Lamictal Linked to Serious Immune System Reaction: What You Need to Know

If you believe your diagnosis was caused by Lamictal, contact Lamictal Lawyer Timothy L. Miles 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety warning in April 2018 stating that Lamictal has been linked to a serious immune system reaction called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).
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The link has led the FDA to require that Lamictal maker GlaxoSmithKline provide a new warning that will be added to the medication’s prescribing information and drug label.

HLH is an immunodeficiency that is life-threatening, affecting those of all ages and ethnic groups. Symptoms of HLH include:Fever

• Enlarged liver—symptoms may include pain, tenderness, or unusual swelling over the liver area in the upper right belly
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Skin rash
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Unusual bleeding
• Nervous system problems—including seizures, trouble walking, difficulty seeing, or other visual disturbances

The FDA says that HLH can be confused with other drug reactions including Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, or DRESS.

Those who have HLH will typically have at least five of the following symptoms:

• Fever and rash
• Enlarged spleen
• Cytopenias
• Elevated levels of triglycerides or low blood levels of fibrinogen
• High levels of blood ferritin
• Hemophagocytosis identified through bone marrow, spleen, or lymph node biopsy
• Decreased or absent Natural Killer (NK) Cell activity
• Elevated blood levels of CD25 showing prolonged immune cell activation

​The FDA warns that it is very important that you do not stop taking Lamictal without first consulting a doctor because doing so could cause serious problems including uncontrolled seizures. If you suffered from Lamictal side effects, call Lamictal lawyer Timothy L. Miles about a Lamictal lawsuit.

Other Lamictal Rash Adverse Reactions

This is not the first time that Lamictal has been linked to serious adverse reactions.
The epilepsy drug has been linked to a number of other Lamictal side effects[TM1]  such as:

• Blurred vision
• Chest pain
• Sleeping problems
• Dizziness
• Head pain
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Joint Pain
• Others

Lamictal has also been linked to a number of severe and potentially deadly drug reactions, as detailed below.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Lamictal Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an allergic reaction to a drug that attacks the skin and mucous membranes. Lamictal Stevens Johnson Syndrome results in blisters and skin burns that cover up to 30 percent of the body surface area.
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A Lamictal rash like SJS can affect those in all age groups and races, but it is more common in women than men by a small percentage.

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is a more severe form of Lamictal Stevens Johnson Syndrome. The surface area it covers extends beyond 30 percent of the surface area.
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While 50 percent of Stevens Johnson Syndrome cases are induced by a drug, up to 95 percent of TENs cases are precipitated by drug use. Drugs that are known to induce TEN include Lamictal.

DRESS: Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms

​Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, or DRESS, is a severe adverse drug reaction which is characterized by an extensive skin rash plus association with visceral organ involvement, lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia, and atypical lymphocytosis.

Call a Lamictal Lawyer

​If you believe your diagnosis was caused by Lamictal, you may be entitled to compensation by filing a Lamictal lawsuit. Contact Lamictal Lawyer Timothy L. Miles and see what a Lamictal Lawyer can do for you.

Timothy L. Miles, Esq.

Timothy L. Miles is a nationally recognized shareholder rights attorney raised in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Miles was recentely selected by Martindale-Hubbell® and ALM as a 2022 Top Ranked Lawyer, 2022 Top Rated Litigator. and a 2022 Elite Lawyer of the South. Mr. Miles also maintains the AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, their highest rating for both legal ability and ethics. Mr. Miles is a member of the prestigious Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers: The National Trial Lawyers Association, a superb rated attorney by Avvo, a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by Premier Lawyers of America (2019) and recognized as a Distinguished Lawyer, Recognizing Excellence in Securities Law, by Lawyers of Distinction (2019). Mr. Miles has published over sixty articles on various issues of the law, including class actions, whistleblower cases, products liability, and more.