Complete SPL Sections#
INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION
INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION
Oxcarbazepine tablets are indicated for use as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults and as monotherapy in the treatment of partial-onset seizures in pediatric patients aged 4 years and above, and as adjunctive therapy in pediatric patients aged 2 years and above with partial-onset seizures.
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION
2.1 Adjunctive Therapy for Adults Initiate oxcarbazepine with a dose of 600 mg/day, given twice-a-day. If clinically indicated, the dose may be increased by a maximum of 600 mg/day at approximately weekly intervals; the maximum recommended daily dose is 1,200 mg/day. Daily doses above 1,200 mg/day show somewhat greater effectiveness in controlled trials, but most patients were not able to tolerate the 2,400 mg/day dose, primarily because of CNS effects. Dosage adjustment is recommended with concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 enzyme inducers or UGT inducers, which include certain antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) [see Drug Interactions (7.1, 7.2)]. 2.2 Conversion to Monotherapy for Adults Patients receiving concomitant AEDs may be converted to monotherapy by initiating treatment with oxcarbazepine at 600 mg/day (given in a twice-a-day regimen) while simultaneously initiating the reduction of the dose of the concomitant AEDs. The concomitant AEDs should be completely withdrawn over 3 to 6 weeks, while the maximum dose of oxcarbazepine should be reached in about 2 to 4 weeks. Oxcarbazepine may be increased as clinically indicated by a maximum increment of 600 mg/day at approximately weekly intervals to achieve the maximum recommended daily dose of 2,400 mg/day. A daily dose of 1,200 mg/day has been shown in one study to be effective in patients in whom monotherapy has been initiated with oxcarbazepine. Patients should be observed closely during this transition phase. 2.3 Initiation of Monotherapy for Adults Patients not currently being treated with AEDs may have monotherapy initiated with oxcarbazepine. In these patients, initiate oxcarbazepine at a dose of 600 mg/day (given a twice-a-day); the dose should be increased by 300 mg/day every third day to a dose of 1,200 mg/day. Controlled trials in these patients examined the effectiveness of a 1,200 mg/day dose; a dose of 2,400 mg/day has been shown to be effective in patients converted from other AEDs to oxcarbazepine monotherapy (see above). 2.4 Adjunctive Therapy for Pediatric Patients (Aged 2 to 16 Years) In pediatric patients aged 4 to 16 years, initiate oxcarbazepine at a daily dose of 8 to 10 mg/kg generally not to exceed 600 mg/day, given twice-a-day. The target maintenance dose of oxcarbazepine should be achieved over 2 weeks, and is dependent upon patient weight, according to the following chart: 20 to 29 kg - 900 mg/day 29.1 to 39 kg - 1,200 mg/day >39 kg – 1,800 mg/day In the clinical trial, in which the intention was to reach these target doses, the median daily dose was 31 mg/kg with a range of 6 to 51 mg/kg. In pediatric patients aged 2 to
DOSAGE FORMS & STRENGTHS SECTION
DOSAGE FORMS & STRENGTHS SECTION
Film-coated Tablets: 150 mg Film-Coated Tablets: yellow color, capsule-shaped, biconvex, coated tablets scored and debossed with ‘183’ on one side and scored on other side. 300 mg Film-Coated Tablets: yellow color, capsule-shaped, biconvex, coated tablets scored and debossed with ‘184’ on one side and scored on other side. 600 mg Film-Coated Tablets: yellow color, capsule-shaped, biconvex, coated tablets scored and debossed with ‘185’ on one side and scored on other side.
CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION
CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION
Oxcarbazepine tablets are contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to oxcarbazepine or to any of its components, or to eslicarbazepine acetate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.3)].
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS SECTION
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS SECTION
5.1 Hyponatremia Clinically significant hyponatremia (sodium
ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION
ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION
The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Hyponatremia [SEE WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)] Anaphylactic Reactions and Angioedema [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2)] Cross Hypersensitivity Reaction to Carbamazepine [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.3)] Serious Dermatological Reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.4)] Suicidal Behavior and Ideation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.5)] Cognitive/Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.7)] Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/Multi-Organ Hypersensitivity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.8)] Hematologic Events [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.9)] 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Most Common Adverse Reactions in All Clinical Studies Adjunctive Therapy/Monotherapy in Adults Previously Treated with Other AEDs The most common (≥10% more than placebo for adjunctive or low dose for monotherapy) adverse reactions with oxcarbazepine: dizziness, somnolence, diplopia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, ataxia, abnormal vision, headache, nystagmus tremor, and abnormal gait. Approximately 23% of these 1,537 adult patients discontinued treatment because of an adverse reaction. The adverse reactions most commonly associated with discontinuation were: dizziness (6.4%), diplopia (5.9%), ataxia (5.2%), vomiting (5.1%), nausea (4.9%), somnolence (3.8%), headache (2.9%), fatigue (2.1%), abnormal vision (2.1%), tremor (1.8%), abnormal gait (1.7%), rash (1.4%), hyponatremia (1%). Monotherapy in Adults Not Previously Treated with Other AEDs The most common (≥5%) adverse reactions with oxcarbazepine in these patients were similar to those in previously treated patients. Approximately 9% of these 295 adult patients discontinued treatment because of an adverse reaction. The adverse reactions most commonly associated with discontinuation were: dizziness (1.7%), nausea (1.7%), rash (1.7%), headache (1.4%). Adjunctive Therapy/Monotherapy in Pediatric Patients 4 Years Old and Above Previously Treated with Other AEDs The most common (≥5%) adverse reactions with oxcarbazepine in these patients were similar to those seen in adults. Approximately 11% of these 456 pediatric patients discontinued treatment because of an adverse reaction. The adverse reactions most commonly associated with discontinuation were: somnolence (2.4%), vomiting (2%), ataxia (1.8%), diplopia (1.3%), dizziness (1.3%), fatigue (1.1%), nystagmus (1.1%). Monotherapy in Pediatric Patients 4 Years Old and Above Not Previously Treated with Other AEDs The most common (≥5%) adverse reactions with oxcarbazepine in these patients were similar to those in adults. Approximately 9.2% of 152 pediatric patients discontinued treatment because of an adverse reaction. The adverse reactions most commonly associated (≥1%) with discontinuation were rash (5.3%) and maculopapular rash (1.3%). Adjunctive Therapy/Monotherapy in Pediatric Patients 1 Month to
DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION
DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION
7.1 Effect of Oxcarbazepine on Other Drugs Phenytoin levels have been shown to increase with concomitant use of oxcarbazepine at doses greater than 1,200 mg/day [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Therefore, it is recommended that the plasma levels of phenytoin be monitored during the period of oxcarbazepine titration and dosage modification. A decrease in the dose of phenytoin may be required. 7.2 Effect of Other Drugs on Oxcarbazepine Strong inducers of cytochrome P450 enzymes and/or inducers of UGT (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital) have been shown to decrease the plasma/serum levels of MHD, the active metabolite of oxcarbazepine (25% to 49%) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. If oxcarbazepine and strong CYP3A4 inducers or UGT inducers are administered concurrently, it is recommended that the plasma levels of MHD be monitored during the period of oxcarbazepine titration. Dose adjustment of oxcarbazepine may be required after initiation, dosage modification, or discontinuation of such inducers. 7.3 Hormonal Contraceptives Concurrent use of oxcarbazepine with hormonal contraceptives may render these contraceptives less effective [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)]. Studies with other oral or implant contraceptives have not been conducted.
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS SECTION
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS SECTION
8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to AEDs, such as oxcarbazepine, during pregnancy. Encourage women who are taking oxcarbazepine during pregnancy to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334 or visiting http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/. Risk Summary There are no adequate data on the developmental risks associated with the use of oxcarbazepine in pregnant women; however, oxcarbazepine is closely related structurally to carbamazepine, which is considered to be teratogenic in humans. Data on a limited number of pregnancies from pregnancy registries suggest that oxcarbazepine monotherapy use is associated with congenital malformations (e.g., craniofacial defects such as oral clefts and cardiac malformations such as ventricular septal defects). Increased incidences of fetal structural abnormalities and other manifestations of developmental toxicity (embryolethality, growth retardation) were observed in the offspring of animals treated with either oxcarbazepine or its active 10-hydroxy metabolite (MHD) during pregnancy at doses similar to the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD). In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. Clinical Considerations An increase in seizure frequency may occur during pregnancy because of altered levels of the active metabolite of oxcarbazepine. Monitor patients carefully during pregnancy and through the postpartum period [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]. Data Human Data Data from published registries have reported craniofacial defects such as oral clefts and cardiac malformations such as ventricular septal defects in children with prenatal oxcarbazepine exposure. Animal Data When pregnant rats were given oxcarbazepine (0, 30, 300, or 1,000 mg/kg/day) orally throughout the period of organogenesis, increased incidences of fetal malformations (craniofacial, cardiovascular, and skeletal) and variations were observed at the intermediate and high doses (approximately 1.2 and 4 times, respectively, the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). Increased embryofetal death and decreased fetal body weights were seen at the high dose. Doses ≥300 mg/kg/day were also maternally toxic (decreased body weight gain, clinical signs), but there is no evidence to suggest that teratogenicity was secondary to the maternal effects. In a study in which pregnant rabbits were orally administered MHD (0, 20, 100, or 200 mg/kg/day) during organogenesis, embryofetal mortality was increased at the highest dose (1.5 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). This dose produced only minimal maternal toxicity. In a study in which female rats were dosed orally with oxcarbazepine (0, 25, 50, or 150 mg/kg/day) during the latter part of gestation and throughout the lactation period, a persistent reduction in body weights and altered behavior (decreased activity) were observed in offspring exposed to the highest dose (less than the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). Oral administration of MHD (0, 25, 75, or 250 mg/kg/day) to rats during gestation and lactation resulted in a persistent reduction in offspring weights at the highest dose (equivalent to the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Oxcarbazepine and its active metabolite (MHD) are present in human milk after oxcarbazepine administration. The effects of oxcarbazepine and its active metabolite (MHD) on the breastfed infant or on milk production are unknown. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for oxcarbazepine and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from oxcarbazepine or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Contraception Use of oxcarbazepine with hormonal contraceptives containing ethinylestradiol or levonorgestrel is associated with decreased plasma concentrations of these hormones and may result in a failure of the therapeutic effect of the oral contraceptive drug. Advise women of reproductive potential taking oxcarbazepine who are using a contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol or levonorgestrel to use additional or alternative non-hormonal birth control [see Drug interactions (7.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. 8.4 Pediatric Use Oxcarbazepine is indicated for use as adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures in patients aged 2 to 16 years. The safety and effectiveness for use as adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures in pediatric patients below the age of 2 have not been established. Oxcarbazepine is also indicated as monotherapy for partial-onset seizures in patients aged 4 to 16 years. The safety and effectiveness for use as monotherapy for partial-onset seizures in pediatric patients below the age of 4 have not been established. Oxcarbazepine has been given to 898 patients between the ages of 1 month to 17 years in controlled clinical trials (332 treated as monotherapy) and about 677 patients between the ages of 1 month to 17 years in other trials [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11), Adverse Reactions (6.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), and Clinical Studies (14)]. 8.5 Geriatric Use There were 52 patients over age 65 in controlled clinical trials and 565 patients over the age of 65 in other trials. Following administration of single (300 mg) and multiple (600 mg/day) doses of oxcarbazepine in elderly volunteers (60 to 82 years of age), the maximum plasma concentrations and AUC values of MHD were 30% to 60% higher than in younger volunteers (18 to 32 years of age). Comparisons of creatinine clearance in young and elderly volunteers indicate that the difference was due to age-related reductions in creatinine clearance. Close monitoring of sodium levels is required in elderly patients at risk for hyponatremia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)]. 8.6 Renal Impairment Dose adjustment is recommended for renally impaired patients (CLcr
DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE SECTION
DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE SECTION
9.2 Abuse The abuse potential of oxcarbazepine has not been evaluated in human studies. 9.3 Dependence Intragastric injections of oxcarbazepine to 4 cynomolgus monkeys demonstrated no signs of physical dependence as measured by the desire to self-administer oxcarbazepine by lever pressing activity.
OVERDOSAGE SECTION
OVERDOSAGE SECTION
10.1 Human Overdose Experience Isolated cases of overdose with oxcarbazepine have been reported. The maximum dose taken was approximately 48,000 mg. All patients recovered with symptomatic treatment. Nausea, vomiting, somnolence, aggression, agitation, hypotension, and tremor each occurred in more than one patient. Coma, confusional state, convulsion, dyscoordination, depressed level of consciousness, diplopia, dizziness, dyskinesia, dyspnea, QT prolongation, headache, miosis, nystagmus, overdose, decreased urine output, blurred vision also occurred. 10.2 Treatment and Management There is no specific antidote. Symptomatic and supportive treatment should be administered as appropriate. Removal of the drug by gastric lavage and/or inactivation by administering activated charcoal should be considered.
DESCRIPTION SECTION
DESCRIPTION SECTION
Oxcarbazepine, USP is an antiepileptic drug available as 150 mg, 300 mg, and 600 mg film-coated tablets for oral administration. Oxcarbazepine is 10,11-Dihydro-10-oxo-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine-5-carboxamide, and its structural formula is: chemical-structure Oxcarbazepine is a white to faintly orange crystalline powder. It is slightly soluble in chloroform, dichloromethane, acetone, and methanol and practically insoluble in ethanol, ether and water. Its molecular weight is 252.27. Oxcarbazepine film-coated tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, povidone, polyethylene glycol, croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, sodium stearyl fumarate, hypromellose, polysorbate 80, titanium dioxide and yellow iron oxide.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION
12.1 Mechanism of Action The pharmacological activity of oxcarbazepine is primarily exerted through the 10-monohydroxy metabolite (MHD) of oxcarbazepine [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)]. The precise mechanism by which oxcarbazepine and MHD exert their anti-seizure effect is unknown; however, in vitro electrophysiological studies indicate that they produce blockade of voltage-sensitive sodium channels, resulting in stabilization of hyperexcited neural membranes, inhibition of repetitive neuronal firing, and diminution of propagation of synaptic impulses. These actions are thought to be important in the prevention of seizure spread in the intact brain. In addition, increased potassium conductance and modulation of high-voltage activated calcium channels may contribute to the anticonvulsant effects of the drug. No significant interactions of oxcarbazepine or MHD with brain neurotransmitter or modulator receptor sites have been demonstrated. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Oxcarbazepine and its active metabolite (MHD) exhibit anticonvulsant properties in animal seizure models. They protected rodents against electrically induced tonic extension seizures and, to a lesser degree, chemically induced clonic seizures, and abolished or reduced the frequency of chronically recurring focal seizures in Rhesus monkeys with aluminum implants. No development of tolerance (i.e., attenuation of anticonvulsive activity) was observed in the maximal electroshock test when mice and rats were treated daily for 5 days and 4 weeks, respectively, with oxcarbazepine or MHD. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Following oral administration of oxcarbazepine tablets, oxcarbazepine is completely absorbed and extensively metabolized to its pharmacologically active 10-monohydroxy metabolite (MHD). In a mass balance study in people, only 2% of total radioactivity in plasma was due to unchanged oxcarbazepine, with approximately 70% present as MHD, and the remainder attributable to minor metabolites. The half-life of the parent is about 2 hours, while the half-life of MHD is about 9 hours, so that MHD is responsible for most antiepileptic activity. Absorption Based on MHD concentrations, oxcarbazepine tablets and suspension were shown to have similar bioavailability. After single-dose administration of oxcarbazepine tablets to healthy male volunteers under fasted conditions, the median tmax was 4.5 (range 3 to 13) hours. Steady-state plasma concentrations of MHD are reached within 2 to 3 days in patients when oxcarbazepine is given twice a day. At steady state the pharmacokinetics of MHD are linear and show dose proportionality over the dose range of 300 to 2,400 mg/day. Food has no effect on the rate and extent of absorption of oxcarbazepine from oxcarbazepine tablets. Therefore, oxcarbazepine tablets can be taken with or without food. Distribution The apparent volume of distribution of MHD is 49 L. Approximately 40% of MHD is bound to serum proteins, predominantly to albumin. Binding is independent of the serum concentration within the therapeutically relevant range. Oxcarbazepine and MHD do not bind to alpha-1-acid glycoprotein. Metabolism and Excretion Oxcarbazepine is rapidly reduced by cytosolic enzymes in the liver to its 10-monohydroxy metabolite, MHD, which is primarily responsible for the pharmacological effect of oxcarbazepine. MHD is metabolized further by conjugation with glucuronic acid. Minor amounts (4% of the dose) are oxidized to the pharmacologically inactive 10,11-dihydroxy metabolite (DHD). Oxcarbazepine is cleared from the body mostly in the form of metabolites which are predominantly excreted by the kidneys. More than 95% of the dose appears in the urine, with less than 1% as unchanged oxcarbazepine. Fecal excretion accounts for less than 4% of the administered dose. Approximately 80% of the dose is excreted in the urine either as glucuronides of MHD (49%) or as unchanged MHD (27%); the inactive DHD accounts for approximately 3% and conjugates of MHD and oxcarbazepine account for 13% of the dose. The half-life of the parent is about 2 hours, while the half-life of MHD is about 9 hours. Specific Populations Geriatrics Following administration of single (300 mg) and multiple (600 mg/day) doses of oxcarbazepine to elderly volunteers (60 to 82 years of age), the maximum plasma concentrations and AUC values of MHD were 30% to 60% higher than in younger volunteers (18 to 32 years of age). Comparisons of creatinine clearance in young and elderly volunteers indicate that the difference was due to age-related reductions in creatinine clearance. Pediatrics Weight-adjusted MHD clearance decreases as age and weight increases, approaching that of adults. The mean weight-adjusted clearance in children 2 years to
HOW SUPPLIED SECTION
HOW SUPPLIED SECTION
150 mg Film-Coated Tablets: yellow color, capsule-shaped, biconvex, coated tablets scored and debossed with ‘183’ on one side and scored on other side. Bottle of 30: Child Resistant Cap Bottle of 100: Child Resistant Cap Non Child Resistant Cap Bottle of 500: Non Child Resistant Cap Bottle of 1000: Non Child Resistant Cap 300 mg Film-Coated Tablets: yellow color, capsule-shaped, biconvex, coated tablets scored and debossed with ‘184’ on one side and scored on other side. Bottle of 30: Child Resistant Cap Bottle of 100: Child Resistant Cap Non Child Resistant Cap Bottle of 500: Non Child Resistant Cap Bottle of 1000: Non Child Resistant Cap 600 mg Film-Coated Tablets: yellow color, capsule-shaped, biconvex, coated tablets scored and debossed with ‘185’ on one side and scored on other side. Bottle of 30: Child Resistant Cap Bottle of 100: Child Resistant Cap Non Child Resistant Cap Bottle of 500: Non Child Resistant Cap Bottle of 1000: Non Child Resistant Cap Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dispense in tight container (USP).
PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide). Administration Information Counsel patients that oxcarbazepine may be taken with or without food. [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.8) and HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING (16)]. Hyponatremia Advise patients that oxcarbazepine may reduce the serum sodium concentrations especially if they are taking other medications that can lower sodium. Instruct patients to report symptoms of low sodium like nausea, tiredness, lack of energy, confusion, and more frequent or more severe seizures [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)]. Anaphylactic Reactions and Angioedema Anaphylactic reactions and angioedema may occur during treatment with oxcarbazepine. Advise patients to report immediately signs and symptoms suggesting angioedema (swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue or difficulty in swallowing or breathing) and to stop taking the drug until they have consulted with their physician [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2)]. Cross Hypersensitivity Reaction to Carbamazepine Inform patients who have exhibited hypersensitivity reactions to carbamazepine that approximately 25% to 30% of these patients may experience hypersensitivity reactions with oxcarbazepine. Patients should be advised that if they experience a hypersensitivity reaction while taking oxcarbazepine they should consult with their physician immediately [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.3)]. Serious Dermatological Reactions Advise patients that serious skin reactions have been reported in association with oxcarbazepine. In the event a skin reaction should occur while taking oxcarbazepine, patients should consult with their physician immediately [see WaRNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.4)]. Suicidal Behavior and Ideation Patients, their caregivers, and families should be counseled that AEDs, including oxcarbazepine, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior and should be advised of the need to be alert for the emergence or worsening of symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts about self-harm. Behaviors of concern should be reported immediately to healthcare providers [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.5)]. Driving and Operating Machinery Advise patients that oxcarbazepine may cause adverse reactions such as dizziness, somnolence, ataxia, visual disturbances, and depressed level of consciousness. Accordingly, advise patients not to drive or operate machinery until they have gained sufficient experience on oxcarbazepine to gauge whether it adversely affects their ability to drive or operate machinery [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.7) and ADVERSE REACTIONS (6)]. Multi-Organ Hypersensitivity Instruct patients that a fever associated with other organ system involvement (e.g., rash, lymphadenopathy, hepatic dysfunction) may be drug-related and should be reported to their healthcare provider immediately [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.8)]. Hematologic Events Advise patients that there have been rare reports of blood disorders reported in patients treated with oxcarbazepine. Instruct patients to immediately consult with their physician if they experience symptoms suggestive of blood disorders [SEE WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.9)]. Drug Interactions Caution female patients of reproductive potential that the concurrent use of oxcarbazepine with hormonal contraceptives may render this method of contraception less effective [see Drug Interactions (7.2) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Additional non-hormonal forms of contraception are recommended when using oxcarbazepine. Caution should be exercised if alcohol is taken in combination with oxcarbazepine, due to a possible additive sedative effect. Pregnancy Registry Encourage patients to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry if they become pregnant. This registry is collecting information about the safety of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy [see USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS (8.1)].
SPL MEDGUIDE SECTION
SPL MEDGUIDE SECTION
Oxcarbazepine (ox kar baz` e peen) film-coated tablets, for oral use What is the most important information I should know about oxcarbazepine tablets? Do not stop taking oxcarbazepine tablets without first talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping oxcarbazepine tablets suddenly can cause serious problems. Oxcarbazepine tablets can cause serious side effects, including: 1. Oxcarbazepine tablets may cause the level of sodium in your blood to be low. Symptoms of low blood sodium include: • nausea • tiredness (lack of energy) • headache • confusion • more frequent or more severe seizures. Similar symptoms that are not related to low sodium may occur from taking oxcarbazepine tablets. You should tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects and if they bother you or they do not go away. Some other medicines can also cause low sodium in your blood. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the other medicines that you are taking. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your sodium levels during your treatment with oxcarbazepine. 2. Oxcarbazepine tablets may also cause allergic reactions or serious problems which may affect organs and other parts of your body like the liver or blood cells. You may or may not have a rash with these types of reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following: • swelling of your face, eyes, lips, or tongue • trouble swallowing or breathing • a skin rash • hives • fever, swollen glands, or sore throat that do not go away or come and go • painful sores in the mouth or around your eyes • yellowing of your skin or eyes • unusual bruising or bleeding • severe fatigue or weakness • severe muscle pain • frequent infections or infections that do not go away Many people who are allergic to carbamazepine are also allergic to oxcarbazepine. Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to carbamazepine. 3. Like other antiepileptic drugs, oxcarbazepine may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Call a healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you: • thoughts about suicide or dying • attempts to commit suicide • new or worse depression • new or worse anxiety • feeling agitated or restless • panic attacks • trouble sleeping (insomnia) • new or worse irritability • acting aggressive, being angry, or violent • acting on dangerous impulses • an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania) • other unusual changes in behavior or mood How can I watch for early symptoms of suicidal thoughts and actions? • Pay attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. • Keep all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider as scheduled. Call your healthcare provider between visits as needed, especially if you are worried about symptoms. Do not stop taking oxcarbazepine tablets without first talking to a healthcare provider. • Stopping oxcarbazepine tablets suddenly can cause serious problems. • Stopping a seizure medicine suddenly in a patient who has epilepsy may cause seizures that will not stop (status epilepticus). Suicidal thoughts or actions may be caused by things other than medicines. If you have suicidal thoughts or actions, your healthcare provider may check for other causes. What are oxcarbazepine tablets? Oxcarbazepine tablets are prescription medicine used: • alone or with other medicines to treat partial-onset seizures in adults • alone to treat partial-onset seizures in children 4 years and older • with other medicines to treat partial-onset seizures in children 2 years and older It is not known if oxcarbazepine is safe and effective for use alone to treat partial-onset seizures in children less than 4 years of age or for use with other medicines to treat partial-onset seizures in children less than 2 years of age. Do not take oxcarbazepine tablets if you are allergic to oxcarbazepine or any of the other ingredients in oxcarbazepine tablets, or to eslicarbazepine acetate. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in oxcarbazepine tablets. Many people who are allergic to carbamazepine are also allergic to oxcarbazepine. Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to carbamazepine. Before taking oxcarbazepine tablets, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you: • have or have had suicidal thoughts or actions, depression or mood problems • have liver problems • have kidney problems • are allergic to carbamazepine. Many people who are allergic to carbamazepine are also allergic to oxcarbazepine. • use birth control medicine. Oxcarbazepine tablets may cause your birth control medicine to be less effective. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best birth control method to use. • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Oxcarbazepine tablets may harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant while taking oxcarbazepine tablets. You and your healthcare provider will decide if you should take oxcarbazepine tablets while you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking oxcarbazepine tablets, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the safety of antiepileptic medicine during pregnancy. You can enroll in this registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Oxcarbazepine passes into breast milk. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take oxcarbazepine. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Taking oxcarbazepine tablets with certain other medicines may cause side effects or affect how well they work. Do not start or stop other medicines without talking to your healthcare provider. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. How should I take oxcarbazepine tablets? • Do not stop taking oxcarbazepine tablets without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping oxcarbazepine tablets suddenly can cause serious problems, including seizures that will not stop (status epilepticus). • Take oxcarbazepine tablets exactly as prescribed. Your healthcare provider may change your dose. Your healthcare provider will tell you how many oxcarbazepine tablets to take. • Take oxcarbazepine tablets 2 times a day. • Take oxcarbazepine tablets with or without food. • If you take too many oxcarbazepine tablets, call your healthcare provider right away. What should I avoid while taking oxcarbazepine tablets? • Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how oxcarbazepine tablets affect you. Oxcarbazepine may slow your thinking and motor skills. • Do not drink alcohol or take other drugs that make you sleepy or dizzy while taking oxcarbazepine tablets until you talk to your healthcare provider. Oxcarbazepine tablets taken with alcohol or drugs that cause sleepiness or dizziness may make your sleepiness or dizziness worse. What are the possible side effects of oxcarbazepine tablets? See "What is the most important information I should know about oxcarbazepine tablets?" Oxcarbazepine tablets may cause other serious side effects including: • trouble concentrating • problems with your speech and language • feeling confused • feeling sleepy and tired • trouble with walking and coordination • seizures that can happen more often or become worse, especially in children Get medical help right away if you have any of the symptoms listed above or listed in "What is the most important information I should know about oxcarbazepine tablets?" The most common side effects of oxcarbazepine tablets include: • dizzin...
