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Vimpat & low WBC
Thu, 04/14/2016 - 23:20Topic: Medication Issues
I noticed that the FDA added Vimpat to their watch list for neutropenia in 2012 and then in 2014 updated the medication guide to include agranulocytosis as a post marketing report. Both of those things mean low white blood cells (specifically, the neutrophil count). Has anyone had this experience? My mother was recently hospitalized for neutropenia. No clear cause was identified. She has given a neupogen shot to stimulate WBC production. It has been two weeks and today we got a report of low neutrophils again.
Her lacosamide level was checked a couple months ago and was high so her dose was lowered. Her level is 12 before her AM dose, at 200 mg per day. She has been on Vimpat for over 2 years. When she first started it, her level was 9 before her AM dose, at 250 mg per day.
Her seizures have been controlled (had none for 20 months and continuing) and there are no noticeable side effects. She tried so many other drugs before this so the thought of switching is daunting. But, the other possibilities for her low WBC are much more serious so I am actually hoping it is the Vimpat.
Any similar experiences?
Thank you.