Neurontin Lawsuit | 2026 Latest Updates

Neurontin (gabapentin) is a prescription epilepsy medicine made by Pfizer. Its FDA-approved label lists Stevens-Johnson syndrome among the reactions reported after the drug was approved for sale. No Neurontin Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis lawsuit, MDL, class action or recall has been filed as of October 14, 2026. Studies have looked at epilepsy medicines as possible triggers of these severe skin reactions. The NHS says the syndrome is rare and the risk is low, even when taking a medicine known to cause it. Anyone with a spreading rash or blisters after starting a new medicine needs emergency care right away.

Latest Neurontin Lawsuit Updates

November 12, 2025: Study Looks at SJS and TEN Survivors

Vanderbilt University Medical Center reported a study published that day in JAMA Dermatology on survivors of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis [1]. Interviews found physical complications such as skin conditions and visual impairment. They also found psychological effects such as flashbacks, anxiety and depression. The study covers survivors of these reactions in general, not Neurontin.

August 6, 2020: Epilepsia Study Flags Drug Combinations

Noguchi and colleagues published in Epilepsia an analysis of the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database, covering 2004 to 2018 [2]. Reporting signals for toxic epidermal necrolysis appeared for the combinations clobazam-gabapentin, phenytoin-gabapentin and valproic acid-gabapentin. The authors write that some combinations “require extra caution”.

What Is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

According to the NHS, Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare but serious skin reaction. It is usually caused by taking certain medicines [3]. It needs hospital care at once. The severe form is sometimes called toxic epidermal necrolysis. The NHS names some types of epilepsy medicines, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory painkillers among the medicines most often behind the reaction.

Who May Be Affected?

People who took Neurontin or generic gabapentin, an epilepsy medicine, and then developed a rash with blisters or peeling skin fit the circumstance. Other signs include sores in the mouth, throat or eyes. A flu-like illness followed by a spreading rash is another sign. A hospital diagnosis of the syndrome or its severe form matters most. Our page on the Stevens-Johnson syndrome lawsuit covers the condition more broadly. Whether any one person has a claim depends on an individual legal review.

Reported Injuries or Damages

The FDA-approved Neurontin label lists Stevens-Johnson syndrome among postmarketing reactions [4]. The NHS lists complications including skin infection, scarring, problems with the lungs, liver and kidneys, and long-term eye problems. A JAMA Dermatology meta-analysis of 50 observational studies and 4403 patients found antiepileptic drugs implicated in 22.9% of these events [5]. Aromatic drugs made up 96.1% of those. Carbamazepine led at 39.1%. The report does not name gabapentin. A 2024 Frontiers in Pharmacology case report described toxic epidermal necrolysis in a 38-year-old woman on phenobarbital, not Neurontin. Of 19 cases reported, 5 (26.3%) did not survive [6]. These findings do not prove Neurontin caused any case.

Evidence to Preserve

Records that may help show what was taken, when and what followed include:

• Pill bottles, packaging or pharmacy labels showing Neurontin or gabapentin, strength and dates
• Prescription and pharmacy records
• The start and stop dates of each dose
• Photographs of the rash, blisters and skin changes
• Hospital, burn unit, dermatology and eye records and discharge papers
• A list of all other medicines taken
• Notes or messages describing symptoms and costs

Filing Deadlines

Deadlines for filing an injury claim come from state law, so where the person lives matters. The dates also depend on when the injury and its diagnosis happened. In some states the clock starts at diagnosis. Late filing can end a claim, and strong facts do not change that. People who think they may have a claim should speak with a lawyer promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does the Research Say About Gabapentin and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Research on gabapentin and Stevens-Johnson syndrome includes a JAMA Dermatology meta-analysis. It found that nonaromatic antiepileptic drugs accounted for 1.9% of these events, but it does not name gabapentin in its reported results.

Does the Neurontin Label Warn About DRESS?

Yes, the Neurontin label warns about DRESS, or Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, a multiorgan hypersensitivity reaction. The label says some of these reactions have been fatal or life-threatening.

What Are the Symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

The symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome can start with flu-like signs such as a high temperature, sore throat, cough and joint pain. A rash appears a few days later and spreads. Blisters then burst and leave painful sores on the lips, mouth, throat and eyes.

What Should I Do If I Develop a Rash on Gabapentin?

If you develop a rash on gabapentin that spreads or blisters, get emergency care right away. Peeling skin or sores in the mouth, eyes or throat also need urgent attention. Bring the medicines you take with you.

How Is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Treated?

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is treated in hospital, sometimes in an intensive care unit. If a medicine is thought to be the cause, it is stopped. The skin usually takes about 2 or 3 weeks to heal, and full recovery may take several weeks or months.

How Common Is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is rare. A 2024 Frontiers in Pharmacology report cites an estimated incidence of 1.1 to 6.0 per million for SJS and TEN, with mortality of 10% to 40%. The NHS says people who had it before are more likely to get it again.

References

1. https://news.vumc.org/2025/11/12/new-study-reveals-long-term-impacts-on-stevens-johnson-syndrome-survivors/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32761907/
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stevens-johnson-syndrome/
4. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/020235s068%2C020882s049%2C021129s049lbl.pdf
5. https://www.neurologyadvisor.com/news/antiepileptic-drugs-stevens-johnson-syndrome/
6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11324585/