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Variation in Lamotrigine Plasma Concentrations with Hormonal Contraceptive Monthly Cycles in Patients with Epilepsy
Author(s) -
Contin Manuela,
Albani Fiorenzo,
Ambrosetto Giovanni,
Avoni Patrizia,
Bisulli Francesca,
Riva Roberto,
Tinuper Paolo,
Baruzzi Agostino
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
epilepsia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.687
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1528-1167
pISSN - 0013-9580
DOI - 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2006.00558.x
Subject(s) - lamotrigine , epilepsy , medicine , clinical neurology , hormone , endocrinology , biology , psychiatry , neuroscience
Summary: Purpose: This is the first report comparing intrasubject lamotrigine (LTG) plasma concentrations between hormonal contraceptive (HC) intake and week‐off phases in epilepsy patients receiving combined LTG and HC treatment. We describe the variation in LTG plasma concentrations with hormonal contraceptive (HC) monthly intake cycles in a series of eight patients with epilepsy. Methods: Venous blood samples were prospectively drawn from patients before their first morning dose of LTG, once between days 18 and 21 of HC intake and once between days 5 and 7 of the HC‐free week. Results: Median LTG plasma concentrations were significantly higher during the HC washout week than during the phase of HC intake (p = 0.02). The median value of intrasubject percentage increase was 27%, with a wide interpatient variability. Conclusions: These findings are in line with a preliminary report on healthy volunteers. Standardization of blood sampling in relation to HC intake cycles is advisable when planning LTG therapeutic monitoring in patients receiving HC.