Federal health officials warn of rare brain inflammation with Glaxo drug Lamictal
By APThursday, August 12, 2010
FDA warns of brain problem with Glaxo seizure drug
WASHINGTON — Federal health regulators are warning doctors and patients that a seizure drug from GlaxoSmithKline can cause rare inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
The Food and Drug Administration says it is working with the British drugmaker Glaxo to add new warnings and labeling information to the company’s drug Lamictal.
The agency said it has received reports of 40 cases of aseptic meningitis since Lamictal’s approval in 1994 and last November. Thirty-five patients needed to be hospitalized, the agency said in a statement.
Aseptic meningitis is a dangerous inflammation of the brain and spinal cord that can cause headache, fever, chills and vomiting. The problem can be caused by viruses, toxins and certain medications.
