Lamotrigine

Risk of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)

New Zealand. Medsafe has announced that haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) has been reported internationally in patients taking lamotrigine.

Lamotrigine is indicated to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. HLH is a very serious, possibly life-threatening reaction arising from excessive activation of the body’s immune system.

Up to June 2019, the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM) had not received any reports of HLH associated with lamotrigine use, but if HLH is suspected, lamotrigine should be discontinued.

Reference : Prescriber Update, Medsafe, September 2019