.

 

If you were hurt by this deadly drug, you may be eligible for compensation for your Dilantin® injuries. To find out, schedule a free, no-obligation phenytoin injury consultation with the pharmaceutical litigation attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton today.

 

How Phenytoin Drugs Work

 

Phenytoin drugs, such as Dilantin®, Phenytek®, and Cerebyx®, work by controlling the severity of seizures. Specifically, they prevent seizures from spreading from one part of the brain to other parts. Seizures are often termed a sudden, uncontrolled explosion of brain activity, which often begin in a localized part of the brain. In tonic-clonic seizures, these explosions of brain activity then "detonate" adjacent areas of the brain, causing the seizure activity to increase in severity and affect the entire body. Dilantin® and other forms of phenytoin reduce the ability of excited brain cells to detonate adjacent areas.

 

Dilantin® is available as tablets containing 50 mg phenytoin, capsules containing 30 or 100 mg phenytoin, and an oral suspension containing 125 mg phenytoin. These are designed to be administered in several doses over the course of the day.

 

Phenytek® capsules contain 200 mg or 300 mg phenytoin for once-daily treatment.

 

Precautions for Use of  Dilantin® and Other Forms of Phenytoin

 

Despite the elevated risk, the makers of the phenytoin drugs Dilantin®, Phenytek®, and Cerebyx® do not currently recommend that persons beginning phenytoin treatment be tested for the HLA-B*1502 allele, even those of Asian ancestry. However, all patients are urged to watch for the signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and purple glove syndrome.

 

In general, you should contact your doctor immediately if you develop a rash. If your rash is characterized by scaly eruptions of the skin, purplish bruises, or blistering, you may be seeing the first signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or other serious skin conditions and may have to discontinue Dilantin® use.

 

Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should talk to their doctors about the risks associated with Dilantin® use during pregnancy, including birth defects like orofacial clefts, cardiovascular defects, facial deformities, nail and digit hypoplasia, microcephaly, and mental disorders. Birth defects occur approximately two to three times as frequently among women using phenytoin and other antiepileptic drugs compared to the general population. In addition, children born to phenytoin-using mothers may suffer a potentially deadly bleeding disorder unless they receive supplementary vitamin treatments.

 

Unfortunately, it is not possible to simply discontinue using phenytoin drugs. Stopping phenytoin use can lead to immediate and dangerous seizures. It is crucial that you speak to your doctor regarding the drug at the first sign of adverse reactions to determine the best course of action.

 

If You Have Been Injured

 

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of phenytoin use, especially as a result of deadly SJS/TENS which can permanently disrupt your life, you deserve compensation. The pharmaceutical liability lawyers at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton have a long track record of successful litigation against pharmaceutical companies, and we will fight for your rights. If you have been injured by Dilantin®, Phenytek®, or Cerebyx®, schedule a free, no-obligation pharmaceutical injury lawsuit consultation today.