Vigafyde vs. Sabril for Neonatal Seizures and Epilepsy: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Vigafyde

(vigabatrin)

Vigabatrin

(Sabril)

Summary for Vigafyde

Prescription only

Vigafyde (vigabatrin) is an antiepileptic medication used for infantile spasms, a rare type of seizure in babies. It’s approved for babies ages 1 month to 2 years. Because it can cause permanent vision loss, the medication is used only when the expected benefits are greater than this serious risk. Vigafyde (vigabatrin) is availably only through a special safety program. It comes as a ready-to-use oral solution that's taken by mouth or through a gastrostomy tube. It's given twice a day, and the dose is based on your baby’s weight. More common side effects include sleepiness, bronchitis, and ear infection.

Indications for Vigafyde

Infantile spasms in babies ages 1 month to 2 years

Pros and Cons for Vigafyde

Pros

FDA approved to treat infantile spasms in babies as young as 1 month old
Ready-to-use oral solution
Can be given by mouth or through a G-tube
Might be easier to take because each dose uses less liquid than some other vigabatrin medication

Cons

Can make your baby sleepy or make feeding harder
Has a serious risk of permanent vision loss (need regular eye exams)
Dose can change often as your baby grows since it's based on weight
Dose has to be measured carefully because it’s more concentrated than some other vigabatrin medications

Common Side Effects for Vigafyde

Sleepiness (45%)
Bronchitis (30%)
Ear infection (10%)

Warnings for Vigafyde

Risk of permanent vision loss
Brain MRI changes
Withdrawal seizures after suddenly stopping Vigafyde (vigabatrin)
Anemia
Sleepiness and fatigue
Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
Weight gain
Swelling due to fluid buildup in the body

Summary for Sabril

Prescription only

Vigabatrin (Sabril) can treat certain types of seizures: infantile spasms and complex partial seizures. It's available as a powder that's made into a solution and a tablet, both of which you take by mouth. The medication is typically taken twice daily. Vigabatrin (Sabril) is only available through the Vigabatrin Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program because of the risk for permanent vision loss due to eye damage. Other side effects include sleepiness and dizziness. This medication is available as brand-name and lower-cost generic versions.

Indications for Sabril

Difficult-to-treat complex partial seizures in people age 2 years and older (as add-on therapy to other medications)
Infantile spasms in children age 1 month to 2 years

Pros and Cons for Sabril

Pros

A recommended medication for treating infantile spasms
Doesn't require regular blood work to check medication levels
Available as a tablet and oral solution
Available as a lower-cost generic form

Cons

Can cause weight gain, especially in children
Can raise the risk for suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Can cause permanent vision loss

Common Side Effects for Sabril

Adults

Headache (33%)
Dizziness (24%)
Tiredness (23%)
Drowsiness (22%)
Uncontrolled shaking (15%)
Common cold symptoms (14%)
Blurred vision (13%)
Eye twitching (13%)
Diarrhea (10%)
Nausea (10%)
Joint pain (10%)
Abnormal coordination (6%)

Children age 3 to 16 years (for complex partial seizures)

Weight gain (15%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., cough, common cold; 15%)
Tiredness (10%)

Children age 1 month to 2 years (for infantile spasms)

Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 51%)
Middle ear infection (up to 44%)
Fever (up to 29%)
Irritable behavior (up to 23%)
Vomiting (up to 20%)
Sleepiness (up to 19%)

Warnings for Sabril

Permanent vision loss
Abnormal brain MRI in young children
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Withdrawal seizures after stopping the medication suddenly
Low red blood cell counts (anemia)
Difficulty concentrating, extreme sleepiness or tiredness, and dizziness
Nerve pain in adults
Weight gain

Prices with our coupons for Vigafyde vs. Sabril

Vigafyde3 bottles / 150ml of 100mg/ml

$10,603.79$12,798.95

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Vigabatrin180 tablets / 500mg

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Vigafyde vs. Sabril

Vigafyde

Vigabatrin

Summary for Vigafyde

Indications for Vigafyde

Pros and Cons for Vigafyde

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Vigafyde

Warnings for Vigafyde

Summary for Sabril

Indications for Sabril

Pros and Cons for Sabril

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Sabril

Warnings for Sabril

Prices with our coupons for Vigafyde vs. Sabril

Browse medications by letter

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Vigafyde

Vigabatrin

Summary for Vigafyde

Indications for Vigafyde

Pros and Cons for Vigafyde

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Vigafyde

Warnings for Vigafyde

Summary for Sabril

Indications for Sabril

Pros and Cons for Sabril

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Sabril

Warnings for Sabril