Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C.

Another medication has been added to the list of drugs that have been associated with a rare but life-threatening skin reaction known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and its most severe form, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Lamictal (Lamotrigine )ODT (orally disintegrating tablets) is a prescription medication for epilepsy and for the maintenance of bipolar disorder. It’s maker, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (GSK) has added the conditions to the PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections of its labeling.

More than 200 medications have been associated with SJS/TEN, most commonly antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), and medication to treat seizures. SJS/TEN presents as a rash on the skin that blisters over and causes the skin to peel away much like that of a burn victim. Blisters can form in the mouth, on the eyes, and on internal organs, leading to dehydration, ocular problems including blindness, and in more severe cases, death.

Lamictal ODT was recently approved for use in the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is available in 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg strengths. The medication is expected to be available to consumers this month. Lamictal ODT matches the dosage of Lamictal tablets. Lamictal tablets carry the same warning of SJS/TEN.

Source: Monthly Prescribing Reference

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 8th, 2009 at 8:30 am and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.