Some Asians at Risk When Taking Tegretol

Some people of Asian ancestry may be at risk for developing serious skin conditions when taking Tegretol (carbamazepine), according to the FDA and Health Canada. A particular genetic factor called HLA-B*1502, occurring in approximately 5-15% of the Asian population, has been identified as making people who take Tegretol susceptible to Stevens Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. These conditions are very serious and can be fatal.

Genetic screening is recommended for patients whose ancestry is from areas where HLA-B*1502 is common before starting treatment with Tegretol.

_{Sources:
US Food and Drug Administration
Health Canada - Tegretol Product Information (PDF)}