Anti-Seizure Medication Lawyers for People with Epilepsy

Representing Defective Drug Clients Across Texas and Throughout the United States

Medications are the primary way in which seizures are controlled and are almost always the first form of therapy with about 8 out of 10 people living with epilepsy take medication to help control their seizures.

However, these anti-seizure medications can result in life-altering adverse effects. If you’ve taken an anti-seizure medication and suffered injury or illness like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), call the defective drug attorneys at call Thomas J. Henry Law.


DILANTIN AND TOPAMAX INJURY ATTORNEYS

Dilantin is manufactured by Pfizer and received FDA approval in 2001. Since then, it has been added to the FDA’s Potential Signals of Serious Risks List and has been associated with serious conditions including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Purple Glove Syndrome.

Dilantin, also know as phenytoin, is an antiepileptic drug, or anticonvulsant, prescribed to control certain types of seizures including grand mal seizures and temporal lobe seizures. Grand mal seizures feature a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions while those suffering from temporal lobe seizures experience odd feelings such as euphoria, fear, déjà vu, and hallucinations.

STEVENS-JOHNSON SYNDROME AND DILANTIN

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, also known as SJS, is a serious, life-threatening disorder in which your skin and mucous membranes react severely to a medication or infections. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome often begins with flu-like symptoms, followed by a painful red or purplish rash that spreads and blisters, eventually causing the top layer of your skin to die and shed.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is an emergency medical condition that typically results in hospitalization. In addition, if it is caused by a drug, such as Dilantin, patients are required to permanently discontinue the medication and all others related to it.

Some serious side effects of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome include:

  • Facial swelling
  • Tongue swelling
  • Hives
  • Skin pain
  • A red or purple skin rash that spreads within hours to days
  • Blisters on your skin and mucous membranes, especially in your mouth, nose and eyes
  • Shedding (sloughing) of your skin

If you or a loved one have experienced any of these extreme side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

Possible complications of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome include:

  • Secondary skin infection (cellulitis) – This acute infection of your skin can lead to life-threatening complications, including meningitis — an infection of the membrane and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord — and sepsis.
  • Sepsis – Sepsis occurs when bacteria from a massive infection enter your bloodstream and spread throughout your body. Sepsis is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening condition that can cause shock and organ failure.
  • Eye problems – The rash caused by Stevens-Johnson syndrome can lead to inflammation in your eyes. In mild cases, this may cause irritation and dry eyes. In severe cases, it can lead to extensive tissue damage and scarring within your eyes that can result in blindness.
  • Damage to internal organs – Stevens-Johnson syndrome can cause lesions of your internal organs, which can result in inflammation of your lungs (pneumonitis), heart (myocarditis), kidney (nephritis) and liver (hepatitis).

Permanent skin damage – When your skin grows back following Stevens-Johnson syndrome, it may have abnormal bumps and coloring (pigmentation). Scars may remain on your skin, as well. Lasting skin problems may cause your hair to fall out, and your fingernails and toenails may not grow normally.

TOPAMAX AND CLEFT LIPS AND CLEFT PALATES

Since 1995, Topamax, manufactured by Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., has been available worldwide for the treatment of epilepsy. The drug was also granted approval by the FDA to prevent migraines in August of 2004 and its generic form was approved by the FDA in April of 2009. More than 4 million patients have been treated with Topamax for migraines and epilepsy.

On March 4, 2011, the FDA strengthened the warning for patients using Topamax and it’s generic. Studies show that Topamax significantly increases oral birth defects, including cleft lip, and/or cleft palate in children whose mothers took Topamax during their pregnancy. In fact, this new data shows that expecting mothers who take the drug are 21.3 times more likely to give birth to infants with an oral birth defect such as cleft lips or palates compared to the risk in a background population of untreated women.

The FDA has sent out a notice to medical providers to warn their female patients about the risks of taking Topamax and to discuss alternative medications that have a lower risk of birth defects. Many developmental issues may occur in infants born with cleft palates or lips because they are not able to get adequate nutrition.

Contact Us for a Free Case Review
866-517-5659
info@tjhlaw.com
Read More - Side Contact Form

Contact Us for a Free Case Review
Contact Form

Your Questions Answered

We have straight answers to difficult questions
to help you make critical decisions, navigate
legal process and help you get justice.

Following an accident, there are always more questions
than answers. At Thomas J. Henry, we’re here to answer
any questions you have about your injury case.

A tort is a civil wrongful act committed by a person or company that results in harm to another person. A mass tort is when multiple victims are injured by the same single tort.
A court will consider if a mass tort lawsuit is permissible by determining:
  • whether a large number of plaintiffs are involved
  • whether the plaintiffs are located near or far from each other;
  • whether the injuries sustained are similar among the plaintiffs;
  • whether the claims arose from the same cause (defective toy, car part, oil spill, etc.)
  • Defective products, such as car parts, toys, or other consumer goods.
  • Pharmaceutical drugs, such as those that are later linked to severe or fatal health consequences
  • Environmental hazards, such as polluted water sources contaminated by nearby industrial sites or an oil leak.
Thousands of lawsuits across the country may be filed with a mass tort. These lawsuits are filed in numerous federal district courts. In a mass tort, federal judges will consolidate the thousands of lawsuits into a single proceeding. One judge in a single federal district court will oversee litigation, allowing for consistent rulings and a more expeditious process for the plaintiffs.
In a mass tort, each plaintiff (injured person) has an individual claim resulting from their unique damages. In a class action, many plaintiffs are considered collectively. Similarly, in a mass tort, each individual's claim "value" is unique to the severity of their injuries. In a class action, plaintiffs generally suffer injuries of similar severity, resulting in the same amount of compensation value.
If you have been injured or suffered illness due to a recalled drug, having an expert witnesses can be essential to proving your claim. Thomas J. Henry has spent decades building professional relationships with leading experts including:
  • Pharmacologists
  • Toxicologists
  • Regulatory Compliance Consultants
  • Forensic toxicologists
  • Drug Injury Causation Experts
  • Biomechanics

Why Choose Us

Dollar signs with a strike-through

No Win, No Fee

Thomas J. Henry offers a "No Fee Promise." We work on a contingency fee basis which means you do not pay our firm any fees unless and until we win your case. Learn more.

Family standing next to a house and car with a checkmarked shield icon

Help with Bills

If you've been hurt, you may have a damaged vehicle or be unable to work. We can help get you a rental car if your vehicle is damaged and even advance money on qualified cases.
Car, truck and motorcycle icons

Full-Service Injury Firm

We handle all types of injury cases, including vehicle accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, vehicle recalls, product recalls, pharmaceutical cases, mass tort, and more.
Car with TJH logo zooming

We Come to You

If you've been hurt, you may not be able to come into our offices to speak to an attorney. Don't worry, we will come to you wherever you are – at home, work, or hospital.
Why Choose Us - Over 250 Attorneys Available

Largest Injury Firm in Texas

We have 250+ personal injury attorneys available 24/7 to help you and your family. We have the power and resources to handle any case. Call now for your free case review.

Silhouette of the United States icon

Nationally Recognized

Our firm wins top verdict awards each year and has been featured in Texas Monthly, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Newsweek.com, Forbes, Fortune, Parenting Magazine and more.
Starred ribbon on a document

Top Verdicts & Settlements

We win some of the top verdicts, settlements, and judgments in the country. Recent recoveries include $50 million for a trucking accident, $35 million for a trucking accident and $30.2 million for a vehicle recall accident.

Recent Results

This is just a small sampling of the results we have obtained for our clients.
Please click through to view more verdicts, settlements, and judgments.
Trucking Accident

$50 Million

NECK INJURIES

SPINE & BACK INJURIES

Trucking Accident

$35 Million

WRONGFUL DEATH

Product Liability

$30.22 Million

SPINE & BACK INJURIES

Premises Liability

$14.75 Million

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Medical Malpractice

$12.7 Million

SPINE & BACK INJURIES

Company Vehicle Accident

$10 Million

NECK INJURIES

SPINE & BACK INJURIES

Help & Information

Thomas J. Henry Automobile Crash Statistics Infographic
INFOGRAPHIC

Car Accident Accident Facts and Statistics

Every year, millions of Americans are injured in crashes involving cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Thomas J. Henry FAQs - Texas Auto Accidents
VIDEOS

Are punitive damages available in a Texas auto accident case?

Learn about recoverable damages available to you after suffering an auto accident injury.
Thomas J. Henry Legal Guide "A Guide to Texas Personal Injury Law"
LEGAL GUIDE

Texas Personal Injury Legal Guide

Learn about the car accident claim process in Texas and how best to protect your rights.

Our Practice Areas

Representing injured victims from across the United States.

Blog

ACCIDENTS

Hit-and-Run Accident Occurs During SXSW Weekend in Austin

According to kxan news, a tragic hit-and-run accident occurred in downtown Austin early Tuesday morning, March 12th, 2024, coinciding with the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. One person was killed after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of East Seventh and Red River Streets around 1:10 am.  A second pedestrian was also hit, […]
San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer
ACCIDENTS

San Antonio Highway Shutdown after 18-Wheeler Crash

A big rig 18-wheeler fell off of Highway 97 and crash into I-37 South on San Antonio’s southside. Incident Details According to KSAT, the driver of an 18-wheeler crashed on SH 97 and went off the highway, and landed on the southbound lanes of I-37. San Antonio, Texas. Emergency officials shut down the southbound main […]
LEGAL GUIDE

How is Fault Determined in a Car Accident?

After a car accident, a critical question that arises is the assignment of fault. Comprehending how fault is established can aid you in maneuvering through the legal proceedings and ascertain that you receive the recompense you are entitled to. At Thomas J. Henry Law, we bring to the table our vast experience in car crash […]
Are car accident lawyers worth it?
ACCIDENTS

Fatal Accident in Austin, Tx at FM 812 and FM 973 Intersection

A fatal accident involving multiple vehicles occurred in Travis County on Sunday, February 11th, 2024. Incident Details According to KXAN News, a serious accident involving up to four vehicles occurred at the intersection of FM 812 and FM 973 on Sunday night. Four people tragically died at the scene of the crash. Another person was […]

Customer Reviews

Julie Elliot

Austin | 12 months ago

Very professional and overall great experience!

Shannon Peterson

Austin | 1 year ago

Very professional and courteous staff. Gets the job done swiftly and promptly! Friendly and always treats you with respect.

C. Files

Austin | 1 year ago

Truly was always there when I reached out. White glove service.

Loading...
Do you really want to end conversation?
chat-icon Live chat
avatar Waiting