Tegretol-birth defect scare criticised

Press, 26 June 1989, Page 5

Tegretol-birth defect scare criticised

PA Wellington Ciba-Geigy, which manufactures the drug Tegretol, has criticised recent reports about dangers which may be associated with the drug. The Health Department is investigating a report in the’ “New England Journal. of Medicine” which links birth and development defects in children with the use of Tegretol „ during pregnancy. Ciba-Geigy’s medical director, Dr Ross Horsburgh, said the company was concerned about reports focusing only on the drug’s side-effects and not its benefits and risks. This could alarm

patients unnecessarily and lead to hasty action by the department.

Tegretol had been used widely in New Zealand for 23 years; it was one of the most important medicines for treating epilepsy and manic depression. "Epilepsy is a chronic and potentially life-threat-ening disorder that is difficult to manage during pregnancy,” he said.

“Studies have shown the risk of minor malformations is increased in mothers with epilepsy, whether or not they are treated with an anticonvulsant.”

“The weight of data shows that Tegretol is a

viable option for epileptic women who wish to have children,” he said. “The value of the ‘New England Journal of Medicine’ study is that it is a reminder that the risks and benefits of anticonvulsants need to be weighed carefully. We emphasise that point to doctors in our product information.”

Malformations of the foetus had been reported with the use of all anticonvulsant medicines during pregnancy. This was a well-known risk which a doctor always acknowledged in consultation with the patient.