Vigabatrin (Monograph)

Brand name: Sabril
Drug class: GABA-mediated Anticonvulsants
Chemical name: (±) 4-amino-5-hexenoic acid
Molecular formula: C₆H₁₁NO₂
CAS number: 60643-86-9

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 10, 2024. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

Anticonvulsant; irreversible inhibitor of GABA transaminase (GABA-T).^{1 6 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25}

Uses for Vigabatrin

Refractory Complex Partial Seizures

Management (in combination with other anticonvulsants) of refractory complex partial seizures (CPS) in adults and pediatric patients ≥10 years of age who have not responded adequately to several alternative treatments.^{1 16 17 25 70}

Use only in patients in whom potential benefits outweigh risk of vision loss.^{1 3 21} (See Permanent Vision Loss under Boxed Warning and also under Cautions.)

Do not use as first-line therapy.^{1 52}

Infantile Spasms

Management (as monotherapy) of infantile spasms (IS; also known as West's syndrome) in pediatric patients 1 month–2 years of age for whom potential benefits outweigh risk of vision loss.^{1 3 5 6 7 21 24 25 52 55 58} (See Permanent Vision Loss under Boxed Warning and also under Cautions.)

Designated an orphan drug by FDA for this use.⁵

Duration of therapy was evaluated in a Canadian Pediatric Epilepsy Network (CPEN) study; 38 out of 68 infants with IS who responded to vigabatrin continued to receive the drug for a total of 6 months and were followed for an additional 18 months after drug discontinuance.^{1 69} Post hoc analysis indicated no observed IS recurrence in any of the infants.¹

Many experts consider hormonal treatments (e.g., corticotropin [ACTH], prednisolone or prednisone, tetracosactide [not commercially available in the US]) and vigabatrin drugs of choice for treatment of IS.^{7 14 15 21 25 27 28 29 55 58 62} Vigabatrin is particularly effective in treating IS associated with tuberous sclerosis.^{6 8 14 15 25 27 29 58 62} Additional studies needed to determine optimal management of IS.^{8 58}

Related/similar drugs

gabapentin, clonazepam, lamotrigine, lorazepam, pregabalin, topiramate, diazepam

Vigabatrin Dosage and Administration

General

• Periodically assess patient's response to and continued need for therapy.^{1 38} Discontinue treatment if seizure control not apparent after an adequate trial of therapy.^{1 38} (See Permanent Vision Loss under Boxed Warning and also under Cautions.)

• Avoid abrupt discontinuance; withdraw gradually to minimize potential for increased seizure frequency, unless concerns for patient safety require more rapid withdrawal.¹ (See Dosage under Dosage and Administration and also see Discontinuance of Anticonvulsants under Cautions.)

• Closely monitor for notable changes in behavior that could indicate emergence or worsening of suicidal thoughts or behavior or depression.^{1 3 10 11 12} (See Suicidality Risk under Cautions.)

Restricted Distribution Program

• Distribution of vigabatrin is restricted in the US because of the risk of permanent vision loss (see REMS and also see Permanent Vision Loss under Boxed Warning and also under Cautions).^{1 3 71}

• Vigabatrin is only available in the US through the Sabril REMS program (formerly known as the SHARE [Support, Help, And Resources for Epilepsy] program).^{1 71} The previous REMS program for vigabatrin (SHARE) required periodic vision testing results to be documented through submission of ophthalmic assessment forms.⁷¹ In June 2016, FDA modified the REMS program in several areas, including removal of the requirement to complete and submit ophthalmic assessment forms.^{1 71} However, the periodic vision monitoring recommendations in the prescribing information for Sabril should still be followed.^{1 71}

• For further information, contact the Sabril REMS program at 888-457-4273 or visit [Web].^{1 71}

Administration

Oral Administration

Administer orally (as oral solution for infantile spasms and as tablets or oral solution for refractory complex partial seizures) without regard to meals.^{1 25} Do not use tablets for treatment of infantile spasms because of difficulty administering them to infants or young children.¹

Reconstitution of Oral Solution

Review and discuss the vigabatrin medication guide and instructions on proper reconstitution, administration, and dosing procedures with patients or caregivers and confirm their understanding.¹

Use only water to dissolve the powder; mix thoroughly with a small spoon or other clean utensil until powder completely dissolves and solution is clear.^{1 4} Do not mix powder for oral solution with food or any other liquid.^{1 3 4}

Empty entire contents of the appropriate number of packets (500 mg/packet) into a clean cup; dissolve with 10 mL of cold or room-temperature water per packet using the 10-mL oral syringe supplied by manufacturer to yield a final concentration of 50 mg/mL.^{1 4}

For doses ≤500 mg, dissolve 1 packet with 10 mL of water; for doses of 501 mg–1 g, dissolve 2 packets with 20 mL of water; and for doses of 1–1.5 g, dissolve 3 packets with 30 mL of water.^{1 4} Discard resulting solution if not clear (or free of particles) and colorless.¹

Use the 10-mL oral syringe supplied by manufacturer to withdraw volume of solution that will provide the appropriate dose; discard any remaining solution.^{1 4} Administer dose immediately following preparation.^{1 4}

Dosage

Plasma vigabatrin concentrations not directly correlated with efficacy; therapeutic drug monitoring is not useful.^{1 16 19 21}

Use the lowest dosage and shortest duration of therapy consistent with clinical objectives.¹

Dosage regimen depends on the indication, age group, weight, and dosage form (tablets or oral solution).¹

Pediatric Patients

Adjunctive Therapy of Refractory Complex Partial Seizures

Oral

Pediatric patients 10–16 years of age weighing 25–60 kg: Initially, 500 mg daily (given as 250 mg twice daily).¹ May increase total daily dosage in 500-mg increments at weekly intervals up to the recommended maintenance dosage of 2 g daily (given as 1 g twice daily).¹

Pediatric patients ≥17 years of age or pediatric patients 10–16 years of age weighing >60 kg: May receive adult dosages.¹ Initially, 1 g daily (given as 500 mg twice daily).^{1 25} May increase total daily dosage in 500-mg increments at weekly intervals up to the recommended dosage of 3 g daily (given as 1.5 g twice daily) depending on patient response.^{1 25}

Dosage of 6 g daily was not more effective than 3 g daily and was associated with increased adverse effects.^{1 16}

Periodically reassess patient response and continued need for therapy.^{1 38} If substantial clinical benefit not observed within 3 months of therapy initiation, withdraw therapy.^{1 38} If treatment failure is evident earlier, discontinue vigabatrin at that time.^{1 38}

Reduce dosage gradually if discontinuing therapy.¹ In clinical studies in adults, daily dosage was tapered by 1 g weekly.¹ In a controlled study in pediatric patients with complex partial seizures, daily dosage was tapered by one-third every week for 3 weeks.¹

Monotherapy of Infantile Spasms

Oral

Children 1 month–2 years of age: Initially, 50 mg/kg daily, administered in 2 divided doses (given as 25 mg/kg twice daily).^{1 25} May increase dosage in increments of 25–50 mg/kg daily every 3 days up to a maximum of 150 mg/kg daily (given as 75 mg/kg twice daily).^{1 25} (See Table 1.)

A spasm-free response often observed within the first 2–4 weeks of therapy; most responses observed within the first 2–3 months.^{6 7 21 24}

Periodically reassess patient response and continued need for therapy.^{1 38} If substantial clinical benefit not observed within 2–4 weeks of therapy initiation, withdraw therapy.^{1 38} If treatment failure is evident earlier, discontinue vigabatrin at that time.^{1 38}

Reduce dosage gradually if discontinuing therapy.¹ In a controlled study in patients with infantile spasms, vigabatrin was tapered at a rate of 25–50 mg/kg daily every 3–4 days.¹

Adults

Adjunctive Therapy of Refractory Complex Partial Seizures

Oral

Initially, 1 g daily (given as 500 mg twice daily).^{1 25} May increase total daily dosage in 500-mg increments at weekly intervals up to the recommended dosage of 3 g daily (given as 1.5 g twice daily) depending on patient response.^{1 25}

Dosage of 6 g daily was not more effective than 3 g daily and was associated with increased adverse effects.^{1 16}

Periodically reassess patient response and continued need for therapy.^{1 38} If substantial clinical benefit not observed within 3 months of therapy initiation, withdraw therapy.^{1 38} If treatment failure is evident earlier, discontinue vigabatrin at that time.^{1 38}

Reduce dosage gradually if discontinuing therapy.¹ In clinical studies in adults, daily dosage was tapered by 1 g weekly.¹

Prescribing Limits

Pediatric Patients

Adjunctive Therapy of Refractory Complex Partial Seizures

Oral

Pediatric patients 10–16 years of age weighing 25–60 kg: Manufacturer does not provide a specific maximum dosage.^{1 16}

Pediatric patients ≥17 years of age or pediatric patients 10–16 years of age weighing >60 kg: Although manufacturer does not provide a specific maximum dosage, a dosage of 6 g daily was not more effective than 3 g daily in adults and was associated with increased adverse effects.^{1 16}

Monotherapy of Infantile Spasms

Oral

Children 1 month–2 years of age: Maximum 150 mg/kg daily (given as 75 mg/kg twice daily).¹

Adults

Adjunctive Therapy of Refractory Complex Partial Seizures

Oral

Although manufacturer does not provide a specific maximum dosage, a dosage of 6 g daily was not more effective than 3 g daily and was associated with increased adverse effects.^{1 16}

Special Populations

Hepatic Impairment

No specific dosage recommendations at this time.¹

Renal Impairment

Reduce dosage in adults and pediatric patients ≥10 years of age based on severity of renal impairment (see Table 2).¹

In pediatric patients 10 to <12 years of age, use the following formula to estimate Cl_cr:¹

Cl_cr = [K × height (in cm)] / serum creatinine (in mg/dL)

K for female child (<12 years) = 0.55

K for male child (<12 years) = 0.70

In pediatric patients ≥12 years of age and adults, use the following formula to estimate Cl_cr:¹

Cl_cr male = [(140 - age) × weight (in kg)] / [72 × serum creatinine (in mg/dL)] Cl_cr female = 0.85 × Cl_cr male

Information about how to adjust the dosage of vigabatrin in infants with renal impairment is unavailable.¹

Manufacturer does not provide specific dosage recommendations for patients undergoing hemodialysis.¹ Some clinicians recommend administering vigabatrin following the hemodialysis session.⁵³

Geriatric Patients

Carefully select dosage because of possible decreased renal function.¹ Consider adjusting dosage or frequency of administration; may respond to a lower maintenance dosage than younger adults.¹

Cautions for Vigabatrin

Contraindications

• No known contraindications.¹

Warnings/Precautions

Warnings

Permanent Vision Loss

Risk of visual field defects, including permanent vision loss; may occur at any time after beginning therapy and will not improve after discontinuance.^{1 3 21 22 24 25 34 35 37 52 62 64 65} (See Permanent Vision Loss under Boxed Warning.) In adults, manifestations include tunnel vision to within 10 degrees of visual fixation, which can lead to disability; in some cases, central retinal damage and decreased visual acuity may occur.^{1 23 25 64} Although visual field defects observed in pediatric patients,^{21 24 26 34} frequency and extent of vision loss are poorly characterized.¹

Monitoring of vision by an ophthalmic professional recommended at baseline (≤4 weeks after start of therapy), at least every 3 months during treatment, and about 3–6 months following cessation of therapy.^{1 3} Because vision testing in infants is difficult, vision loss may not be detected until it is severe.¹

If a patient cannot undergo vision testing, clinician may continue treatment according to clinical judgment after appropriate patient counseling.¹ (See Restricted Distribution Program under Dosage and Administration.)

Unless benefits clearly outweigh risks, do not use in patients with, or at high risk of, other types of irreversible vision loss.¹ Unless benefits clearly outweigh risks, avoid concurrent use with other drugs associated with serious adverse ophthalmic effects (e.g., retinopathy, glaucoma).¹ (See Drugs associated with Serious Adverse Ophthalmic Effects under Interactions.)

Periodically reassess patient response to and continued need for therapy.¹ Discontinue vigabatrin if substantial clinical benefit not evident within 2–4 weeks or within 3 months following therapy initiation in patients with infantile spasms or refractory complex partial seizures, respectively.¹ If treatment failure becomes obvious earlier, discontinue drug at that time.¹ (See Permanent Vision Loss under Boxed Warning.)

It is expected that, even with frequent vision monitoring, some vigabatrin-treated patients will develop severe vision loss.¹ If vision loss is documented, consider drug discontinuance, balancing the benefit and risk of continued therapy.¹

Other Warnings and Precautions

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormalities in Infants

Abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes characterized by increased T2 signal and restricted diffusion in a symmetric pattern involving deep gray matter areas of the brain reported in some infants; these specific abnormalities not observed in older pediatric patients (≥3 years of age) and adults.^{1 3 21 22 23 25 30 31 32 51}

MRI abnormalities generally are transient, resolve upon drug discontinuance, and may be dose-dependent.^{1 23 30 31 32 51} In a few patients, the abnormalities resolved despite continued therapy.^{1 31 51} Coincident motor abnormalities reported in some infants; however, causal relationship to drug not established.^{1 23 30 31}

Routine MRI surveillance in pediatric patients with infantile spasms generally not recommended since long-term clinical sequelae of MRI changes are unknown.^{23 24 31} Manufacturer states that routine MRI surveillance is unnecessary in adults.¹ If MRI abnormalities are observed, weigh benefits of continued therapy against potential risks of MRI surveillance and possible clinical consequences of the MRI changes.³¹

Neurotoxicity

Neuropathologic and neurobehavioral changes observed in animals receiving vigabatrin.^{1 22 31 32 33} Neurotoxicity (brain histopathology, neurobehavioral abnormalities) observed in animals exposed to vigabatrin during late gestation, neonatal, and/or juvenile periods of development; relationship of these findings with MRI abnormalities observed in vigabatrin-treated infants unknown.^{1 23} (See Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormalities in Infants under Cautions.)

Suicidality Risk

Increased risk of suicidality (suicidal ideation or behavior) observed in an analysis of studies using various anticonvulsants in patients with epilepsy, psychiatric disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety), and other conditions (e.g., migraine, neuropathic pain); risk in patients receiving anticonvulsants (0.43%) was approximately twice that in patients receiving placebo (0.24%).^{1 10 11 12} Increased suicidality risk was observed ≥1 week after initiation of anticonvulsant therapy and continued through 24 weeks.^{10 11} Risk was higher for patients with epilepsy compared with those receiving anticonvulsants for other conditions.^{1 10}

Closely monitor all patients currently receiving or beginning anticonvulsant therapy for changes in behavior that may indicate emergence or worsening of suicidal thoughts or behavior or depression.^{1 10 11 12} Anxiety, agitation, hostility, insomnia, and mania may be precursors to emerging suicidality.¹⁰

Balance risk of suicidality with risk of untreated illness.^{1 10} Epilepsy and other illnesses treated with anticonvulsants are themselves associated with morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of suicidality.^{1 12} If suicidal thoughts or behavior emerge during anticonvulsant therapy, consider whether these symptoms may be related to the illness itself.^{1 12} (See Advice to Patients.)

Discontinuance of Anticonvulsants

Abrupt withdrawal of anticonvulsants may result in increased seizure frequency in patients with seizure disorders.¹ When discontinuing therapy, withdraw vigabatrin gradually.¹ However, if discontinuance is necessary because of serious adverse effects, may consider prompt withdrawal of the drug.¹ (See Dosage under Dosage and Administration.)

Anemia

Anemia and/or potentially clinically important hematology changes involving hemoglobin, hematocrit, and/or RBC indices reported.¹

Somnolence and Fatigue

Somnolence and fatigue reported in adult and pediatric patients, sometimes requiring discontinuance.¹

May impair mental and/or physical abilities required to perform potentially hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinery.¹ (See Advice to Patients.)

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy symptoms reported in adults.¹ Initial manifestations include numbness or tingling in the toes or feet, signs of reduced distal lower limb vibration or position sensation, and/or progressive loss of reflexes starting at the ankles.¹

Studies in pediatric patients not adequately designed to assess peripheral neuropathy symptoms; however, incidence of symptoms in controlled pediatric studies appeared similar with vigabatrin and placebo.¹

Weight Gain

Weight gain reported in adult and pediatric patients;^{1 19 22 25} usually was self-limiting in clinical trials,¹⁶ but long-term effects of such weight gain not known.¹ Weight gain not apparently related to occurrence of edema (see Edema under Cautions).¹

Edema

Vigabatrin causes edema in adults.¹ Pediatric clinical studies not designed to assess edema; however, observed incidence of edema appeared similar with vigabatrin and placebo.¹

No apparent association between edema and adverse cardiovascular effects (e.g., hypertension, CHF) in adults.¹ Edema not associated with laboratory changes suggesting deterioration of renal or hepatic function.¹

Laboratory Test Interferences

Decreases plasma ALT and AST activity in ≤90% of patients, sometimes to undetectable levels.^{1 16} May preclude use of these tests, particularly ALT, to detect early hepatic injury.^{1 24}

May increase amount of amino acids in the urine, possibly resulting in false positive test results for certain rare genetic metabolic disorders (e.g., alpha aminoadipic aciduria).^{1 56} Consider obtaining urine for metabolic evaluation prior to initiating therapy.⁵⁶

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Category C.^{1 25}

North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry (for patients) at 888-233-2334 or [Web].¹

Lactation

Distributed into milk.^{1 44 45} Discontinue nursing or the drug.¹

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy for adjunctive therapy of refractory complex partial seizures established in pediatric patients 10–16 years of age.^{1 70} Indicated for such use in pediatric patients ≥10 years of age who have not responded adequately to several alternative treatments.¹ Adverse effects in this pediatric population are similar to those observed in adults.¹

Safety and efficacy for treatment of complex partial seizures in pediatric patients <10 years of age not established;¹ risks (e.g., vision loss) generally appear to outweigh benefits of such use.²³ (See Permanent Vision Loss under Boxed Warning and also under Cautions.)

Indicated as monotherapy in pediatric patients 1 month–2 years of age with infantile spasms for whom potential benefits outweigh the risk of vision loss; safety and efficacy for treating infantile spasms not established outside this age group.¹ (See Permanent Vision Loss under Boxed Warning and also under Cautions.)

Abnormal MRI signal changes observed in some infants receiving vigabatrin for infantile spasms.^{1 31} (See Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormalities in Infants and also see Neurotoxicity under Cautions.)

Geriatric Use

Insufficient experience in patients ≥65 years of age to determine whether geriatric patients respond differently than younger adults.¹

Moderate to severe sedation and confusion reported in several patients >65 years of age with reduced renal function (Cl_cr <50 mL/minute).¹ Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in response.¹

Reduced renal function more likely in geriatric patients.¹ Carefully select dosage; renal function monitoring may also be useful.¹ (See Geriatric Patients under Dosage and Administration and also see Special Populations under Pharmacokinetics.)

Hepatic Impairment

Pharmacokinetics in patients with hepatic impairment not evaluated.^{1 24}

Suppresses ALT and AST activity.^{1 24} (See Laboratory Test Interferences under Cautions.)

Renal Impairment

Decreased clearance; use with caution.^{1 22 24} Adjust dosage in pediatric patients ≥10 years of age and adults and monitor for dose-related adverse effects.^{1 24} (See Renal Impairment under Dosage and Administration and also see Special Populations under Pharmacokinetics.) Information about how to adjust vigabatrin dosage in infants is not available.¹

Race

Race-related pharmacokinetic differences not specifically evaluated.¹ Limited data suggest that renal clearance may be lower in Japanese than in Caucasian populations.¹

Common Adverse Effects

Causes permanent vision damage in a high percentage of patients.¹ (See Permanent Vision Loss under Boxed Warning and also under Cautions.)

Adults (>16 years of age) with refractory complex partial seizures: Headache, fatigue, somnolence, dizziness, nystagmus, tremor, convulsion, nasopharyngitis, blurred vision, diplopia, memory impairment, insomnia, irritability, upper respiratory tract infection, abnormal coordination, pharyngolaryngeal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, upper abdominal pain, increased weight, dysmenorrhea, depression, confusional state, asthenia, peripheral edema, fever/pyrexia, influenza, arthralgia, back pain, pain in extremities, disturbance in attention, sensory disturbance, hyporeflexia, paresthesia.^{1 16 22 25}

Pediatric patients 10–16 years of age with refractory complex partial seizures: Increased weight, upper respiratory tract infection, fatigue, abnormal behavior, diarrhea, influenza, otitis media, somnolence, tremor, aggression, diplopia, nystagmus.¹

Pediatric patients with infantile spasms: Somnolence, bronchitis, ear infection, acute otitis media.^{1 7}

Drug Interactions

Not extensively metabolized by hepatic CYP isoenzymes.¹

Induces CYP2C9; does not appear to induce or inhibit other hepatic CYP isoenzymes.^{1 19 24}

Drugs Affecting or Metabolized by Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes

Substrates of CYP2C9: potential pharmacokinetic interaction (decreased plasma substrate concentrations).^{1 19 22 24 25 42}

Substrates of other CYP isoenzymes: clinically important interactions unlikely.^{1 19 22 24 25 42}

Drugs associated with Serious Adverse Ophthalmic Effects

Avoid concurrent use with other drugs associated with serious adverse ophthalmic effects (e.g., retinopathy, glaucoma) unless benefits clearly outweigh risks.^{1 54}

Specific Drugs and Laboratory Tests

Vigabatrin Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Bioavailability

Rapidly and essentially completely absorbed following oral administration.^{1 21 22 24} Commercially available tablets and oral solution are bioequivalent, with an absolute oral bioavailability of 60–70%.^{1 22}

Peak plasma concentrations generally occur within approximately 2.5 hours in infants (5 months–2 years of age) and 1 hour in older pediatric patients (10–16 years of age) and adults following oral administration.^{1 22}

Little accumulation occurs with multiple dosing in adult and pediatric patients.¹

Duration

Duration of vigabatrin’s anticonvulsant effect is about 4–6 days; duration does not directly correlate with plasma concentration, possibly reflecting time required for GABA-T resynthesis.^{1 22 24}

Food

Food decreases peak plasma concentrations by 33% and increases time to peak concentrations, but does not affect systemic exposure.^{1 24}

Special Populations

Systemic exposure increased by approximately 30%, twofold, and 4.5-fold in adults with mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment, respectively.¹

Distribution

Extent

Widely distributed.^{1 21 22}

Crosses the placenta.⁴⁴ Distributed into milk,^{1 44 45} probably in small amounts.⁴⁴

Plasma Protein Binding

Not appreciably bound to plasma proteins.^{1 21 22}

Elimination

Metabolism

Not extensively metabolized.^{1 22}

Elimination Route

Principally excreted in urine (95% of orally administered dose recovered over 72 hours), with unchanged drug accounting for 80% of the recovered dose.^{1 21 22}

Half-life

Adults: About 10.5 hours.^{1 22 24}

Pediatric patients 10–16 years of age: About 9.5 hours.¹

Infants (5 months–2 years of age): About 5.7 hours.^{1 22 24}

Special Populations

In adults with mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment, terminal half-life is increased by 55%, twofold, or 3.5-fold, respectively.¹

Effect of hemodialysis on clearance not adequately studied.^{1 57} In case reports, hemodialysis reduced plasma concentrations by 40–60%.^{1 53 57}

Pharmacokinetics in patients with hepatic impairment not evaluated.¹

In individuals >65 years of age, renal clearance is reduced by 36% compared with younger individuals.¹

Stability

Storage

Oral

Powder for Oral Solution

20–25°C.¹

Tablets

20–25°C.¹

Actions

• Structural analog of GABA, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS.^{17 18 20 21 22}

• Exact mechanism of antiseizure effect unknown; thought to be related to preferential and irreversible inhibition of GABA-T, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of GABA, and the resultant increase in GABA concentrations in the CNS.^{1 6 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25}

• Following oral administration, CNS and blood concentrations of GABA increase in a dose-related matter, but there is no direct correlation between plasma concentrations and drug efficacy.^{1 21 22 24 25}

• Highly selective and specific for GABA-T; does not affect other enzymatic pathways in the GABA system.²²

• Commercially available as a racemic mixture of 2 enantiomers; the S enantiomer is pharmacologically active and the R enantiomer is inactive.^{24 44 57}

Advice to Patients

• Importance of advising patients or caregivers to read the manufacturer's patient information (medication guide).¹ (See REMS and also see Restricted Distribution Program under Dosage and Administration.)

• Risk of permanent vision loss; peripheral vision field loss potentially may interfere with ability to drive.^{1 3 52} Importance of advising patients or caregivers that vision monitoring, including an assessment of peripheral vision, is recommended at baseline and periodically during treatment.¹ Importance of patients and caregivers understanding that visual testing may not prevent the occurrence of visual impairment, but can allow for early detection and intervention.^{1 3} Importance of patients or caregivers notifying a clinician immediately if changes in vision are suspected.^{1 3}

• Importance of taking only as prescribed.¹ When using oral solution, confirm that the patient or caregivers understand instructions for reconstitution and administration of correct dosage.¹

• Importance of informing caregivers about the possibility that infants receiving vigabatrin may develop abnormal MRI signal changes of unknown clinical importance.^{1 31}

• Risk of suicidality (anticonvulsants, including vigabatrin, may increase risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in about 1 in 500 people).^{1 10 12} Importance of patients, family, and caregivers being alert to day-to-day changes in mood, behavior, and actions and immediately informing clinician of any new or worrisome behaviors (e.g., talking or thinking about wanting to hurt oneself or end one’s life, withdrawing from friends and family, becoming depressed or experiencing worsening of existing depression, becoming preoccupied with death and dying, giving away prized possessions).^{1 10}

• Advise patients or caregivers not to abruptly discontinue vigabatrin therapy without first consulting their clinician since stopping the drug suddenly can cause serious problems, including increased seizures.^{1 3}

• Risk of drowsiness and fatigue.^{1 3} Importance of advising patients not to drive or operate other complex machinery until they have become accustomed to the drug's effects.^{1 3}

• Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs and dietary or herbal supplements, as well as any concomitant illness (e.g., kidney disease, vision problems, depression or other mood disorders) or family history of suicidality or bipolar disorder.^{1 3}

• Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.^{1 3} Importance of clinicians informing women about the existence of and encouraging enrollment in pregnancy registries (see Pregnancy under Cautions).^{1 3}

• Importance of informing patients or caregivers of other important precautionary information.^{1 3} (See Cautions.)

Additional Information

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided in the accompanying monograph was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. Readers are advised that decisions regarding use of drugs are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and that the information contained in the monograph is provided for informational purposes only. The manufacturer’s labeling should be consulted for more detailed information. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information contained in the monograph is not a substitute for medical care.

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

Distribution of vigabatrin is restricted.^{1 71} (See Restricted Distribution Program under Dosage and Administration.)

Frequently asked questions

• How long does vigabatrin (Sabril) take to work?
• What is the vigabatrin REMS Program?

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