Vigabatrin information sheet

Vigabatrin must be prescribed by a doctor. You should never give your child anyone else's medications.  

Your doctor will check and make sure that other drugs your child is taking are compatible with Vigabatrin. This is also important if you are giving your child herbal or complementary medicines. The doctor can check to make sure they are compatible.

Vigabatrin may interact with other anticonvulsants. Your doctor will monitor these potential problems.

Monitoring and Levels

Eye testing before starting the drug and continued monitoring of eyes throughout treatment. An electric test called the ERG is used in young patients or those with developmental disability. 

• If your child vomits within 30 minutes after having their dose, then repeat the dose.
• If it is longer than 30 minutes since having the dose you do not need to repeat the dose, but if vomiting or diarrhoea continues, seek medical help.

• If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered.
• The next due dose should be taken at the usual time.
• However, if the missed dose is remembered in close proximity to the next due dose (i.e. within 3 to 4 hours of the next dose), please seek medical advice.
• If unsure about what to do, the treating GP, epilepsy nurse, paediatrician or neurologist should be contacted.

• Store below 30 degrees Celsius
• Shelf lifetime is 3 Years. 

Sourced from Healthdirect 

Below are some of the possible side effects your child may experience.

• Decreased peripheral vision (see less at the edges of their vision). This is a potential serious side effect and requires monitoring by an eye doctor on a regular basis
• Sedation
• Dizziness
• Clumsy movement
• Double vision
• Memory, learning and behavioural difficulties
• Irritability
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Nausea and abdominal pain
• Weight gain
• Headache

Rare Side Effects

• Inflammation of the nerves in the eye
• Rash
• May cause increase in seizure frequency particularly myoclonic or absence seizures
• Psychosis 

Pregnancy and contraception

• On rare occasion Vigabatrin can cause malformations of a baby in the uterus.
• If a pregnancy is planned, a discussion with your neurologist is recommended.
• For further information, refer to the reproductive health page.

The information provided in this resource is limited and does not replace the need for a medical consultation. It is very important you speak to your doctor about all aspects of your medication including side effects when medication is first prescribed. Report any concerns to your doctor promptly.