Parker Waichman LLP

Lamictal Can Cause Meningitis, FDA Warns

Lamictal (lamotrigine), a treatment for seizures and bipolar disorder marketed by GlaxoSmithKline, can cause aseptic meningitis, the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) warned today. The agency said it is working with Glaxo to update the Warnings and Precautions section of the prescribing information and the patient medication guide for Lamictal to include this risk. […]

<"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/lamictal_meningitis">Lamictal (lamotrigine), a treatment for seizures and bipolar disorder marketed by GlaxoSmithKline, can cause aseptic meningitis, the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) warned today. The agency said it is working with Glaxo to update the Warnings and Precautions section of the prescribing information and the patient medication guide for Lamictal to include this risk.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes (the meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord. Aseptic meningitis is generally diagnosed when tests of a patient with signs and symptoms of meningitis do not detect bacteria. Causes of aseptic meningitis include viruses and other non-bacterial infections, toxic agents, some vaccines, malignancy, and certain medications, including Lamictal.

For more information, check out how vaccine injury lawyers can help with your case

Symptoms of meningitis may include headache, fever, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, rash, and sensitivity to light. In cases of meningitis, it is important to rapidly diagnose the underlying cause so that treatment can be promptly initiated. The FDA is advising any patient taking Lamictal to contact their healthcare provider if they experience any of these symptoms.

According to an FDA alert issued today, a review of adverse event reports submitted to the agency from December 1994 (when the drug was approved) through November 2009 revealed that 40 cases of aseptic meningitis were reported in pediatric and adult patients taking Lamictal. Thirty-five of the 40 patients required hospitalization. There was one reported death, although the death was not thought to be the result of aseptic meningitis.

In the 40 cases, headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, nuchal rigidity, rash, photophobia and myalgias were noted. According to the FDA, symptoms occurred 1 to 42 days after starting Lamictal (mean of 16 days). In the majority of cases, symptoms resolved after Lamictal was discontinued. Fifteen cases reported a rapid return of symptoms following re-initiation of Lamictal, with symptoms reoccurring within 30 minutes to 24 hours following re-initiation of Lamictal (mean of 5 hours). In these rechallenge cases, symptoms were frequently more severe after re-exposure, the FDA said.

According to the FDA, some of the patients treated with Lamictal who developed aseptic meningitis had underlying diagnoses of systemic lupus erythematosus or other autoimmune diseases. In addition, some patients also had new onset of signs and symptoms of involvement of other organs (predominantly hepatic and renal involvement), which may suggest that some of the cases of Lamictal-associated meningitis were part of a hypersensitivity or generalized drug reaction.

Healthcare professionals should be aware that Lamictal can cause aseptic meningitis, the FDA said. If meningitis is suspected, patients should also be evaluated for other causes of meningitis and treated as indicated. Discontinuation of Lamictal should be considered if no other clear cause of meningitis is identified.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Jillian Cantinieri my Case Manager is extremely efficient, knowledgeable, professional and caring. She has made an upsetting time in my life just that much easier by her dedication and commitment to always getting me answers, guiding me through the lengthy process while still managing to be extremely, supportive kind and caring. I honestly don’t know how I would have made it through this process without her by my side. Jillian responds to my emails within minutes, if she doesn’t know the answer to my question she will ask someone who does and always gets back to me within the same business day. I feel fortunate and grateful to Parker Waichman for assigning me the best of the best, Jillian Cantinieri.
rachelle tomanel
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I wanna say Parker Waichman help me out tremendously. I wanna thank all Parker Waichman staff especially Gina for work as hard as she did. I will use them again and again. Parker Waichman Thanks a million
kimberly crowder
4 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Christina (Tina) Morace is wonderful and so very helpful!!!
Margaret Evers
a year ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038