2023-09-23 14:00:00
“Among the known rare side effects of this medicine, serious skin rashes, which can lead to death, may occur, generally within the first two months of treatment, warns theNational Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM). These are Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Lyell syndrome (or toxic epidermal necrolysis) and Dress syndrome (drug hypersensitivity syndrome with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms).”
A medication prescribed for epilepsy and bipolar disorder
The drug in question is Lamictal and its generics, which is an antiepileptic drug. “It inhibits the release of glutamate in the brain, a substance involved in triggering epileptic seizures, according to Vidal. It also has a beneficial effect in people suffering from bipolar disorder, but its mechanism of action is poorly understood.” Its active substance is lamotrigine.
In note, the ANSM reminds healthcare professionals of the dosage of this medication. The health authority also indicates that patients should consult quickly if they are affected, especially during the first months of treatment, by any of the following symptoms: rash or redness with blisters and peeling, fever, flu-like symptoms, swelling of the face, appearance of lymph nodes, ulcers of the mouth, throat, nose or genitals, irritation of the mouth or eyes, unexpected bruising or bleeding, sore throat.
Severe, life-threatening skin rashes
For the most serious cases, patients risk developing Stevens-Johnson, Lyell and Dress syndromes. According to MSD Manual, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Lyell syndrome are two forms of the same potentially fatal skin disorder. They are characterized by a rash, skin peeling and ulcerative lesions affecting all mucous membranes.
The syndrome du Dress is a serious drug which can be life-threatening for the patient. THE symptoms are high fever, rash with swelling of the face, polyadénopathiea eosinophilia and/or atypical lymphocytes. “The incidence of DRESS syndrome ranges from 1/1,000 to 1/10,000 drug exposures, depending on the Swiss medical journal. However, it can vary depending on the drug and reach, for example, for lamotrigine up to 1/300 patients treated.”
As a reminder, even in the event of side effects, before stopping treatment, it is advisable to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.
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