Update on Lamotrigine
Further to the article about lamotrigine (Lamictal®) in the April 1997 issue of Sharing, Glaxo Wellcome has contacted us to advise that lamotrigine is not currently approved for use in children under 18 years of age in Canada.
A statement released by Glaxo Wellcome on 4 April 1997 states: "In cases of skin rash reported in children, the dosage... was often greater than that recommended for adults;"
and "In adults... the following risk factors appear to be associated with the development of skin reactions: - concomitant use of valproic acid which increases the mean half-life of Lamictal® two-fold;
- exceeding the recommended initial dose or the recommended rate of excalation...".
"Dermatologic events were more likely to occur within two to eight weeks of therapy initiation.... All patients who develop a rash should be promptly evaluated and Lamictal® withdrawn immediately, unless the rash is clearly not drug related."
"Glaxo Wellcome is working to enhance its understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of dermatologic reactions in patients receiving Lamictal®. Medical professionals can further our understanding by reporting adverse events to Glaxo Wellcome Drug Surveillance at 800-668-6501 or directly to the Health Protection Branch [613-957-1804 or 416-973-1600]."
Glaxo Wellcome Medical Information may be contacted at 800-668-6501.
A copy may be obtained from Epilepsy Ontario.
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