[Reintroduction of treatment with lamotrigine in combination with valproate after an initial allergic skin reaction].
BACKGROUND
Lamotrigine (LTG) is effective for a variety of seizure types especially against absence seizures in cotherapy with valproate (VPA). Skin rash is the most frequent side effect leading to LTG discontinuation.


METHODS
We report two patients with refractory absence epilepsy and a previous history of allergic reaction to LTG in which LTG was rechallenged. LTG was effective in both cases without incident.


CONCLUSIONS
High initial dose and rapid dose escalation is associated with increased rash rate. LTG is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated hypersensitivity to the drug. However, because the initial dose and the dose titration play a crucial role, LTG was reintroduced with a very low initial dose and very slow titration schedule without recurrence of skin rash.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients who have experienced a previous mild skin allergy may be reconsidered for a rechallenge with LTG if the expected therapeutic response to the drug is high. Patients must be warned about the risks.
Gélisse
P
P
Unité Médico-Chirurgicale de l'épilepsie, Montpellier. p_gelisse@hotmail.com
Crespel
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000473:pathology*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004832:Epilepsy, Absence / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077213:Lamotrigine; D008297:Male; D014227:Triazines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014227:Triazines; D014635:Valproic Acid; D000077213:Lamotrigine