Patients to sue Aventis over epilepsy drug

Published: 18-Sep-2002


A group of 30 patients prescribed vigabatrin for the control of epilepsy is planning to sue Aventis Pharma, which markets the product under the name Sabril. First prescribed in the late 1980s, some patients have experienced visual disorder, which it is thought may have been caused by an adverse toxic reaction to the product.

The most typical injury would appear to be 'tunnel vision', caused by peripheral retinal atrophy. It would appear that the eye injuries are permanent and do not improve even after the cessation of vigabatrin. In some cases the injuries have been severe enough for the claimants to be registered as blind.

The claimants have instructed a clinical negligence specialist to investigate any potential causative link between visual disorders and vigabatrin. Allegations of fault are being investigated in respect to the manufacture and supply of vigabatrin as well as prescriber negligence.

The claimants are alleging that Aventis Pharma was aware that the drug could cause eye damage but failed to inform patients. But Aventis said clinical trials had shown that the drug was safe and the company will fight any action brought against it.

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