Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a serious immune system reaction that can occur in patients taking Lamictal.

A Lamictal warning has been released by the FDA after a number of adverse event reports indicating the connection between HLH and Lamictal. The development of this medical condition could have serious repercussions for users.

A drug safety communication issued by the FDA stated that the medication provided for treatment of bipolar disorder and seizures can lead to a rare but extremely serious reaction. This reaction can trigger the immune system and cause a patient to develop a serious condition known as HLH.

The severe inflammation tied to HLH can spread throughout the patient’s body and can lead to a hospital stay or even death, particularly if the HLH reaction is not treated quickly.

The FDA is currently developing a Lamictal warning about this connection and risk that will be added to the drug labels in the future. The immune system reaction is an uncontrolled response by the body that may occur after taking Lamictal.

The primary symptom associated with this immune system reaction is a persistent fever above 101 degrees, but this can also spread to severe problems with the organs and blood cells throughout the body and impact the lungs, kidneys and the liver.

This has led to the development of the Lamictal warning so that the patients can make an informed decision about whether or not this medication is right for them. The medication is often used in conjunction with other medications or alone to treat procedures in patients who are two-years-old and above. It can also be used as a maintenance medication for bipolar disorder.

A diagnosis of HLH is typically established by a physician if the patient has five of the following eight symptoms or signs; high levels of blood ferritin, cytopenia, an enlarged spleen, rash and fever, elevated levels of triglycerides, absent or decreased natural killer cell activity, elevated blood levels of CD25, and hemophagocytosis identified through the spleen, bone marrow or a lymph node biopsy.

Any of these symptoms of HLH that are recorded while taking Lamictal should be reported to a physician as soon as possible. Symptoms and signs of HLH reported by those patients who have been affected include yellow skin or eyes, swollen lymph nodes, an enlarged liver, fever and unusual bleeding and nervous system problems.

Injured patients might not be clear about the symptoms of HLH, which means they may not get medical attention until the situation has gotten much worse.

After receiving numerous reports from patients and physicians regarding these dangers, the warning will be forthcoming from the FDA and will be required on the label as a way for patients and their doctors to determine whether or not Lamictal is the right medication to use.