Generic Name: Vigabatrin(FOR ADULTS) (vie-GAB-a-trin)

Used to Treat: Complex partial seizures

Seizure Type: Complex partial

Forms of the medicine:
Tablet

Dosing:
1000 mg/day as 500 mg tablets taken twice daily which may be increased by 500 mg increments at weekly intervals depending on response.

General Info:

What is Sabril?
Sabril® (vigabatrin) was approved by the FDA in August 2009 as add-on therapy for adults with complex partial seizures (CPS) whose seizures remain uncontrolled despite treatment with other therapies and for whom the potential benefits outweigh the risk of vision loss. Sabril is not indicated as a first line agent for adults with CPS.

What are the usual dosages?
The adult dosage for Sabril usually starts at 1000 mg/day as 500 mg tablets taken twice daily which may be increased by 500 mg increments at weekly intervals depending on response.  The recommended dose of Sabril is 3 g/day. A 6 g dose has not been shown to add benefit compared to the 3 g/day dose and was associated with an increased incidence of adverse events.

What are some possible side effects?
Black Box Warning Label:   VISION LOSS

• Sabril causes progressive and permanent bilateral concentric visual field constriction in a
  high percentage of patients. In some cases, Sabril may also reduce visual acuity.
  
• Risk increases with total dose and duration of use, but no exposure to Sabril is known that
  is free of risk of vision loss.
• Risk of new and worsening vision loss continues as long as Sabril is used, and possibly
  after discontinuing Sabril.
• Periodic vision testing is required for patients on Sabril, but cannot reliably prevent vision
  damage.
• Because of the risk of permanent vision loss, Sabril is available only through a special
  restricted distribution program.

Some other possible side effects are abnormal MRIs, anemia, sleepiness, fatigue, numbness of extremities, weight gain, swelling and hyperactivity.

Not everyone experiences side effects. There may be other side effects not appearing above. For a complete list, consult your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. More detailed sources of information on side effects include the drug’s prescribing information sheet, the Physician’s Desk Reference or the pharmaceutical company which produces the drug.

Is Sabril approved for other types of seizures?
Sabril® (vigabatrin) was approved by the FDA as monotherapy for children one month to two years of age with infantile spasms (IS) where the potential benefits outweigh the risk of vision loss.

For more information on Sabril, contact your health care professional.

Side Effects