Vigabatrin is used together with other medicines to treat a certain type of epilepsy (also known as fits or seizures) in adults and children.
This medicine may also be used to treat infantile spasms (a seizure disorder in babies).
Take Vigabatrin 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 this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as a film-coated tablet, soluble tablet, granules for oral solution or powder for oral solution.
If you are taking the film-coated tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking the soluble tablet, add the right amount of tablets into a glass that contains 1-2 teaspoons of water (about 5-10mL), then let it sit until the tablets are completely broken up. This takes less than 1 minute but you can stir the solution gently by hand to speed it up, and drink the mixture immediately. After drinking the solution, rinse the glass with 1-2 teaspoons (about 5-10 mL) of water and drink it immediately.
If you are taking the granules for oral solution, empty the contents of the sachet into a glass of at least 100 mL of water, fruit juice or milk. Drink the solution immediately.
If you are taking the powder for oral solution, mix the powder with water. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition.
Vigabatrin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. 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 have the following conditions:
- history of mood disorders, mental illness or depression
- eye problem
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. Vigabatrin may cause harm to your unborn child.
Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child or the elderly. Children or elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going for certain laboratory tests (e.g. liver function tests, urine tests), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- You may need to have regular eye examinations during and for a certain period after therapy discontinuation. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Routine blood tests (e.g. haemoglobin, hematocrit) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine.
- Regular monitoring of signs of depression, changes in vision and weight may also be needed.
Vigabatrin may cause drowsiness or eye problems. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, tiredness, joint pain, sleepiness, headache, dizziness, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet, involuntary shaking of the hands or legs, and hair loss.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- any changes or abnormalities in your eyesight e.g. visual field changes, blurred or double vision
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having thoughts of self-harm, confusion)
- worsening seizure attacks
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 other medicines for fits or seizures e.g. clonazepam.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, 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.
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