Barranqueras, Argentina – A desperate plea for medication is echoing from the Chaco province, as the family of five-year-old Gabriel Bondar faces a critical shortage of Rufinamida, a life-saving anticonvulsant drug. Gabriel relies on Rufinamida, alongside clonazepam and a strict ketogenic diet, to manage a severe form of epilepsy known as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and prevent debilitating seizures. The medication has been unavailable in the country since December, leaving Gabriel with only enough pills for approximately one week as of February 19, 2026, according to reports.
Gabriel’s journey began with a diagnosis of West syndrome, which has since evolved into Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a particularly aggressive form of epilepsy characterized by frequent absence seizures and sudden falls. “For Gabriel not to have convulsions, his treatment cannot be stopped,” Fabiola Bondar, Gabriel’s mother, stated in a recent interview. The combination of Rufinamida 200mg, clonazepam, and a carefully managed ketogenic diet is crucial to controlling his seizures and allowing him to live with some stability. He has required home hospitalization since 2019 and relies on a tracheostomy and a feeding tube for nourishment.
The Critical Role of Rufinamida and the Ketogenic Diet
Rufinamida is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It works by modulating synaptic transmission in the brain, helping to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. The ketogenic diet, a high-fat, very low-carbohydrate diet, has also emerged as a therapeutic option for epilepsy, particularly in children who haven’t responded well to traditional medications. The diet forces the body to burn fats for energy instead of carbohydrates, producing ketones, which can have anticonvulsant effects. The diet’s mechanism isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to alter brain metabolism and neuronal excitability.
According to experts, the ketogenic diet can influence the metabolism of certain medications, potentially affecting their efficacy. It’s crucial for patients on a ketogenic diet to inform their doctors about all medications they are taking to avoid potential complications. The combination of Rufinamida, clonazepam, and the ketogenic diet represents a carefully calibrated treatment plan for Gabriel, and disrupting any component could have serious consequences.
Supply Chain Disruptions and a Family’s Desperate Search
The current shortage of Rufinamida in Argentina is creating a harrowing situation for Gabriel and his family. Fabiola and Javier Bondar have exhausted all available avenues through their health insurance provider and personal searches. They require four boxes of Rufinamida 200mg per month – one box per week – to maintain Gabriel’s treatment. Despite offers of financial assistance through crowdfunding, they are facing an insurmountable obstacle: the medication is simply unavailable for purchase within the country.
The family has been informed that shipments of Rufinamida have not arrived in Argentina since December 2025. This disruption in the supply chain has left many families scrambling to find alternative sources, but the medication’s limited availability makes it exceedingly difficult to obtain. The urgency of the situation is compounded by the fact that Gabriel’s condition requires consistent medication to prevent life-threatening seizures.
Understanding Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe form of epilepsy that typically begins in early childhood. It is characterized by multiple types of seizures, including tonic, atonic, and atypical absence seizures. Individuals with LGS often experience developmental delays and intellectual disabilities. The syndrome is often difficult to treat, and many patients require a combination of medications and therapies to manage their symptoms.
The exact cause of LGS is often unknown, but it can be linked to genetic factors, brain malformations, or other underlying neurological conditions. Research suggests that the ketogenic diet may have anticonvulsant properties and can be an effective treatment option for some individuals with LGS, particularly those who have not responded to traditional medications. However, it’s essential to implement the diet under the guidance of a qualified medical professional.
How to Help Gabriel
Fabiola Bondar is appealing to the public for assistance in locating Rufinamida 200mg, in any available formulation currently accessible within Argentina. She is requesting donations or temporary loans of the medication although the supply issues are resolved. Anyone with available supplies, knowledge of potential sources, or connections within pharmacies or drugstores is urged to contact Fabiola directly at +54 362-4127441. Sharing this plea within communities, institutions, pharmacies, and among healthcare professionals is also greatly appreciated.
The family’s situation highlights the vulnerability of patients who rely on specific medications and the potential consequences of supply chain disruptions. It underscores the importance of robust pharmaceutical supply chains and the need for proactive measures to prevent medication shortages.
Key Takeaways
- Five-year-old Gabriel Bondar of Barranqueras, Argentina, urgently needs Rufinamida, an anticonvulsant medication, to manage his Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
- The medication has been unavailable in Argentina since December 2025, leaving Gabriel with a limited supply.
- Gabriel’s treatment plan includes Rufinamida, clonazepam, and a strict ketogenic diet, all of which are essential for controlling his seizures.
- His family is appealing to the public for assistance in locating the medication and is reachable at +54 362-4127441.
The situation remains critical, and the family continues to seek assistance as they navigate this challenging time. Updates on Gabriel’s condition and the search for medication will be shared as they turn into available. Readers are encouraged to share this article and reach out if they can offer any support.
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