Sabril

Generic name: Vigabatrin

Drug class: Gamma-aminobutyric acid analogs

Dosage forms: Tablet, Powder for Oral Solution

Root of administration: Oral

Dose: 500 mg

Mechanism of action: Sabril is an anti-epileptic medicine, also called an anticonvulsant.

Drug usage cases: Sabril is used in combination with other medications to treat complex partial seizures in adults and children who are at least 10 years old. The powder for oral solution is used to treat infantile spasms in babies and children between the ages of 1 month and 2 years. Sabril can cause serious side effects and should be used only by people who have been unable to control their seizures with several other medications.

Drug contra indications: Some people taking Sabril have developed vision problems within weeks to years after starting treatment. Vision loss caused by vigabatrin may be permanent, and you may notice only mild symptoms at first. Talk to your doctor about this possibility. Sabril is available only from a certified pharmacy under a special program. You must be registered in the program and agree to have vision exams before, during, and shortly after taking vigabatrin. Be sure you understand the risks and benefits of taking this medicine. You should not use Sabril if you are allergic to vigabatrin. To make sure Sabril is safe for you, tell your doctor if you (or the child taking this medicine) have ever had:

vision problems; kidney disease; anemia (low red blood cells); or depression, a mood disorder, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts or actions. Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking Sabril. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Sabril (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling). Taking vigabatrin can cause permanent vision loss. Tell your doctor right away about any changes in your vision. If a child is taking Sabril: Tell the doctor right away if the child shows signs of vision changes, such as bumping into things or being easily startled or surprised. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Call your doctor at once if you have:

increased or worsening seizures; any change in your vision, no matter how mild; unusual or involuntary eye movements; severe drowsiness, fussiness, or feeding problems (in a baby taking vigabatrin); numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet; weight gain with or without swelling; signs of an ear infection – fever, ear pain or full feeling, trouble hearing, drainage from the ear, fussiness in a child; low red blood cells (anemia) – pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, or cold hands and feet. Some babies treated with Sabril have had abnormal brain changes seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is not known if these changes are caused by vigabatrin or if they are harmful. Tell any doctor who treats your baby that the child is taking this medicine.

Warnings: Taking Sabril can cause permanent vision loss, even after you stop using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have any vision problems, such as retinitis or glaucoma and advise your doctor right away about any changes in your vision. You must have frequent eye exams before, during, and shortly after taking this medicine. To be sure Sabril is not causing harmful effects on your vision, you will need a thorough eye exam before you start taking the medication and then every 3 months during treatment, even if your vision seems normal. If you ever stop taking this medicine, you may still need to have eye exams every 3 to 6 months after your treatment ends. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor. Some babies treated with vigabatrin have had abnormal brain changes seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Tell any doctor who treats your baby that the child is taking this medicine. Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking seizure medication. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor. Sabril should be used only by people who have been unable to control their seizures with several other medications. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Do not start or stop taking seizure medication during pregnancy without your doctor’s advice. Having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of vigabatrin on the baby. You should not breastfeed while you are using Sabril.