Lamictal is a prescription medication that is used to treat seizures in people who suffer from epileptic episodes. First approved by the FDA in 1994 and manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Lamictal has been linked to a wide range of serious side effects and illnesses. One of the first safety warnings regarding Lamictal was issued in August 2010 and concerned the risk of aseptic meningitis from Lamictal. Albeit rare, this potentially life-threatening side effect was serious enough to bring Lamictal and GSK into the spotlight. Since 2010, there have been numerous other warnings issued about the side effects associated with the drug. Between December 1994 and November 2009, Lamictal was associated with approximately 40 cases of aseptic meningitis. One patient died as a result of the illness.

The possibility of patients developing aseptic meningitis after taking Lamictal is just one example of the dangers of the drug. In addition to contributing to cases of aseptic meningitis, Lamictal has also been linked to the following:

  • Birth defects – Including cleft palates and cleft lips
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
  • Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)

These potential side effects of Lamictal are very serious and should not be taken lightly. Between 1994 and 2009, GSK sold 46 million Lamictal prescriptions. As more and more people come forward with stories of adverse reactions to the drug, the seriousness of the allegations against GSK are becoming more widely known.

Lamictal and Birth Defects

In September 2006, the FDA issued a warning to healthcare professionals notifying them of the link found between Lamictal and birth defects. Research has shown that women who used Lamictal during the first three months of their pregnancies are far more likely to give birth to children with certain defects than the general population. According to the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry (NAAED), women using Lamictal gave birth to children with cleft palates or cleft lips at a rate of 8.9 children per thousand users.

What Does This Mean?

Since Lamictal has been linked to aseptic meningitis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, suicidal thoughts, birth defects, and other dangerous side effects, GSK has had to endure lawsuits from people throughout the United States, including Texas residents. If you or a loved one have been prescribed Lamictal and have experienced any serious side effects, please contact Wormington & Bollinger today. Our experienced Lamictal lawyers will do everything we can to ensure victims get the compensation they deserve in a timely manner.