Drug Notes

Vigabatrin (By mouth)

Vigabatrin (vye-GA-ba-trin)

Treats seizures and infantile spasms. This is an anticonvulsant.

Brand Name(s):

Sabril

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet, Powder

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Powder :
  • Open the packet and empty the powder into an empty cup.
  • Mix the powder with cold or room temperature water. Use an oral syringe to measure the right amount of water. You will need 10 milliliters (mL) of water for each packet.
  • Do not use the mixed medicine if you see particles in it. The mixed medicine should be clear and colorless.
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
  • Throw away any unused liquid after the dose is given.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how vigabatrin works. Tell your doctor if you are using clonazepam or phenytoin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, anemia, eye or vision problems, or a history of depression or mental illness.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Permanent vision loss
  • Higher risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Anemia
  • Peripheral neuropathy (nerve problem)
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. It is very important that your eye doctor check your eyes within 4 weeks of the day you start treatment and then about every 3 months.
• This medicine may make you sleepy or tired. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision, vision changes
• Feeling depressed, anxious, or irritable
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Unusual moods or behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself or others
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, or weakness
• Vision loss (permanent)

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
• Joint, muscle, or back pain
• Tremors, shaking
• Weight gain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017