Low rate of rash with dermatology precautions Authors: Wang P, et al. Title: Low incidence of lamotrigine treatment-emergent rash with dermatology precautions. Reference:APA 2004, New Research Presentation. Purpose: To assess the rate of rash in bipolar patients initiating lamotrigine therapy using Stanford Dermatology Precautions (not started within 2 weeks of rash, viral syndrome, or vaccination. During first 3 months: no new medicines, foods, cosmetics, detergents, etc.). Study design: Retrospective chart review. Follow up: Minimum of 3 months (mean 8.4 months). Patients: 100 bipolar patients. Treatment: Lamotrigine monotherapy or add-on therapy using standard titration. Results: There were no cases of serious rash observed. The rate of non-serious rash was 5% in all patients, but only 2% in patients adherent to dermatology precautions. The overall discontinuation rate (for any reason) was only 8% during the first 3 months of treatment.
