The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 280 No 7497 p428
12 April 2008

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Screen before prescribing carbamazepine

Individuals of Han Chinese, Hong Kong Chinese or Thai origin should undergo genetic screening before treatment with carbamazepine, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has advised.

In April 2008’s Drug Safety Update, the MHRA recommends screening these groups for the human leukocyte antigen allele HLA-B*1502, because the risk of carbamazepine-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome is greater in patients who have this allele. The frequency of HLA-B*1502 varies worldwide, but is highest in some Asian populations.

Patients who test positive for HLA-B*1502 should not be treated with carbamazepine unless the expected benefit clearly outweighs the risk of serious skin reactions, the MHRA says.