Retigabine is used together with other medicines to treat epilepsy (also known as seizures or fits).
Take Retigabine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take Retigabine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
Retigabine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue to take it even when you feel better. Do not stop taking Retigabine unless instructed otherwise as stopping it suddenly may worsen your condition. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose before stopping it or changing it to another medicine.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Ensure to leave at least 3 hours before your next dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you are above 65 years of age.
Inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- heart disease e.g. irregular heartbeat
- problems passing urine
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you will need to have your eyes checked regularly. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have your eyes checked.
Retigabine can affect the results of some blood or urine tests. Inform your doctor that you are taking Retigabine when you are asked to take blood or urine tests.
Retigabine may make you drowsy or dizzy or cause double or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: difficulty remembering (amnesia), difficulty in reading, writing or saying what you mean, lack of attention and coordination, problems balancing or walking, vertigo (dizziness with a spinning sensation), tingling or numbness of the hands or feet, tremors, sudden jerking of muscles (myoclonus), nausea, constipation, stomach upset, dry mouth, weight gain, increased appetite, feeling weak or generally unwell and swelling of the lower legs and feet.
Taking Retigabine for a long period of time may cause blue-grey discolouration of the skin, nails and lips.
Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of these side effects:
- confusion and hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having thoughts of self-harm)
- pain or difficulty in passing urine or having blood in the urine
- fast or irregular hearbeat
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other epilepsy medicines e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin
- medicines to treat heart disease e.g. digoxin
- anaesthetics e.g. thiopental sodium
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Retigabine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
