Carbamazepine

Carbamazepine is a substance that's been used by many people who have struggled with such conditions as seizures, and has even been used to treat those who are bipolar. As a result, the FDA has recently published a warning of the potential danger of using any carbamazepine-containing by certain groups of people. Below is a brief look at the specifics of the warning published, but if you have been harmed as a result of using carbamazepine, you need to contact a defective products attorney as soon as possible to schedule an initial consultation.

Carbamazepine Use and Substance:

Carbamazepine is a substance that’s been incorporated into several brands of medication and exists under several market-driven brand names.  It has been used to help patients who suffer from partial and grand mal seizures with a high degree of success, and recently, bipolar patients have also experienced successful results with this substance.

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People Affected or Injured by Carbamazepine:

The potential pool of those who are at risk is quite unique when compared to other substances that have generated a warning from the FDA.  Specifically, anyone whose ancestry can be traced to several parts of Asia have been found to be at risk, and this includes those whose family history traces itself to southern India.

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The Genetic Issue and Asian Ancestry:

Specifically, those at risk are people with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele, HLA-B*1502.  In accordance with what’s stated above, this allele occurs almost exclusively in patients with ancestry across broad areas of Asia, including South Asian Indians.  The FDA states on its Web site that “patients with ancestry from areas in which HLA-B*1502 is present should be screened for the HLA-B*1502 allele.” 

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The Problems & Side Effects Caused by Carbamazepine:

Those with the genetic makeup above who have used carbamazepine have shown an alarming tendency to develop two skin conditions, both of which are not only extremely painful and debilitating, but can also be fatal if they are not treated promptly and properly. These conditions are Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

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Your Next Step - Getting Help for a Carbamazepine Lawsuit.

There are potentially two steps you should take.  The first is to undergo the genetic screening that the FDA advises you to take above.  If it’s found that you have this gene and you’ve been using carbamazepine, you will need a medical evaluation to find out if you have developed either of the skin conditions listed above.  If you have, then you need to contact a defective products attorney as soon as possible to schedule an initial consultation.

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