Letters sent to healthcare professionals in September 2016, including retigabine withdrawal

A summary of letters sent to healthcare professionals in September 2016, including important information for professionals who specialise in epilepsy treatment regarding the withdrawal from the market of retigabine (Trobalt).

• From: Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
• Published: 17 October 2016

• Therapeutic area: Neurology, Obstetrics, gynaecology and fertility, Pain management and palliation, Rheumatology

In September 2016, an important communication was sent to professionals who specialise in the treatment of epilepsy to inform them of the withdrawal of retigabine (Trobalt) from the market in June 2017. This product is being discontinued because of limited and declining use.

The letter outlines advice for healthcare providers to begin seeking alternative treatment for affected patients, and to withdraw treatment with a gradual dose reduction over at least 3 weeks. No new patients should start retigabine treatment.

In September 2016, letters were also sent for the following medicines:

• Fosphyenytoin sodium (Pro-Epanutin): medication errors, and off-label use in children younger than age 5 years. See also adult and paediatric dosing aids

• levonorgestrel-containing emergency hormonal contraception: interaction with hepatic enzyme inducers (see also September 2016 Drug Safety Update article)

• etoricoxib: revised dose recommendation (see also October 2016 Drug Safety Update article

Article citation: Drug Safety Update volume 10 issue 3, October 2016: 2.

Published 17 October 2016