The FDA has updated the warnings section of the labeling for the prescription drug Trileptal (oxcarbazepine), indicated for the treatment of partial seizures in adults and children aged 4-16 years old with epilepsy. (Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) has been associated with incidents of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in patients. Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) is marketed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, or SJS, is a serious and sometimes fatal allergic skin reaction to an adverse drug. Victims of SJS develop painfully large blisters on their skin and inside mucous membranes such as the eyes and mouth. SJS may be preceded by an extremely high fever and other flu-like symptoms. As it progresses, SJS can cause swelling, conjunctivitis, skin erosions, and skin loss.

In the last stages of SJS, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) occurs. At this stage of the illness, a person’s skin literally sloughs off their body. The skin is the largest organ of the body; skin death is usually fatal. More information on Stevens-Johnson syndrome and its relation to Trileptal (oxcarbazepine), Bextra, ibuprofen, and other drugs can be found at the Stevens-Johnson Foundation.