Drug Information Update- FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA determines 2013 labeling adequate to manage risk of retinal abnormalities, potential vision loss, and skin discoloration with anti-seizure drug Potiga (ezogabine); requires additional study

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Based on reviews of additional safety reports from patients treated with the anti-seizure drug Potiga (ezogabine), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that the potential risks of vision loss due to pigment changes in the retina and of skin discoloration can be adequately managed by following the current recommendations in the Potiga labeling. To further explore any potential long-term consequences of these pigment changes, we have required the Potiga manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, to conduct a long-term observational study.

Our review of additional safety reports does not indicate that the pigment changes in the retina observed in some patients affect vision. Skin discoloration associated with the use of Potiga appears to be a cosmetic effect and does not appear to be associated with more serious adverse effects. Therefore, we have determined that a modification of the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) is not needed at this time to ensure that the benefits of Potiga outweigh the risks of retinal and skin pigment changes. We expect that the required long-term observational study will provide further information on whether pigment changes in the retina caused by Potiga can lead to vision loss or other long-term side effects. In addition, the study should provide more information on the relationship between pigment changes in the retina and skin discoloration.

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