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vigabatrin - oral

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GENERIC NAME: VIGABATRIN - ORAL (vye-GAB-uh-trin)

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Serious vision problems may occur while taking this medication and may be permanent even after you stop taking the medication. To prevent vision problems from getting worse, your doctor must find any eye problems as early as possible. Also, tell your doctor if you have a history of vision problems. It is very important that you have an eye exam before starting this medication, 4 weeks later, then every 3 months thereafter while you are taking this medication. You should also have an eye exam 3 to 6 months after stopping this medication. Follow your doctor's directions carefully and keep all medical/eye/lab appointments. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any changes in vision (such as loss of vision, blurred vision, double vision, sensitivity to light, eye pain).

Only patients who have signed an informed consent and agree to the requirements of the SHARE program (Support, Help and Resources for Epilepsy-SHARE) may obtain and use vigabatrin. Only physicians enrolled in SHARE may prescribe vigabatrin, and only pharmacies enrolled in the program may dispense it. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details about the SHARE program and for more information about the risk and benefits of using this medication. These requirements apply in the United States. If you live in Canada or any other country, consult your doctor and pharmacist for your country's regulations.

USES: This medication is used in combination with other medications to treat seizure disorders (epilepsy). Vigabatrin decreases the number of seizures in adults and children who have not been able to control their seizures with other treatment. Vigabatrin is an anticonvulsant. It is thought to work by stopping the breakdown of a natural calming substance (GABA) in the brain.

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking vigabatrin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually twice a day or as directed by your doctor.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may direct you to take a low dose at first, gradually increasing the dose to lower the chance of side effects such as drowsiness and confusion. Your doctor will adjust your dose to find the best dose for you. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. The usual maximum dose for adults is 3 grams a day.Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Continue to take your other seizure medications unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Vigabatrin is not usually used alone except in the treatment of spasms in infants.Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may be increased. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your seizures may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.Tell your doctor if your seizures worsen or have not improved within 3 months.

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