Potiga (ezogabine): Drug Safety Communication - FDA Determines 2013 Labeling Adequate to Manage Risks of Retinal Abnormalities, Potential Vision Loss, and Skin Discoloration

[Posted 06/16/2015]

AUDIENCE: Neurology, Eye Care, Dermatology

ISSUE: Based on reviews of additional safety reports from patients treated with the anti-seizure drug Potiga (ezogabine), the FDA has determined that the potential risks of vision loss due to pigment changes in the retina and of skin discoloration can be adequately managed by following the current recommendations in the Potiga labeling. To further explore any potential long-term consequences of these pigment changes, FDA has required the Potiga manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, to conduct a long-term observational study.

FDA review of additional safety reports does not indicate that the pigment changes in the retina observed in some patients affect vision. Skin discoloration associated with the use of Potiga appears to be a cosmetic effect and does not appear to be associated with more serious adverse effects. Therefore, a modification of the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) is not needed at this time to ensure that the benefits of Potiga outweigh the risks of retinal and skin pigment changes. FDA expects that the required long-term observational study will provide further information on whether pigment changes in the retina caused by Potiga can lead to vision loss or other long-term side effects. In addition, the study should provide more information on the relationship between pigment changes in the retina and skin discoloration.

BACKGROUND: Potiga is approved for use in combination with other anti-seizure drugs to treat partial-onset seizures in adult patients who have had an inadequate response to several alternative therapies and for whom the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks.

RECOMMENDATION: Health care professionals should continue to follow the recommendations provided in the Boxed Warning, FDA’s most serious type of warning, and the Warnings and Precautions and Indications and Usage sections of the labeling.

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

• Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report
• Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

[06/16/2015 - Drug Safety Communication - FDA]

Previous MedWatch Alert:

[10/31/2013]