Patients & Caregivers

Patient Resources

This section features tools and information to help you manage the real-world challenges of daily life with epilepsy or trigeminal neuralgia.

Shire Patient Assistance Program
Information about assistance that is available to qualified patients who need to fill a Carbatrol prescription.
Patient Perspective
Hear about one patient’s experience with epilepsy and Carbatrol.

Carbatrol Was Generally Well Tolerated in Clinical Studies

The most common side effects, particularly when first starting on Carbatrol, were dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, nausea, and vomiting.

Anticonvulsants should be taken in the manner and at the times prescribed by the physician.

Important Safety Information for Patients and Caregivers

Carbatrol^® contains carbamazepine. If you are currently taking another medication that contains carbamazepine, do not begin taking Carbatrol without discussing this with your healthcare provider.
If you are taking any other medications, including oral contraceptives, over-the-counter medications, or herbal products, be sure to inform your healthcare provider, as Carbatrol can interact with other medications.
Carbatrol was generally well tolerated in clinical studies. The most common side effects, particularly when first starting on Carbatrol, were dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, nausea, and vomiting.
Serious skin disorders have been reported with use of carbamazepine. These skin disorders may be more common in patients of Asian ancestry. Patients of Asian ancestry who have a specific gene (HLA-B*1502) may be at increased risk. Patients of Asian ancestry should be tested for this gene prior to starting Carbatrol.
Contact your healthcare provider if you have any unexplained bruising, fever, or infection. Products that contain carbamazepine have been associated with rare but serious types of blood disorders.
Carbamazepine can cause fetal harm. Contact your healthcare provider if you are considering becoming pregnant, or are pregnant, in order to discuss the continued benefits and risks.
People with a history of bone marrow problems, or who are allergic to carbamazepine, or who are sensitive to tricyclic antidepressants should not take Carbatrol.
Certain types of seizures (absence seizures or petit mal) do not appear to be controlled by carbamazepine.

See Important Safety Information for Patients & Caregivers

Carbatrol^® is registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

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