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Lacosamide during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Simona Lattanzi1, Claudia Cagnetti1, Nicoletta Foschi1
1Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy.
Neurologia I Neurochirurgia Polska
|April 8, 2017
Summary
Lacosamide (LCS) appears safe and effective for epilepsy treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This study found no adverse effects on newborns, suggesting LCS is a viable option for expectant mothers with epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Epilepsy treatment in pregnancy requires balancing seizure control with teratogenic risks.
- Limited data exists for newer antiepileptic drugs during gestation.
- Lacosamide (LCS) is a newer generation antiepileptic drug.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of lacosamide (LCS) in pregnant and breastfeeding individuals.
- To assess potential teratogenic or toxic effects of LCS on newborns.
Main Methods:
- Prospective follow-up of patients on LCS who became pregnant.
- Collection of data on seizure frequency, side effects, pregnancy, delivery, breastfeeding, and infant outcomes.
- Monitoring of congenital malformations and developmental milestones in newborns.
Main Results:
- Three cases of maternal LCS exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding were reported.
- LCS was used at a median dose of 400mg daily, as monotherapy or add-on treatment.
- No significant changes in maternal seizure frequency were observed; two patients remained seizure-free.
- Normal delivery outcomes, Apgar scores, and infant development were noted.
- No major or minor congenital malformations were detected in the offspring.
Conclusions:
- These findings suggest lacosamide (LCS) demonstrates good efficacy and safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- LCS may not possess significant teratogenic or toxic potentialities.
- Further data from pregnancy registries can enhance understanding of newer antiepileptic drugs like LCS.