A few days ago Health Canada advised Canadians about new safety information for carbamazepine, a drug used to treat epilepsy, mania, bipolar disorder and trigeminal neuralgia. Carbamazepine is sold under the more common brand name Tegretol as well as other generic names.
Serious and sometimes deadly skin reactions known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) have been known to occur with carbamazepine. This applies to ALL patients treated with carbamazepine. However the risk is approximately 10 times higher in Asian countries than in Western countries. Further, studies have suggested that patients of Asian ancestry may also be at increased risk if they take carbamazepine.
There is a genetic test that may be useful in identifying a particular genetic marker in patients. Patients of Asian ancestry, particularly Han Chinese, may wish to discuss this test with their doctors as a possible screening tool.
All patients taking carbamazepine should immediately consult a physician if they develop any signs of serious skin reactions such as a rash, red skin, blistering of the lips, eyes or mouth, or peeling skin with an accompanying fever.
You should follow this advice and let others know who may be taking Tegretol or plan to take it.