The FDA approved Lamictal in 1994. Between its approval date and November 2009, the FDA found 40 cases of aseptic meningitis. Lamictal’s intended use as an anticonvulsant in treating epilepsy and bipolar disorders. The active ingredient in Lamictal is Lamotrigine.

Near 10% of patients who take Lamictal experience rashes on their bodies. Though not severe, they may be signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome – a life-threatening disease that is caused by Lamotrigine. Stevens-Johnsons Syndrome travels through the mucous membranes within the body and causes other effects such as fever, sore throat, blistering, lesions and ulcers in the mouth, lips, and genital areas. 1% these of rashes developed turn into irreversible, life-threatening rashes.

In 2006, the FDA sent an alert to physicians alerting them of risks associated with Lamictal. The NAAED found a strong link between the use of Lamictal and birth defects.

In 2010, the FDA warned the public that using Lamictal may cause aseptic meningitis. This could lead to spinal and brain damage due to the inflamed membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

Claiming to be safe for pregnant women, Lamictal is looked to as a miracle drug for women who experience epileptic seizures during pregnancy. The tradeoff is an increased risk of fetal malformation and birth defects to the child while also increasing health risks for the mother.

Due to Lamictal’s tendency to afflict its patients with Aseptic Meningitis and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, it is not quite the miracle drug which it is envisioned to be.

Free Lamictal Case Evaluation

In August 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning that Lamictal, the drug used to treat seizures in children, may cause serious issues, illness, or even death. Among the most serious illnesses that Lamictal has been tied to include aseptic meningitis and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a life-threatening skin condition. Aseptic meningitis is a rare but very serious side effect of Lamictal that is characterized by the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord becoming inflamed.

The FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication and updated the ‘warnings and precaution’ information for Lamictal to include aseptic meningitis as a possible side effect. In addition to revising the drug’s label to warn users about the risk of meningitis, the FDA also included an updated medication guide that was then provided to patients. GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of the drug, issued a statement agreeing to the label change.

What’s the Problem?

The FDA based their decision to revise the Lamictal label on some 40 cases of aseptic meningitis that were reported by individuals taking the drug from December 1994 to November 2009. There were 35 cases of patients being hospitalized with symptoms of meningitis. The majority of people who stopped taking Lamictal no longer showed signs of meningitis, and in 15 cases, symptoms returned when individuals starting taking the drug once again.

In addition to the most recent FDA warning, officials added a black box warning for Lamictal in 1997 because of life-threatening and sometimes fatal rashes that were reported by adult and pediatric patients who were using the drug. In 2005, the FDA issued a warning that babies who were exposed to Lamictal during the first trimester may be at a higher risk of developing a cleft lip or cleft palate.

Do I Have a Lamictal Case?

Lamictal is an antiepileptic drug that is used to treat bipolar disorder and epileptic conditions in certain individuals. However, the FDA has discovered that Lamictal and other antiepileptic drugs may cause certain complications, including the skin reaction known as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Lamictal is commonly used to treat seizures in children but in recent years it has been linked to a handful of serious issues, illnesses, and even death. If you or your child has been prescribed Lamictal, it is important you are aware of the potential serious complications, including the life-threatening skin condition, TEN.

What is Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis?

TEN is a very serious skin disorder that is characterized by a blistering or peeling of the skin. It is related to another dangerous skin condition, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), which has been pinpointed as a side effect of taking Lamictal. TEN and SJS are thought to be caused by an allergic reaction to certain prescribed medications, such as Lamictal. TEN causes the upper layer of skin to peel in sheets, creating large, exposed raw areas. The raw exposure of these areas can easily become infected, leading to more serious issues. The most common symptoms of TEN include the following:

• A painful, red area
• An individual’s skin peeling without blistering
• Raw, exposed areas of skin
• Discomfort
• Fever
• If left untreated, the condition may spread to the eyes, mouth, throat, genitals, urethra, or anus

TEN Caused by Lamictal

If you or someone you love has taken Lamictal and is experiencing abnormal symptoms such as those listed above, contact your physician immediately. TEN is a very serious condition that can quickly become life-threatening without medical attention. Individuals who are suffering from TEN typically need long-term care in a burn unit in order to keep the condition from spreading and becoming infected. One of the primary causes of death associated with TEN is infection, which is why it is so critical for patients with TEN symptoms to get in touch with their doctor right away.

Those who are experiencing TEN symptoms after taking Lamictal are also vulnerable to other serious health problems, such as permanent skin damage or scarring. Some patients have reported experiencing inflammation of the lungs, heart, liver, or kidneys after taking Lamictal.

Contact a Lamictal Lawyer Today

The Defective Drug and Product Liability Litigation Group at Wormington & Bollinger is an experienced team of trial lawyers who focus exclusively on the representation of plaintiffs in Lamictal side-effects lawsuits. We fight fiercely to ensure that you get every cent you are owed.

It can be difficult to be prescribed a medication by your doctor, and then hear horror stories of how the very same drug is dangerous and can be potentially fatal. It may seem at certain times like there is no real answer to your health situation. If you or a loved one has been prescribed Lamictal or Lamotrigine, it may be in your best interest to consider alternatives. While everybody’s health situation may vary, alternatives could greatly reduce your risk for fatal side effects not mentioned by your doctor or pharmacist.

Lamictal has many claims to remedy a number of health issues including but not limited to: Bipolar Disorder, Epilepsy, Seizures, Focal Epilepsy and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. It is even claimed to be safe for pregnant women.