Prasco® Laboratories announced today it has entered into an agreement with Shire (NASDAQ: SHPGY) for the distribution in the U.S. of the Authorized Generic version of Carbatrol® (Carbamazepine) Extended-Release Capsules in 100 mg, 200 mg and 300 mg strengths.

New research reveals that patients with epilepsy who were treated for extended periods with older generation antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may be at increased risk for developing atherosclerosis, a common disorder known as hardening of the arteries.

A new study published by has indicated that infants exposed to antiepileptic drugs, such as Depakote, during pregnancy may have an even higher risk of developing serious birth defects.

The drug, called carbamazepine, is commonly used to treat patients with epilepsy and other diseases such as depression and trigeminal neuralgia.

Most anti-epileptic drugs are associated with an increased risk of non-traumatic fracture in individuals 50 years of age and older.