New TGA warning on suicide and depression risk with asthma drug
The TGA added revised warnings about neuropsychiatric symptoms to all montelukast products this month.
New boxed warnings on montelukast advise doctors to stop treatment if patients develop depression, suicidality or other neuropsychiatric symptoms.
The TGA slapped warnings on the leukotriene receptor agonist — commonly used to treat children with chronic asthma and to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis — about potential neuropsychiatric side effects on 9 January.
“In many cases, symptoms resolved after stopping montelukast therapy; however, in some cases symptoms persisted after discontinuation of montelukast,” the new warning reads.
“Therefore, patients should be monitored and provided supportive care until symptoms resolve.”
