Saturday, December 15, 2007

Carbamazepine Gets Warning on Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Carbamazepine, a drug used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder, will now come with new warnings that Asian patients should undergo genetic testing before using the drug. According to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), a human leukocyte antigen called HLA-B*1502 that is exclusive to people with Asian ancestry makes it more likely that carbamazepine will cause the serious skin disorders Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizing drug, used primarily in the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It is also used to treat other disorders, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and schizophrenia. It is sold under the brand names Carbatrol, Equetro and Tegretol.

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