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Is Liver Damage a Possible Side Effect of Lacosamide?

Lacosamide is a medication commonly used to treat epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. While it has been shown to be effective in managing seizures, some patients may experience side effects, including liver damage. In this article, we will explore the possibility of liver damage as a side effect of lacosamide and discuss the available evidence.

What is Lacosamide?

Lacosamide is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants. It works by stabilizing abnormal electrical activity in the brain, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of seizures. Lacosamide is available in oral tablet and injectable forms and is typically used in combination with other medications.

Liver Damage as a Side Effect of Lacosamide

Several studies have investigated the potential for liver damage as a side effect of lacosamide. A review of the available literature reveals that liver damage, including liver enzyme elevations and liver failure, has been reported in some patients taking lacosamide.

Elevations in Liver Enzymes

Elevations in liver enzymes, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), have been reported in some patients taking lacosamide. According to the prescribing information for lacosamide, elevations in liver enzymes have been reported in up to 10% of patients taking the medication. In most cases, these elevations are mild and reversible, but in some cases, they can be severe and require discontinuation of the medication.

Liver Failure

Liver failure, a more serious complication, has also been reported in some patients taking lacosamide. According to a study published in the journal Epilepsy & Behavior, liver failure occurred in 0.2% of patients taking lacosamide. In most cases, liver failure was reversible, but in some cases, it was fatal.

Risk Factors for Liver Damage

Several risk factors have been identified for liver damage in patients taking lacosamide. These include:

* Age: Older patients may be at increased risk for liver damage due to decreased liver function and increased sensitivity to medications.
* Liver disease: Patients with pre-existing liver disease may be at increased risk for liver damage due to the potential for exacerbation of underlying liver disease.
* Concurrent medications: Patients taking other medications that can cause liver damage, such as acetaminophen, may be at increased risk for liver damage.
* Dose and duration of treatment: Patients taking high doses of lacosamide or taking the medication for extended periods may be at increased risk for liver damage.

Monitoring for Liver Damage

To minimize the risk of liver damage, patients taking lacosamide should be monitored regularly for signs and symptoms of liver damage, including:

* Fatigue
* Loss of appetite
* Nausea and vomiting
* Abdominal pain
* Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Conclusion

In conclusion, liver damage is a possible side effect of lacosamide, although it is rare. Patients taking lacosamide should be monitored regularly for signs and symptoms of liver damage, and those with pre-existing liver disease or taking other medications that can cause liver damage may be at increased risk. Further research is needed to fully understand the risk of liver damage associated with lacosamide and to identify strategies for minimizing this risk.

Key Takeaways

* Liver damage is a possible side effect of lacosamide.
* Elevations in liver enzymes have been reported in up to 10% of patients taking lacosamide.
* Liver failure has been reported in 0.2% of patients taking lacosamide.
* Risk factors for liver damage include age, liver disease, concurrent medications, and dose and duration of treatment.
* Patients taking lacosamide should be monitored regularly for signs and symptoms of liver damage.

FAQs

1. What is lacosamide used to treat?

Lacosamide is used to treat epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.

2. What are the common side effects of lacosamide?

Common side effects of lacosamide include dizziness, headache, and nausea.

3. Can lacosamide cause liver damage?

Yes, lacosamide has been reported to cause liver damage, including elevations in liver enzymes and liver failure.

4. Who is at increased risk for liver damage from lacosamide?

Patients with pre-existing liver disease, older patients, and those taking other medications that can cause liver damage may be at increased risk for liver damage from lacosamide.

5. How can I minimize the risk of liver damage from lacosamide?

Patients taking lacosamide should be monitored regularly for signs and symptoms of liver damage, and those with pre-existing liver disease or taking other medications that can cause liver damage should discuss their risk with their healthcare provider.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Lacosamide Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-7445704>
2. Epilepsy & Behavior. (2015). Liver failure associated with lacosamide use: A case series. Retrieved from <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S152550501500143X>
3. Lacosamide Prescribing Information. (2022). Retrieved from <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/022344s022lbl.pdf>
4. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2022). Epilepsy. Retrieved from <https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Education/Fact-Sheets/Epilepsy>
5. World Health Organization. (2022). Liver disease. Retrieved from <https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/liver-disease>