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VIGABATRIN

About

VIGABATRIN belongs to a group of medications called anticonvulsants. Vigabatrin is used alone or with other medicines to treat refractory complex partial seizures in adults and children two years of age and older and infantile spasms in children. Seizures are considered refractory when two or more AEDs (anti-epileptic drugs) have failed to control the seizures. Infantile spasms, sometimes called West syndrome, are a type of seizure that occurs in babies.

VIGABATRIN contains Vigabatrin. It increases the amount of the chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. Low levels of GABA cause some seizures. When Vigabatrin increases GABA, it reduces the likelihood of a seizure.

Take VIGABATRIN as prescribed by your doctor. Depending on your medical condition, you are advised to take VIGABATRIN for as long as your doctor prescribes it. In some cases, VIGABATRIN may cause side effects such as blue-yellow colour blindness, blurred vision, decreased vision or other vision changes, eye pain, increased seizures and loss of memory or problems with memory. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.

Before taking the VIGABATRIN, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and all medications you are using. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. You should not breastfeed unless the doctor advises. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking VIGABATRIN for as long as your doctor has prescribed. VIGABATRIN should be gradually withdrawn, so please do not stop taking VIGABATRIN without consulting your doctor. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience suicidal tendencies. Driving or operating machinery is not advised since VIGABATRIN may cause vision problems. It is not recommended to consume alcoholic beverages while receiving vigabatrin medication.

Uses of VIGABATRIN

Refractory complex partial seizures, Infantile spasms.

Medicinal Benefits

VIGABATRIN contains Vigabatrin. Vigabatrin is an anticonvulsant. It increases the amount of the chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. Low levels of GABA cause some seizures. When Vigabatrin increases GABA, it reduces the likelihood of a seizure. Vigabatrin is used alone or together with other medicines to treat refractory complex partial seizures in adults and children two years of age and older and infantile spasms in children. It is used in patients who have already been treated with other medicines that did not work well.

Directions for Use

Tablet: Swallow it as a whole with water; do not crush, break or chew it. Powder: Empty the contents of the package into a clean cup. Mix the powder with 10 ml or 2 teaspoons of water. Use cold or room-temperature water. Use the syringe that comes with the powder to draw up the medicine and put it in the child's mouth. Prepare and give each dose of medicine immediately. Don't save any unused medicine for a later time.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of VIGABATRIN

  • Blue-yellow colour blindness
  • Blurred vision
  • Decreased vision or other vision changes
  • Eye pain
  • Increase in seizures
  • Loss of memory or problems with memory

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

Before taking the VIGABATRIN, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and all medications you are using. And also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially Anemia, Eye or vision problems, Depression, Mental illness and Kidney disease.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interactions: VIGABATRIN may interact with other anticonvulsants (e.g. trimethadione), Antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g. amiodarone), corticosteroid medication (e.g. betamethasone, budesonide), tuberculosis medications (e.g. ethambutol)

Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption while taking VIGABATRIN as it might cause increased dizziness and sleepiness.

Drug-Disease Interactions: The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine, especially Anemia, Eye or vision problems, Depression, Mental illness and Kidney disease.

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:

  • TRIMETHADIONE
  • AMIODARONE
  • BETAMETHASONE
  • BUDESONIDE
  • ETHAMBUTOL
  • Safety Advice

    • Safety Warning

      Alcohol

      unsafe

      It is unsafe to consume alcohol while taking VIGABATRIN since it may worsen the side effects.

    • Safety Warning

      Pregnancy

      caution

      There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on pregnant women. Inform your doctor before receiving the VIGABATRIN if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.

    • Safety Warning

      Breast Feeding

      caution

      There has been no significant research on using VIGABATRIN in breastfeeding/nursing moms. So, let your doctor know if you are a nursing mother before taking VIGABATRIN; your doctor will decide whether breastfeeding mothers can take VIGABATRIN.

    • Safety Warning

      Driving

      unsafe

      VIGABATRIN may cause colour blindness or blurred vision; therefore, do not drive or operate machinery.

    • Safety Warning

      Liver

      caution

      If you have liver problems, inform your doctor before taking VIGABATRIN. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing VIGABATRIN.

    • Safety Warning

      Kidney

      caution

      If you have kidney problems, inform your doctor before taking VIGABATRIN. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing VIGABATRIN.

    • Safety Warning

      Children

      safe if prescribed

      Please consult your doctor. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks before prescribing this medicine for your child.

    Habit Forming

    Not enough scientific literature available around this hence it is best to consult your physician

    Diet & Lifestyle Advise

    • A ketogenic diet (low in carbohydrates and high in fats) is recommended for children with epilepsy. This diet helps utilise fat instead of glucose for energy generation.
    • The Atkins diet (high fat and controlled carbohydrates) is recommended for adolescents and adults.
    • Exercising regularly helps in maintaining weight and improving overall health. 
    • Rest well, and get plenty of sleep.
    • Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
    • Meditation and yoga can help lower stress, decrease pain sensitivity and improves coping skills.
    • Have a seizure response plan, and help those around you know what to do.
    • Prepare your living area; small changes may reduce the risk of physical injury during a seizure.
    • Understand what triggers seizures are and try reducing or avoiding them.
    • Please pay attention to overall health, as it can help reduce seizure activity.
    • Install an alarm or emergency device to get assistance during a seizure attack.

    Special Advise

    • Regular vision tests are recommended.
    • Pay close attention to any changes in mood, behaviour, thoughts, or feelings, especially if they are sudden.
    • Maintain all scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare practitioner.

    Patients Concern

    Disease/Condition Glossary

    Refractory complex partial seizures: Seizures are considered refractory when two or more AEDs (anti-epileptic drugs) have failed to control the seizures. Seizures are bursts of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affect how it works. They can cause a wide range of symptoms.

    Infantile spasms: Infantile spasms, also known as West syndrome, are a form of seizure that occurs in infants. Spasms appear as a sudden stiffening of muscles, with the baby's arms, legs, or head bending forward. Seizures occur in a chain of brief spasms lasting one to two seconds.

    FAQs

    VIGABATRIN contains Vigabatrin. It increases the amount of the chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. Low levels of GABA cause some seizures. When Vigabatrin increases GABA, it reduces the likelihood of a seizure.

    No, VIGABATRIN should not be stopped even if you start feeling better. Abrupt stopping may cause continuous seizures, which can be difficult to control. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking VIGABATRIN for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking VIGABATRIN; your doctor will gradually reduce the dose to avoid precipitating seizures.

    Brain cells must work (fire) at a specific rate to function normally. During a seizure, brain cells are forced to perform faster than usual. During a seizure, Vigabatrin causes chemical changes in the brain that slow down the firing of brain cells.

    The most concerning adverse effect is the possibility of losing peripheral vision. This means that people may be unable to see clearly to the sides, as well as high up and low down. The risk of new and severe vision loss remains as long as VIGABATRIN is used and possibly after the medicine is stopped. Periodic vision testing (suggested every three months) is essential for VIGABATRIN patients but cannot reliably prevent visual impairment.

    VIGABATRIN may cause suicidal thoughts such as killing or harming yourself. People taking VIGABATRIN should be closely monitored for suicidal thoughts or behaviour. Speak with your doctor immediately if you need to.

    Pay close attention to any changes in mood, behaviour, thoughts, or feelings, especially if they are sudden.

    Available Medicines for

    VIGABATRIN

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