Lamotrigine and photosensitivity

The Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb received three reports of photosensitivity associated with the use of lamotrigine. Patients experienced an itchy skin rash on the skin that was exposed to sunlight. 

Lamotrigine is indicated for the treatment of several forms of epilepsy and bipolar disorders. Photosensitivity is not described in the Dutch Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) of lamotrigine. This association is described in a few cases in literature. In addition, the international database of the WHO also includes cases of photosensitivity associated with the use of lamotrigine. 

Lareb informed the Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board about these reports. The Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board will discuss this association within the European regulatory network. 

Read here the analysis of the reports.