Lamictal (lamotrigine), a drug used to treat seizures and bipolar disorder, can cause a rare but very serious immune system reaction known as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). HLH can cause severe inflammation throughout the body and result in someone being hospitalized or even death, especially if not diagnosed and treated immediately. This alarming side effect has prompted the FDA to require that a new warning about the risk be added to lamotrigine’s label. The agency is advising patients to stop using lamotrigine if they develop a fever or rash after taking the medication, and to visit their doctor immediately to get checked out. Patients should also stop taking lamotrigine if HLH – or another serious immune-related adverse reaction – is suspected or identified. Posted April 25, 2018. Via FDA.
The FDA will work to limit the use of e-cigarettes such as JUUL among children by coordinating a large-scale undercover crackdown on their sale, both in stores and online. Over the course of nearly 2 months, the FDA has uncovered 40 violations for illegal sales of JUUL products to minors and has issued 40 warning letters for those violations. The agency recently issued a request asking JUUL Labs to provide further information that offers an explanation as to why children are so drawn to the nicotine-infused product. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, indicated that the agency also contacted eBay to vocalize concerns regarding the listings of JUUL products on the eBay website. According to the report, eBay has cooperated throughout the process and has removed the listings from its website. The agency’s continued efforts will be included in the Youth Tobacco Prevention Plan. Posted April 24, 2018. Via FDA.
The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) is hosting National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, when you can discard unwanted, unused or expired prescription medications. According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.4 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs. The majority of abused prescription drugs were generally obtained from the home medicine cabinet of family and friends. In an effort to address this issue, the DEA will give you the opportunity to visit an official collection site near you and discard unused or expired prescription drugs hassle-free from 10am to 2pm on April 28. Posted April 24, 2018. Via DEA.
