Lawsuits you should know about

Dilantin is a brand name of the generic drug phenytoin sodium that is manufactured by Pfizer.  It is used to lessen the runaway brain activity seen in epileptic patients when suffering a seizure by reducing the electrical conductance among brain cells. 

Phenytoin sodium was the first modern antiepileptic drug developed and has been in use since 1938.  Dilantin was proved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1982.  Like most drugs, there are common side effects such as constipation, dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.  However recently, there has been concern that the use of Dilantin can result in Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and the more severe version of it, Toxic Epidermal Necrosis Syndrome (TENS).  This is due to an increase in reports of patients who have taken Dilantin being diagnoses with SJS.

SJS is a skin disease that is typically the result of an allergic reaction to an over the counter medication.  The cell death that SJS causes results in the epidermis separating from the dermis and it can be fatal in about 15% of the sufferers.  SJS symptoms begin with a fever, sore throat, and headaches like a cold or flu, but soon, the patient begins suffering from skin lesions and blisters.  Because patient’s skin becomes so blistery, they are often treated in burn units.  If the lesions adhere to the lungs, SJS can cause death.

The FDA issued an alert in November 2008 about the potential risk of SJS for Asian patients using phenytoin therapy that have tested positive for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B*1502 allele.  The Stevens Johnson Foundation is concerned that the FDA is not monitoring the potential for adverse drug reactions closely enough because less than one percent of the deaths due to drug reactions are reported.  The doctors may not be reporting it to the FDA because it is not required, but also because they misdiagnosis the SJS and don’t realize it could be drug related.

Others are concerned that Dilantin use can result in liver damage, irregular heartbeats, decreased blood pressure, and birth defects.  A study done at the University of Florida in Gainesville shows that Dilantin use by the mother during pregnancy may result in a lower IQ in the infant.

Many that have taken Dilantin and suffered from SJS or any other adverse side effects have filed suit against Pfizer.  The family of Agnes Davis filed suit against ten different companies that are involved in the making, labeling, testing, marketing, and distribution of phenytoin sodium.  The lawsuit, which was filed in August 2008, claims that Davis had a severe reaction to phenytoin and it resulted in her death.

A recall has been announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for OKK Trading’s Army Figures, 7 ½ inch plastic Army men dressed in fatigues and carrying guns. The recall is due to the fact that the surface paint contains an extremely high amount of lead, so much so that it violates federal standards.

The figures, which were manufactures in China, were sold through dollar store retailers between June 2008 and September 2008 for $1 each.

While no injuries related to the use of these toys have been reported, consumers who purchased them are encouraged to contact OKK Trading for a full refund or replacement. OKK Trading can be contacted by phone at (877) 655-8697 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or on their web page.