Vigabatrin: Patient drug information

Warning

This drug may cause eyesight problems like loss of eyesight. People taking this drug do not lose all of their eyesight but loss of eyesight can be very bad. Eyesight problems include not being able to see to the side when looking straight ahead and only being able to see straight ahead. Blurred eyesight may also happen. The risk of eyesight problems may be higher with higher doses of this drug and the longer this drug is taken. If these eyesight problems happen, they will not get better. Eyesight problems may happen within weeks of starting this drug or sooner, or at any time while taking it, even after months or years. Talk with the doctor.
Call your doctor right away if you do not see things as well as before taking this drug. Call your doctor right away if you start to trip, bump into things, or are more clumsy than normal. Call your doctor right away if people surprise you or if things that come in front of you seem to come out of nowhere.
You will need to have your eyesight tested before starting this drug, while taking it, and for some time after you stop taking it. These tests may not find loss of eyesight before it is severe.
If you have eyesight problems like loss of eyesight, are at risk for loss of eyesight, or are taking drugs that may cause eye problems, talk with your doctor.

What is this drug used for?

It is used to help control certain kinds of seizures.
It is used to treat infantile spasms.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this drug.
This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

For all patients taking this drug:
Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how this drug affects you.
Do not stop taking this drug all of a sudden without calling your doctor. You may have a greater risk of seizures. If you need to stop this drug, you will want to slowly stop it as ordered by your doctor.
This drug may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take this drug.
Nerve problems like burning, numbness, or tingling feelings that are not normal have happened with this drug. It is not known if these nerve problems will go away if this drug is stopped. Talk with the doctor.
Talk with your doctor before you use alcohol, marijuana or other forms of cannabis, or prescription or OTC drugs that may slow your actions.
If seizures are different or worse after starting this drug, talk with the doctor.
If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
This drug may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.
Children:
If your child's weight changes, talk with the doctor. The dose of this drug may need to be changed.
This drug may cause MRI changes that are not normal in infants. This has not been seen in older children or adults. It is not known if these changes are harmful. Talk with the doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) like blood in the urine, burning or pain when passing urine, feeling the need to pass urine often or right away, fever, lower stomach pain, or pelvic pain.
A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
Change in balance.
Feeling confused, not able to focus, or change in behavior.
Fever.
Ear pain.
Not able to control eye movements.
Very bad muscle pain or weakness.
Swelling.
Memory problems or loss.
Trouble walking.
Painful periods.
Like other drugs that may be used for seizures, this drug may rarely raise the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. The risk may be higher in people who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. Call the doctor right away about any new or worse signs like depression; feeling nervous, restless, or grouchy; panic attacks; or other changes in mood or behavior. Call the doctor right away if any suicidal thoughts or actions occur.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak.
Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, throwing up, or decreased appetite.
Cough.
Nose or throat irritation.
Signs of a common cold.
Headache.
Trouble sleeping.
Back, muscle, or joint pain.
Weight gain.
Shakiness.
Flu-like signs.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
All products:
Take with or without food.
Ask your doctor what to do if you are not able to take the full dose. Ask your doctor what to do if you throw up after taking this drug.
Keep taking this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
Powder for solution:
Mix with water as told before you take this drug. Do not swallow the dry powder.
Be sure you know how many packets to use for each dose. Use 10 mL of water for each packet of this drug.
Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure this drug.
Do not use a household teaspoon or tablespoon to measure this drug. Doing so could lead to the dose being too high.
Swallow the mixture right away. Do not store for use at a later time.
Do not use if the solution is cloudy or has particles.
Do not use if solution changes color.
Throw away any part of the mixture left over after the dose is given.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor to find out what to do.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

Store in the original container at room temperature.
Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

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Vigabatrin: Patient drug information