GlaxoSmithKline gets US FDA warning on aseptic meningitis risk with seizure drug Lamictal; favored investment by UBS analyst

The US Food and Drug Administration last week issued a warning that UK drugs giant GlaxoSmithKline's Lamictal (lamotrigine), approved to treat seizures and bipolar disorder, can cause aseptic meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes (meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord not caused by bacterial infection.

The agency added that it is working with the drug's manufacturer to update the prescribing information and patient medication guide to include this risk.

GlaxoSmithKline said in a statement it will add language about the risk to a medication guide distributed to patients. According to the company, aseptic meningitis is a "very rarely reported event." The drug, which generated turnover of $778 million last year, is also approved by the FDA to treat manic depression.