Vigabatrin

Generic name: vigabatrin
Brand names: Sabril, Vigadrone, Vigpoder, Vigafyde
Dosage form: oral tablet, powder for oral solution
Drug class: Gamma-aminobutyric acid analogs

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Dec 5, 2024.

What is vigabatrin?

Vigabatrin is an anticonvulsant used for infantile spasms and certain complex partial seizures. Vigabatrin brand names are Sabril, Vigadrone, Vigpoder, Vigafyde, and some generic products are available. Vigabatrin is thought to work by stabilizing and calming brain electrical activity by increasing the amount of an inhibitory neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) called GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid).

Vigabatrin mechanism of action is blocking an enzyme called GABA-T (GABA-transaminase), which usually breaks down; this results in an increase in  GABA levels in the brain, which is thought to improve infantile spasms and some complex seizures.

Vigabatrin FDA approval was first granted in 2009 under the brand name Sabril. 

What is vigabatrin used for?

Vigabatrin is used to treat infantile spasms in babies 1 month to 2 years of age and complex partial seizures in treat adults and children 2 years and older, in specific patients.

Infantile spasms in babies 1 month to 2 years of age if:

• used as monotherapy 
• if you and your healthcare provider decide the possible benefits of taking this medication are more important than the possible risk of vision loss.

Complex partial seizures in adults and children 2 years and older if:

• the complex partial seizures do not respond well enough to several other treatments, and
• you and your healthcare provider decide the possible benefit of taking this medication is more important than the risk of vision loss
•  along with other treatments.
  
  

Vigafyde is only indicated for Infantile spasms, and Sabril, Vigadrone, and Vigpoder are indicated for infantile spasms and complex partial seizures.

Warning

Vigabatrin can cause serious side effects, including:

• Permanent vision loss
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes in babies with infantile spasms
• Risk of suicidal thoughts or actions

1. Permanent vision loss:

Vigabatrin can damage the vision of anyone who takes it. Some people can have severe loss particularly to their ability to see to the side when they look straight ahead (peripheral vision). With severe vision loss, you may only be able to see things straight in front of you (sometimes called “tunnel vision”). You may also have blurry vision. If this happens, it will not get better.

• Vision loss and use of vigabatrin in adults and children 2 years and older: Because of the risk of vision loss, this medication is used to treat complex partial seizures only in people who do not respond well enough to several other medicines.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you (or your child):

• might not be seeing as well as before starting this medication.
• start to trip, bump into things, or are more clumsy than usual.
• are surprised by people or things coming in front of you that seem to come out of nowhere.

• These changes can mean that you (or your child) have damage to your vision.
• It is recommended that your healthcare provider test your (or your child’s) vision (including peripheral vision) and visual acuity (ability to read an eye chart) before you (or your child) start this medication or within 4 weeks after starting it, and at least every 3 months after that until it is stopped. It is also recommended that you (or your child) have a vision test about 3 to 6 months after vigabatrin is stopped. Your vision loss may get worse after you stop taking this medication.
• Some people are not able to complete testing of vision. Your healthcare provider will determine if you (or your child) can be tested. If you (or your child) cannot complete vision testing, your healthcare provider may continue prescribing this medication, but your healthcare provider will not be able to watch for any vision loss you (or your child) may get.
• Even if your vision (or your child’s vision) seems fine, it is important that you (or your child) get these regular vision tests because vision damage can happen before you (or your child) notice any changes.
• These vision tests cannot prevent the vision damage that can happen with vigabatrin, but they do allow the healthcare provider to decide if you (or your child) should stop it if your vision has gotten worse.
• Vision testing may not detect vision loss before it is severe.
• If you do not have these vision tests regularly, your healthcare provider may stop prescribing this medication.
• If you drive and your vision is damaged by vigabatrin, driving might be more dangerous, or you may not be able to drive safely at all. Talk about this with your healthcare provider.
• Vision loss in babies: Because of the risk of vision loss, vigabatrin is used in babies 1 month to 2 years of age with infantile spasms only when you and your healthcare provider decide that the possible benefits of this medication are more important than the risks.

• Parents or caregivers are not likely to recognize the symptoms of vision loss in babies until it is severe. Healthcare providers may not find vision loss in babies until it is severe.
• It is difficult to test vision in babies, but, to the extent possible, all babies should have their vision tested before starting this medication or within 4 weeks after starting it, and every 3 months after that until it is stopped. Your baby should also have a vision test about 3 to 6 months after this medication is stopped.
• Your baby may not be able to be tested. Your healthcare provider will determine if your baby can be tested. If your baby cannot be tested, your healthcare provider may continue prescribing vigabatrin, but your healthcare provider will not be able to watch for any vision loss.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you think that your baby is:

• not seeing as well as before taking this medication.
• acting differently than normal.

• Even if your baby’s vision seems fine, it is important to get regular vision tests because damage can happen before your baby acts differently. Even these regular vision exams may not show the damage to your baby’s vision before it is severe and permanent.

• Because vigabatrin might cause permanent vision loss, it is available to healthcare providers and patients only under a special program called the Vigabatrin Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Program. This medication can only be prescribed to people who are enrolled in this program. As part of the Vigabatrin REMS Program, it is recommended that your healthcare provider test your (or your child’s) vision from time to time (periodically) while you (or your child) are being treated with this medication, and even after you (or your child) stop treatment. Your healthcare provider will explain the details of the Vigabatrin REMS Program to you. For more information, go to www.vigabatrinREMS.com or call 1-866-244-8175.

2. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes in babies with infantile spasms:

Brain pictures taken by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) show changes in some babies after they are given vigabatrin. It is not known if these changes are harmful.

3. Risk of suicidal thoughts or actions:

Like other antiepileptic drugs, vigabatrin may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500 people taking it. Call a healthcare provider right away if you or your child have any of these symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:

• thoughts about suicide or dying
• attempts to commit suicide
• new or worse depression
• new or worse anxiety
• feeling agitated or restless
• panic attacks
• trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• new or worse irritability
• acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
• acting on dangerous impulses
• an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
• other unusual changes in behavior or mood

Suicidal thoughts or actions can be caused by things other than medicines. If you or your child have suicidal thoughts or actions, your healthcare provider may check for other causes.

How can I watch for early symptoms of suicidal thoughts and actions?

• Pay attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings.
• Keep all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider as scheduled.
• Call your healthcare provider between visits as needed, especially if you are worried about symptoms.
• Do not stop this medication without first talking to a healthcare provider.
• Stopping this medication suddenly can cause serious problems. Stopping a seizure medicine suddenly can cause seizures that will not stop (status epilepticus) in people who are being treated for seizures.

What should I tell my doctor before starting vigabatrin?

If you or your child has complex partial seizures, before taking vigabatrin tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you or your child:

• have or had an allergic reaction to vigabatrin, such as hives, itching, or trouble breathing.
• have or had any vision problems.
• have or had any kidney problems.
• have or had low red blood cell counts (anemia).
• have or had any nervous or mental illnesses such as depression, mood problems, thoughts of suicide, or attempts at suicide.

If you are a parent or caregiver whose baby has infantile spasms, before giving vigabatrin to your baby, tell your healthcare provider about all of your baby’s medical conditions, including if your baby has or ever had:

• an allergic reaction to vigabatrin, such as hives, itching, or trouble breathing.
• any vision problems.
• any kidney problems.

How should I take vigabatrin?

• Vigabatrin comes as tablets or as packets containing powder for mixing with water to make an oral solution.
• You or your child will receive this medication from a specialty pharmacy.
• Take vigabatrin exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to. Vigabatrin is usually taken 2 times each day.
• Vigabatrin may be taken with or without food.
• Before starting to take this medication, talk to your healthcare provider about what you or your child should do if a dose is missed.
• If you or your child are taking this medication for complex partial seizures and the seizures do not improve enough within 3 months, your healthcare provider will stop prescribing it.
• If your child is taking this medication for infantile spasms and the seizures do not improve within 2 to 4 weeks, your healthcare provider will stop prescribing it.
• Do not stop taking vigabatrin suddenly. This can cause serious problems. Stopping this medication or any seizure medicine suddenly can cause seizures that will not stop (status epilepticus) in people who are being treated for seizures. You should follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on how to stop taking this medication.
• Tell your healthcare provider right away about any increase in seizures when treatment with this medication is being stopped. Before your child starts taking this medication, speak to your child’s healthcare provider about what to do if your baby misses a dose, vomits, spits up, or only takes part of the dose.
• Do not stop taking vigabatrin without talking to your healthcare provider. If vigabatrin improves your (or your child’s) seizures, you and your healthcare provider should talk about whether the benefit of taking it is more important than the risk of vision loss, and decide if you (or your child) will continue to take this medication.
• If you are giving vigabatrin for oral solution to your child, it can be given at the same time as their meal. Vigabatrin powder should be mixed with water only.
• See “Instructions for Use” that come with your vigabatrin powder for detailed information about how to mix and give the oral solution to your child the right way.

What should I avoid while taking vigabatrin?

Vigabatrin causes sleepiness and tiredness. Adults taking this medication should not drive, operate machinery, or perform any hazardous task, unless you and your healthcare provider have decided that you can do these things safely.

Dosing information

The recommended dose of vigabatrin in patients with refractory complex partial seizures is:

• Adults (17 years of age and older): Start at 1000 mg/day (500 mg twice daily). Increase total daily dose weekly in 500 mg/day increments, to the recommended dose of 3000 mg/day (1500 mg twice daily).
• Pediatric patients (2 to 16 years of age): The recommended dosage is based on body weight and administered as two divided doses (see table below).
  • The dosage may be increased in weekly intervals, depending on response.
  • Dose patients weighing more than 60 kg according to adult recommendations.

    Body weight (kg)	Total daily dose* Starting dose (mg/day)	Total daily dose* Maintenance dose# (mg/day)
    10-15 kg	350 mg	1050 mg
    > 15-20 kg	450 mg	1300 mg
    > 20-25 kg	500 mg	1500 mg
    >25-60 kg	500 mg	2000 mg

    ^{* Administer in two divided doses
    # Maintenance dose based on 3000 mg/day adult-equivalent dose}

The recommended dose of vigabatrin in patients with infantile spasms is:

• Start at a daily dose of 50 mg/kg (25 mg/kg twice daily). Increase total daily dose every 3 days, in increments of 25 mg/kg/day to 50 mg/kg/day, up to a maximum daily dose of 150 mg/kg (75 mg/kg twice daily).

See full prescribing information for further information about vigabatrin dosing.

What are the side effects of vigabatrin?

Vigabatrin can cause serious side effects, including:

• See “Important information” above.
• Sleepiness and tiredness. See “What should I avoid while taking vigabatrin?” above.
• Vigabatrin may cause your baby to be sleepy. Sleepy babies may have a harder time suckling and feeding, or may be irritable.
• Weight gain that happens without swelling.

The following serious side effects happen in adults. It is not known if these side effects also happen in babies who take vigabatrin.

• low red blood cell counts (anemia).
• nerve problems. Symptoms of a nerve problem can include numbness and tingling in your toes or feet. It is not known if nerve problems will go away after you stop taking this medication.
• swelling.

If you or your child has complex partial seizures, vigabatrin may make certain types of seizures worse. Tell your healthcare provider right away if your (or your child's) seizures get worse.

The most common side effect of vigabatrin in adults include:

• blurred vision,
• sleepiness,
• dizziness,
• problems walking or feeling uncoordinated,
• shaking (tremor), and
• tiredness.

The most common side effect of vigabatrin in children 3 to 16 years of age is weight gain. Also expect side effects like those seen in adults.

If you are giving vigabatrin to your baby for infantile spasms:

Vigabatrin may make certain types of seizures worse. You should tell your baby’s healthcare provider right away if your baby’s seizures get worse. Tell your baby’s healthcare provider if you see any changes in your baby’s behavior.

The most common side effects of vigabatrin in babies include:

• Sleepiness - this medication may cause your baby to be sleepy. Sleepy babies may have a harder time suckling and feeding or may be irritable.
• Swelling in the bronchial tubes (bronchitis)
• Ear infection
• Irritability

Tell your healthcare provider if you or your child have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of this medication.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Interactions

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you or your child take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Vigabatrin and other medicines may affect each other causing side effects.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take phenytoin. Your dose of phenytoin may need to be adjusted.

Taking vigabartin with clonazepam, may increase your chances of experiencing clonazepam-associated adverse reactions.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Vigabatrin can cause harm to your unborn baby. You and your healthcare provider will have to decide if you should take this medication while you are pregnant.

If you become pregnant while taking vigabatrin, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry. You can enroll in this registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. Information on the registry can also be found at the website http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the safety of antiepileptic medicine during pregnancy.

Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Vigabatrin can pass into breast milk and may harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take this medication.

Storage

• Store vigabatrin tablets and vigabatrin packets at room temperature between 68ºF to 77ºF (20ºC to 25ºC).

Keep this medication out of the reach of children.

What are the ingredients in vigabatrin?

Active Ingredient: vigabatrin

Inactive Ingredients:

• Sabril tablets: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycols, povidone, sodium starch glycolate, and titanium dioxide
• Sabril powder for oral solution: povidone

The inactive ingredients in other generic versions of vigabatrin may differ from those listed above. Check the product label for the version of this medication you receive for a complete list of ingredients.

Vigabatrin is marketed under the brand name Sabril by Lundbeck, Deerfield, IL 60015, U.S.A. A number of other companies also market generic versions of this medication.

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