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Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador
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| Drug Alert Notices | |
Lamictal (lamotrigine) Cuts Effectiveness of the Pill
LONDON (Agence de Presse Medicale for Reuters Health) - Drug maker GlaxoSmithKline has issued a "Dear Doctor" letter advising that its anti-epilepsy drug Lamictal (lamotrigine) can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
New data have demonstrated an interaction between combined oral contraceptives and lamotrigine which could lead to reduced effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, a revised product label states.
"Women should have a review of their contraception when starting lamotrigine, and the use of alternative non-hormonal methods of contraception should be encouraged," the new label states.
It adds: "A hormonal contraceptive should only be used as the sole method of contraception if there is no other alternative."
"If the oral contraceptive pill is chosen as the sole method of contraception, women should be advised to promptly notify their physician if they experience changes in menstrual pattern (e.g. breakthrough bleeding) while taking Lamictal as this may be an indication of decreased contraceptive efficacy."
Lamotrigine concentrations are cut in half during co-administration of oral contraceptives, the label further states.
"This may result in reduced seizure control in women on a stable lamotrigine dose who start an oral contraceptive, or in adverse effects following withdrawal of an oral contraceptive. Dose adjustments of lamotrigine may be required," it advised.
Reuters, July 11, 2005
Disclaimer
The materials contained on the Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador website are to provide general information about epilepsy to the public. The information presented is not intended as medical or legal advice. Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador, its employees, board members, medical advisors, volunteers, agents and sponsors do not assume responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions or for the consequences from the use of the information obtained over this site or any links accessed through this site. Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador is not liable for any outcome or damages resulting from information in either a direct or indirect form. We recognize that each individual's experience of epilepsy is different. Consult your physician and/or neurologist with any questions you have.
People with epilepsy should never discontinue anti-epileptic medications or make changes in activities unless specifically advised to do so by an attending physician.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others and use this medication only for the condition prescribed.
