FDA issues alert for lamotrigine in US

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the US has issued an alert for lamotrigine/Lamictal which it says may pose risks for anyone with a heart condition, particularly arrhythmia.

There are new warnings following laboratory tests that the epilepsy drug should not be prescribed for anyone with structural heart disease or myocardial ischemia.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which is responsible for the safety of medicines and medical devices in the UK, has said it is currently looking into what prompted the FDA update.

A spokesperson said that current advice in the Patient Information Leaflet for Lamictal highlights risks associated with the medication for anyone with Brugada syndrome that results in abnormal electrical activity in the heart. Lamotrigine may trigger abnormalities leading to abnormal heart rhythmns.

If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, please contact your doctor. Do not stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor.