Sabril
Generic name:vigabatrin [ vye-GA-ba-trin ]
Brand names: Sabril, Vigadrone
Drug class:Gamma-aminobutyric acid analogs
What is Sabril?
Sabril is an anti-epileptic medicine, also called an anticonvulsant.
Sabril is used in combination with other medications to treat complex partial seizures in adults and children who are at least 10 years old. The powder for oral solution is used to treat infantile spasms in babies and children between the ages of 1 month and 2 years.
Sabril can cause serious side effects and should be used only by people who have been unable to control their seizures with several other medications.
Warnings
Taking Sabril can cause permanent vision loss, even after you stop using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have any vision problems, such as retinitis or glaucoma and advise your doctor right away about any changes in your vision. You must have frequent eye exams before, during, and shortly after taking this medicine.
To be sure Sabril is not causing harmful effects on your vision, you will need a thorough eye exam before you start taking the medication and then every 3 months during treatment, even if your vision seems normal. If you ever stop taking this medicine, you may still need to have eye exams every 3 to 6 months after your treatment ends. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.
Some babies treated with vigabatrin have had abnormal brain changes seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Tell any doctor who treats your baby that the child is taking this medicine.
Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking seizure medication. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
Sabril should be used only by people who have been unable to control their seizures with several other medications.
Before taking this medicine
Some people taking Sabril have developed vision problems within weeks to years after starting treatment. Vision loss caused by vigabatrin may be permanent, and you may notice only mild symptoms at first. Talk to your doctor about this possibility.
Sabril is available only from a certified pharmacy under a special program. You must be registered in the program and agree to have vision exams before, during, and shortly after taking vigabatrin. Be sure you understand the risks and benefits of taking this medicine.
You should not use Sabril if you are allergic to vigabatrin.
To make sure Sabril is safe for you, tell your doctor if you (or the child taking this medicine) have ever had:
vision problems;
kidney disease;
anemia (low red blood cells); or
depression, a mood disorder, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts or actions.
Some people have t...
