The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is informing healthcare professionals and the public of a report received concerning emerging evidence showing an increased risk of drug poisoning when gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin) are used together with certain medicines, particularly opioids and benzodiazepines.
A study conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL) found that among patients taking gabapentinoids, concomitant use of benzodiazepines was associated with approximately a two-fold increase in the risk of hospitalization for drug poisoning, while concurrent use with opioids increased the risk by about 30%.
Gabapentinoids are commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety disorders and are increasingly used as alternatives to opioids for pain management.
Risk Information
The risk may be higher in:
- Elderly patients;
- Patients with respiratory disorders;
- Patients receiving opioids, benzodiazepines, or other CNS depressants;
- Patients with a history of substance abuse.
Possible adverse effects include:
- Excessive drowsiness;
- Respiratory depression;
- Impaired consciousness;
- Drug poisoning.
Advice to the Public
- Use gabapentin and pregabalin only as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
- Inform your healthcare provider of all medicines you are taking.
- Avoid self-medication and unauthorized medicine combinations.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience unusual drowsiness, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness while taking these medicines.
Reporting Adverse Events
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products or devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng, or via the Med- safety application available for download on Android and IOS stores, or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng
For complaints, you can call the Reforms Unit on the following lines: 09097630506, 09097630507, or email: reforms@nafdac.gov.ng
NAFDAC………. Customer-focused, Agency-minded!!!
