Four subjects inadvertently received Felbamyl® (felbamate) as adjunctive therapy in dosages ranging from 5400 to 7200 mg/day for durations between 6 and 51 days. One subject who received 5400 mg/day as monotherapy for 1 week reported no adverse experiences. Another subject attempted suicide by ingesting 12,000 mg of Felbamyl® in a 12-hour period. The only adverse experiences reported were mild gastric distress and a resting heart rate of 100 bpm. No serious adverse reactions have been reported. General supportive measures should be employed if overdosage occurs. It is not known if felbamate is dialyzable.
Felbamyl® is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Felbamyl®, its ingredients, or known sensitivity to other carbamates. It should not be used in patients with a history of any blood dyscrasia or hepatic dysfunction.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-800-526-3840 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.eov/medwatch.
The most common adverse reactions seen in association with Felbamyl® (felbamate) in adults during monotherapy are anorexia, vomiting, insomnia, nausea, and headache. The most common adverse reactions seen in association with Felbamyl® in adults during adjunctive therapy are anorexia, vomiting, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, somnolence, and headache.
The most common adverse reactions seen in association with Felbamyl® in children during adjunctive therapy are anorexia, vomiting, insomnia, headache, and somnolence.
The dropout rate because of adverse experiences or intercurrent illnesses among adult felbamate patients was 12 percent (120/977). The dropout rate because of adverse experiences or intercurrent illnesses among pediatric felbamate patients was six percent (22/357). In adults, the body systems associated with causing these withdrawals in order of frequency were: digestive (4.3%), psychological (2.2%), whole body (1.7%), neurological (1.5%), and dermatological (1.5%). In children, the body systems associated with causing these withdrawals in order of frequency were: digestive (1.7%), neurological (1.4%), dermatological (1.4%), psychological (1.1%), and whole body (1.0%). In adults, specific events with an incidence of 1% or greater associated with causing these withdrawals, in order of frequency were: anorexia (1.6%), nausea (1.4%), rash (1.2%), and weight decrease (1.1%). In children, specific events with an incidence of 1% or greater associated with causing these withdrawals, in order of frequency was rash (1.1%).
Incidence in Clinical TrialsThe prescriber should be aware that the figures cited in the following table cannot be used to predict the incidence of side effects in the course of usual medical practice where patient characteristics and other factors differ from those which prevailed in the clinical trials. Similarly, the cited frequencies cannot be compared with figures obtained from other clinical investigations involving different investigators, treatments, and uses including the use of Felbamyl® (felbamate) as adjunctive therapy where the incidence of adverse events may be higher due to drug interactions. The cited figures, however, do provide the prescribing physician with some basis for estimating the relative contribution of drug and nondrug factors to the side effect incidence rate in the population studied.
Adults Incidence in Controlled Clinical Trials—Monotherapy Studies in AdultsThe table that follows enumerates adverse events that occurred at an incidence of 2% or more among 58 adult patients who received Felbamyl® monotherapy at dosages of 3600 mg/day in double-blind controlled trials. Table 3 presents reported adverse events that were classified using standard WHO-based dictionary terminology.
Table 3: Adults Treatment-Emergent Adverse Event Incidence in Controlled Monotherapy Trials
| Felbamyl®* (N=58) | Low Dose Valproate** (N=50) | |
| Body System Event | % | % |
| Body as a Whole | ||
| Fatigue | 6.9 | 4.0 |
| Weight Decrease | 3.4 | 0 |
| Face Edema | 3.4 | 0 |
| Central Nervous System | ||
| Insomnia | 8.6 | 4.0 |
| Headache | 6.9 | 18.0 |
| Anxiety | 5.2 | 2.0 |
| Dermatological | ||
| Acne | 3.4 | 0 |
| Rash | 3.4 | 0 |
| Digestive | ||
| Dyspepsia | 8.6 | 2.0 |
| Vomiting | 8.6 | 2.0 |
| Constipation | 6.9 | 2.0 |
| Diarrhea | 5.2 | 0 |
| SGPT Increased | 5.2 | 2.0 |
| Metabolic/Nutritional | ||
| Hypophosphatemia | 3.4 | 0 |
| Respiratory | ||
| Upper Respiratory Tract Infection | 8.6 | 4.0 |
| Rhinitis | 6.9 | 0 |
| Special Senses | ||
| Diplopia | 3.4 | 4.0 |
| Otitis Media | 3.4 | 0 |
| Urogenital | ||
| Intramenstrual Bleeding | 3.4 | 0 |
| Urinary Tract Infection | 3.4 | 2.0 |
| *3600 mg/day; ** 15 mg/kg/day | ||
Table 4 enumerates adverse events that occurred at an incidence of 2% or more among 114 adult patients who received Felbamyl® adjunctive therapy in add-on controlled trials at dosages up to 3600 mg/day. Reported adverse events were classified using standard WHO-based dictionary terminology.
Many adverse experiences that occurred during adjunctive therapy may be a result of drug interactions. Adverse experiences during adjunctive therapy typically resolved with conversion to monotherapy, or with adjustment of the dosage of other antiepileptic drugs.
Table 4: Adults Treatment-Emergent Adverse Event Incidence in Controlled Add-On Trials
| Body System/Event | Felbamyl® | Placebo |
| (N=114) | (N=43) | |
| % | % | |
| Body as a Whole | ||
| Fatigue | 16.8 | 7.0 |
| Fever | 2.6 | 4.7 |
| Chest Pain | 2.6 | 0 |
| Central Nervous System | ||
| Headache | 36.8 | 9.3 |
| Somnolence | 19.3 | 7.0 |
| Dizziness | 18.4 | 14.0 |
| Insomnia | 17.5 | 7.0 |
| Nervousness | 7.0 | 2.3 |
| Tremor | 6.1 | 2.3 |
| Anxiety | 5.3 | 4.7 |
| Gait Abnormal | 5.3 | 0 |
| Depression | 5.3 | 0 |
| Paraesthesia | 3.5 | 2.3 |
| Ataxia | 3.5 | 0 |
| Mouth Dry | 2.6 | 0 |
| Stupor | 2.6 | 0 |
| Dermatological | ||
| Rash | 3.5 | 4.7 |
| Digestive | ||
| Nausea | 34.2 | 2.3 |
| Anorexia | 19.3 | 2.3 |
| Vomiting | 16.7 | 4.7 |
| Dyspepsia | 12.3 | 7.0 |
| Constipation | 11.4 | 2.3 |
| Diarrhea | 5.3 | 2.3 |
| Abdominal Pain | 5.3 | 0 |
| SGPT Increased | 3.5 | 0 |
| Musculoskeletal | ||
| Myalgia | 2.6 | 0 |
| Respiratory | ||
| Upper Respiratory Tract Infection | 5.3 | 7.0 |
| Sinusitis | 3.5 | 0 |
| Pharyngitis | 2.6 | 0 |
| Special Senses | ||
| Diplopia | 6.1 | 0 |
| Taste Perversion | 6.1 | 0 |
| Vision Abnormal | 5.3 | 2.3 |
Table 5 enumerates adverse events that occurred more than once among 31 pediatric patients who received Felbamyl® up to 45 mg/kg/day or a maximum of 3600 mg/day. Reported adverse events were classified using standard WHO-based dictionary terminology.
Table 5: Children Treatment-Emergent Adverse Event Incidence in Controlled Add-On Lennox-Gastaut Trials
| Body System/Event | Felbamyl® | Placebo |
| (N=31) | (N=27) | |
| % | % | |
| Body as a Whole | ||
| Fever | 22.6 | 11.1 |
| Fatigue | 9.7 | 3.7 |
| Weight Decrease | 6.5 | 0 |
| Pain | 6.5 | 0 |
| Central Nervous System | ||
| Somnolence | 48.4 | 11.1 |
| Insomnia | 16.1 | 14.8 |
| Nervousness | 16.1 | 18.5 |
| Gait Abnormal | 9.7 | 0 |
| Headache | 6.5 | 18.5 |
| Thinking Abnormal | 6.5 | 3.7 |
| Ataxia | 6.5 | 3.7 |
| Urinary Incontinence | 6.5 | 7.4 |
| Emotional Lability | 6.5 | 0 |
| Miosis | 6.5 | 0 |
| Dermatological | ||
| Rash | 9.7 | 7.4 |
| Digestive | ||
| Anorexia | 54.8 | 14.8 |
| Vomiting | 38.7 | 14.8 |
| Constipation | 12.9 | 0 |
| Hiccup | 9.7 | 3.7 |
| Nausea | 6.5 | 0 |
| Dyspepsia | 6.5 | 3.7 |
| Hematologic | ||
| Purpura | 12.9 | 7.4 |
| Leukopenia | 6.5 | 0 |
| Respiratory | ||
| Upper Respiratory Tract Infection | 45.2 | 25.9 |
| Pharyngitis | 9.7 | 3.7 |
| Coughing | 6.5 | 0 |
| Special Senses | ||
| Otitis Media | 9.7 | 0 |
In the paragraphs that follow, the adverse clinical events, other than those in the preceding tables, that occurred in a total of 977 adults and 357 children exposed to Felbamyl® (felbamate) and that are reasonably associated with its use are presented. They are listed in order of decreasing frequency. Because the reports cite events observed in open-label and uncontrolled studies, the role of Felbamyl® in their causation cannot be reliably determined.
Events are classified within body system categories and enumerated in order of decreasing frequency using the following definitions: frequent adverse events are defined as those occurring on one or more occasions in at least 1/100 patients; infrequent adverse events are those occurring in 1/100-1/1000 patients; and rare events are those occurring in fewer than 1/1000 patients.
Event frequencies are calculated as the number of patients reporting an event divided by the total number of patients (N=1334) exposed to Felbamyl®.
Body as a Whole: Frequent: Weight increase, asthenia, malaise, influenza-like symptoms; Rare: anaphylactoid reaction, chest pain substernal.
Cardiovascular: Frequent: Palpitation, tachycardia; Rare: supraventricular tachycardia.
Central Nervous System: Frequent: Agitation, psychological disturbance, aggressive reaction: Infrequent: hallucination, euphoria, suicide attempt, migraine.
Digestive: Frequent: SGOT increased; Infrequent: esophagitis, appetite increased; Rare: GOT elevated.
Hematologic: Infrequent: Lymphadenopathy, leukopenia, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, granulocytopenia; Rare: antinuclear factor test positive, qualitative platelet disorder, agranulocytosis.
Metabolic/Nutritional: Infrequent: Hypokalemia, hyponatremia, LDH increased, alkaline phosphatase increased, hypophosphatemia; Rare: creatinine phosphokinase increased.
Musculoskeletal: Infrequent: Dystonia.
Dermatological: Frequent: Pruritus; Infrequent: urticaria, bullous eruption; Rare: buccal mucous membrane swelling, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
Special Senses: Rare: Photosensitivity allergic reaction.
Postmarketing Adverse Event ReportsVoluntary reports of adverse events in patients taking Felbamyl® (usually in conjunction with other drugs) have been received since market introduction and may have no causal relationship with the drug(s). These include the following by body system:
Body as a Whole: neoplasm, sepsis, L.E. syndrome, SIDS, sudden death, edema, hypothermia, rigors, hyperpyrexia.
Cardiovascular: atrial fibrillation, atrial arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, torsade de pointes, cardiac failure, hypotension, hypertension, flushing, thrombophlebitis, ischemic necrosis, gangrene, peripheral ischemia, bradycardia, Henoch-Schonlein purpura (vasculitis).
Central & Peripheral Nervous System: delusion, paralysis, mononeuritis, cerebrovascular disorder, cerebral edema, coma, manic reaction, encephalopathy, paranoid reaction, nystagmus, choreoathetosis, extrapyramidal disorder, confusion, psychosis, status epilepticus, dyskinesia, dysarthria, respiratory depression, apathy, concentration impaired.
Dermatological: abnormal body odor, sweating, lichen planus, livedo reticularis, alopecia, toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Digestive: (Refer to WARNINGS) hepatitis, hepatic failure, G.I. hemorrhage, hyperammonemia, pancreatitis, hematemesis, gastritis, rectal hemorrhage, flatulence, gingival bleeding, acquired megacolon, ileus, intestinal obstruction, enteritis, ulcerative stomatitis, glossitis, dysphagia, jaundice, gastric ulcer, gastric dilatation, gastroesophageal reflux.
Fetal Disorders: fetal death, microcephaly, genital malformation, anencephaly, encephalocele.
Hematologic: (Refer to WARNINGS) increased and decreased prothrombin time, anemia, hypochromic anemia, aplastic anemia, pancytopenia, hemolytic uremic syndrome, increased mean corpuscular volume (mcv) with and without anemia, coagulation disorder, embolism-limb, disseminated intravascular coagulation, eosinophilia, hemolytic anemia, leukemia, including myelogenous leukemia, and lymphoma, including T-cell and B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders.
Metabolic/Nutritional: hypernatremia. hypoglycemia, SIADH, hypomagnesemia, dehydration, hyperglycemia, hypocalcemia.
Musculoskeletal: arthralgia. muscle weakness, involuntary muscle contraction, rhabdomyolysis.
Respiratory: dyspnea, pneumonia, pneumonitis, hypoxia, epistaxis, pleural effusion, respiratory insufficiency, pulmonary hemorrhage, asthma.
Special Senses: hemianopsia. decreased hearing, conjunctivitis.
Urogenital: menstrual disorder, acute renal failure, hepatorenal syndrome, hematuria, urinary retention, nephrosis, vaginal hemorrhage, abnormal renal function, dysuria, placental disorder.
Drug Abuse And Dependence AbuseAbuse potential was not evaluated in human studies.
DependenceRats administered felbamate orally at doses 8.3 times the recommended human dose 6 days each week for 5 consecutive weeks demonstrated no signs of physical dependence as measured by weight loss following drug withdrawal on day 7 of each week.
Felbamyl® is not indicated as a first line antiepileptic treatment (see WARNINGS). Felbamyl® is recommended for use only in those patients who respond inadequately to alternative treatments and whose epilepsy is so severe that a substantial risk of aplastic anemia and/or liver failure is deemed acceptable in light of the benefits conferred by its use.
If these criteria are met and the patient has been fully advised of the risk, and has provided written acknowledgement, Felbamyl® can be considered for either monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures, with and without generalization, in adults with epilepsy and as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial and generalized seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in children.
The majority of patients received 3600 mg/day in clinical trials evaluating its use as both monotherapy and adjunctive therapy.
Monotherapy: (Initial therapy) Felbamyl® (felbamate) has not been systematically evaluated as initial monotherapy. Initiate Felbamyl® at 1200 mg/day in divided doses three or four times daily. The prescriber is advised to titrate previously untreated patients under close clinical supervision, increasing the dosage in 600-mg increments every 2 weeks to 2400 mg/day based on clinical response and thereafter to 3600 mg/day if clinically indicated.
Conversion to Monotherapy: Initiate Felbamyl® at 1200 mg/day in divided doses three or four times daily. Reduce the dosage of concomitant AEDs by one-third at initiation of Felbamyl® therapy. At week 2, increase the Felbamyl® dosage to 2400 mg/day while reducing the dosage of other AEDs up to an additional one-third of their original dosage. At week 3, increase the Felbamyl® dosage up to 3600 mg/day and continue to reduce the dosage of other AEDs as clinically indicated.
Adjunctive Therapy: Felbamyl® should be added at 1200 mg/day in divided doses three or four times daily while reducing present AEDs by 20% in order to control plasma concentrations of concurrent phenytoin, valproic acid, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine and its metabolites. Further reductions of the concomitant AEDs dosage may be necessary to minimize side effects due to drug interactions. Increase the dosage of Felbamyl® by 1200 mg/day increments at weekly intervals to 3600 mg/day. Most side effects seen during Felbamyl® adjunctive therapy resolve as the dosage of concomitant AEDs is decreased.
Table 6: Dosage Table (adults)
| WEEK1 | WEEK 2 | WEEK 3 | |
| Dosage reduction of concomitant AEDs | REDUCE original dose by 20-33%* | REDUCE original dose by up to an additional 1/3* | REDUCE as clinically indicated |
| Felbamyl® Dosage | 1200 mg/day Initial dose | 2400 mg/day Therapeutic dosage range | 3600 mg/day Therapeutic dosage range |
| *See Adjunctive and Conversion to Monotherapy sections. |
While the above Felbamyl® conversion guidelines may result in a Felbamyl® 3600 mg/day dose within 3 weeks, in some patients titration to a 3600 mg/day Felbamyl® dose has been achieved in as little as 3 days with appropriate adjustment of other AEDs.
Children with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (Ages 2-14 years)Adjunctive Therapy: Felbamyl® should be added at 15 mg/kg/day in divided doses three or four times daily while reducing present AEDs by 20% in order to control plasma levels of concurrent phenytoin, valproic acid, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine and its metabolites. Further reductions of the concomitant AEDs dosage may be necessary to minimize side effects due to drug interactions. Increase the dosage of Felbamyl® by 15 mg/kg/day increments at weekly intervals to 45 mg/kg/day. Most side effects seen during Felbamyl® adjunctive therapy resolve as the dosage of concomitant AEDs is decreased.
HOW SUPPLIEDFelbamyl® (felbamate) Tablets, 400 mg, are yellow, scored, capsule-shaped tablets, debossed 0430 on one side and Felbamyl 400 on the other; available in bottles of 100 (NDC 0037-0430-01). Felbamyl® (felbamate) Tablets, 600 mg, are peach-colored, scored, capsule-shaped tablets, debossed 0431 on one side and Felbamyl 600 on the other; available in bottles of 100 (NDC 0037-0431-01). Felbamyl® (felbamate) Oral Suspension, 600 mg/5 mL, is peach-colored; available in 8 oz bottles (NDC 0037-0442-67) and 32 oz bottles (NDC 0037-0442-17).
Shake suspension well before using. Store at controlled room temperature 20°-25°C (68°-77°F). Dispense in tight container.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-800-526-3840 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.sov/medwatch.
MEDA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Somerset, NJ 08873. Rev. 7/11
Side Effects & Drug Interactions SIDE EFFECTSTo report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-800-526-3840 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.eov/medwatch.
The most common adverse reactions seen in association with Felbamyl® (felbamate) in adults during monotherapy are anorexia, vomiting, insomnia, nausea, and headache. The most common adverse reactions seen in association with Felbamyl® in adults during adjunctive therapy are anorexia, vomiting, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, somnolence, and headache.
The most common adverse reactions seen in association with Felbamyl® in children during adjunctive therapy are anorexia, vomiting, insomnia, headache, and somnolence.
The dropout rate because of adverse experiences or intercurrent illnesses among adult felbamate patients was 12 percent (120/977). The dropout rate because of adverse experiences or intercurrent illnesses among pediatric felbamate patients was six percent (22/357). In adults, the body systems associated with causing these withdrawals in order of frequency were: digestive (4.3%), psychological (2.2%), whole body (1.7%), neurological (1.5%), and dermatological (1.5%). In children, the body systems associated with causing these withdrawals in order of frequency were: digestive (1.7%), neurological (1.4%), dermatological (1.4%), psychological (1.1%), and whole body (1.0%). In adults, specific events with an incidence of 1% or greater associated with causing these withdrawals, in order of frequency were: anorexia (1.6%), nausea (1.4%), rash (1.2%), and weight decrease (1.1%). In children, specific events with an incidence of 1% or greater associated with causing these withdrawals, in order of frequency was rash (1.1%).
Incidence in Clinical TrialsThe prescriber should be aware that the figures cited in the following table cannot be used to predict the incidence of side effects in the course of usual medical practice where patient characteristics and other factors differ from those which prevailed in the clinical trials. Similarly, the cited frequencies cannot be compared with figures obtained from other clinical investigations involving different investigators, treatments, and uses including the use of Felbamyl® (felbamate) as adjunctive therapy where the incidence of adverse events may be higher due to drug interactions. The cited figures, however, do provide the prescribing physician with some basis for estimating the relative contribution of drug and nondrug factors to the side effect incidence rate in the population studied.
Adults Incidence in Controlled Clinical Trials—Monotherapy Studies in AdultsThe table that follows enumerates adverse events that occurred at an incidence of 2% or more among 58 adult patients who received Felbamyl® monotherapy at dosages of 3600 mg/day in double-blind controlled trials. Table 3 presents reported adverse events that were classified using standard WHO-based dictionary terminology.
Table 3: Adults Treatment-Emergent Adverse Event Incidence in Controlled Monotherapy Trials
| Felbamyl®* (N=58) | Low Dose Valproate** (N=50) | |
| Body System Event | % | % |
| Body as a Whole | ||
| Fatigue | 6.9 | 4.0 |
| Weight Decrease | 3.4 | 0 |
| Face Edema | 3.4 | 0 |
| Central Nervous System | ||
| Insomnia | 8.6 | 4.0 |
| Headache | 6.9 | 18.0 |
| Anxiety | 5.2 | 2.0 |
| Dermatological | ||
| Acne | 3.4 | 0 |
| Rash | 3.4 | 0 |
| Digestive | ||
| Dyspepsia | 8.6 | 2.0 |
| Vomiting | 8.6 | 2.0 |
| Constipation | 6.9 | 2.0 |
| Diarrhea | 5.2 | 0 |
| SGPT Increased | 5.2 | 2.0 |
| Metabolic/Nutritional | ||
| Hypophosphatemia | 3.4 | 0 |
| Respiratory | ||
| Upper Respiratory Tract Infection | 8.6 | 4.0 |
| Rhinitis | 6.9 | 0 |
| Special Senses | ||
| Diplopia | 3.4 | 4.0 |
| Otitis Media | 3.4 | 0 |
| Urogenital | ||
| Intramenstrual Bleeding | 3.4 | 0 |
| Urinary Tract Infection | 3.4 | 2.0 |
| *3600 mg/day; ** 15 mg/kg/day | ||
Table 4 enumerates adverse events that occurred at an incidence of 2% or more among 114 adult patients who received Felbamyl® adjunctive therapy in add-on controlled trials at dosages up to 3600 mg/day. Reported adverse events were classified using standard WHO-based dictionary terminology.
Many adverse experiences that occurred during adjunctive therapy may be a result of drug interactions. Adverse experiences during adjunctive therapy typically resolved with conversion to monotherapy, or with adjustment of the dosage of other antiepileptic drugs.
Table 4: Adults Treatment-Emergent Adverse Event Incidence in Controlled Add-On Trials
| Body System/Event | Felbamyl® | Placebo |
| (N=114) | (N=43) | |
| % | % | |
| Body as a Whole | ||
| Fatigue | 16.8 | 7.0 |
| Fever | 2.6 | 4.7 |
| Chest Pain | 2.6 | 0 |
| Central Nervous System | ||
| Headache | 36.8 | 9.3 |
| Somnolence | 19.3 | 7.0 |
| Dizziness | 18.4 | 14.0 |
| Insomnia | 17.5 | 7.0 |
| Nervousness | 7.0 | 2.3 |
| Tremor | 6.1 | 2.3 |
| Anxiety | 5.3 | 4.7 |
| Gait Abnormal | 5.3 | 0 |
| Depression | 5.3 | 0 |
| Paraesthesia | 3.5 | 2.3 |
| Ataxia | 3.5 | 0 |
| Mouth Dry | 2.6 | 0 |
| Stupor | 2.6 | 0 |
| Dermatological | ||
| Rash | 3.5 | 4.7 |
| Digestive | ||
| Nausea | 34.2 | 2.3 |
| Anorexia | 19.3 | 2.3 |
| Vomiting | 16.7 | 4.7 |
| Dyspepsia | 12.3 | 7.0 |
| Constipation | 11.4 | 2.3 |
| Diarrhea | 5.3 | 2.3 |
| Abdominal Pain | 5.3 | 0 |
| SGPT Increased | 3.5 | 0 |
| Musculoskeletal | ||
| Myalgia | 2.6 | 0 |
| Respiratory | ||
| Upper Respiratory Tract Infection | 5.3 | 7.0 |
| Sinusitis | 3.5 | 0 |
| Pharyngitis | 2.6 | 0 |
| Special Senses | ||
| Diplopia | 6.1 | 0 |
| Taste Perversion | 6.1 | 0 |
| Vision Abnormal | 5.3 | 2.3 |
Table 5 enumerates adverse events that occurred more than once among 31 pediatric patients who received Felbamyl® up to 45 mg/kg/day or a maximum of 3600 mg/day. Reported adverse events were classified using standard WHO-based dictionary terminology.
Table 5: Children Treatment-Emergent Adverse Event Incidence in Controlled Add-On Lennox-Gastaut Trials
| Body System/Event | Felbamyl® | Placebo |
| (N=31) | (N=27) | |
| % | % | |
| Body as a Whole | ||
| Fever | 22.6 | 11.1 |
| Fatigue | 9.7 | 3.7 |
| Weight Decrease | 6.5 | 0 |
| Pain | 6.5 | 0 |
| Central Nervous System | ||
| Somnolence | 48.4 | 11.1 |
| Insomnia | 16.1 | 14.8 |
| Nervousness | 16.1 | 18.5 |
| Gait Abnormal | 9.7 | 0 |
| Headache | 6.5 | 18.5 |
| Thinking Abnormal | 6.5 | 3.7 |
| Ataxia | 6.5 | 3.7 |
| Urinary Incontinence | 6.5 | 7.4 |
| Emotional Lability | 6.5 | 0 |
| Miosis | 6.5 | 0 |
| Dermatological | ||
| Rash | 9.7 | 7.4 |
| Digestive | ||
| Anorexia | 54.8 | 14.8 |
| Vomiting | 38.7 | 14.8 |
| Constipation | 12.9 | 0 |
| Hiccup | 9.7 | 3.7 |
| Nausea | 6.5 | 0 |
| Dyspepsia | 6.5 | 3.7 |
| Hematologic | ||
| Purpura | 12.9 | 7.4 |
| Leukopenia | 6.5 | 0 |
| Respiratory | ||
| Upper Respiratory Tract Infection | 45.2 | 25.9 |
| Pharyngitis | 9.7 | 3.7 |
| Coughing | 6.5 | 0 |
| Special Senses | ||
| Otitis Media | 9.7 | 0 |
In the paragraphs that follow, the adverse clinical events, other than those in the preceding tables, that occurred in a total of 977 adults and 357 children exposed to Felbamyl® (felbamate) and that are reasonably associated with its use are presented. They are listed in order of decreasing frequency. Because the reports cite events observed in open-label and uncontrolled studies, the role of Felbamyl® in their causation cannot be reliably determined.
Events are classified within body system categories and enumerated in order of decreasing frequency using the following definitions: frequent adverse events are defined as those occurring on one or more occasions in at least 1/100 patients; infrequent adverse events are those occurring in 1/100-1/1000 patients; and rare events are those occurring in fewer than 1/1000 patients.
Event frequencies are calculated as the number of patients reporting an event divided by the total number of patients (N=1334) exposed to Felbamyl®.
Body as a Whole: Frequent: Weight increase, asthenia, malaise, influenza-like symptoms; Rare: anaphylactoid reaction, chest pain substernal.
Cardiovascular: Frequent: Palpitation, tachycardia; Rare: supraventricular tachycardia.
Central Nervous System: Frequent: Agitation, psychological disturbance, aggressive reaction: Infrequent: hallucination, euphoria, suicide attempt, migraine.
Digestive: Frequent: SGOT increased; Infrequent: esophagitis, appetite increased; Rare: GOT elevated.
Hematologic: Infrequent: Lymphadenopathy, leukopenia, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, granulocytopenia; Rare: antinuclear factor test positive, qualitative platelet disorder, agranulocytosis.
Metabolic/Nutritional: Infrequent: Hypokalemia, hyponatremia, LDH increased, alkaline phosphatase increased, hypophosphatemia; Rare: creatinine phosphokinase increased.
Musculoskeletal: Infrequent: Dystonia.
Dermatological: Frequent: Pruritus; Infrequent: urticaria, bullous eruption; Rare: buccal mucous membrane swelling, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
Special Senses: Rare: Photosensitivity allergic reaction.
Postmarketing Adverse Event ReportsVoluntary reports of adverse events in patients taking Felbamyl® (usually in conjunction with other drugs) have been received since market introduction and may have no causal relationship with the drug(s). These include the following by body system:
Body as a Whole: neoplasm, sepsis, L.E. syndrome, SIDS, sudden death, edema, hypothermia, rigors, hyperpyrexia.
Cardiovascular: atrial fibrillation, atrial arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, torsade de pointes, cardiac failure, hypotension, hypertension, flushing, thrombophlebitis, ischemic necrosis, gangrene, peripheral ischemia, bradycardia, Henoch-Schonlein purpura (vasculitis).
Central & Peripheral Nervous System: delusion, paralysis, mononeuritis, cerebrovascular disorder, cerebral edema, coma, manic reaction, encephalopathy, paranoid reaction, nystagmus, choreoathetosis, extrapyramidal disorder, confusion, psychosis, status epilepticus, dyskinesia, dysarthria, respiratory depression, apathy, concentration impaired.
Dermatological: abnormal body odor, sweating, lichen planus, livedo reticularis, alopecia, toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Digestive: (Refer to WARNINGS) hepatitis, hepatic failure, G.I. hemorrhage, hyperammonemia, pancreatitis, hematemesis, gastritis, rectal hemorrhage, flatulence, gingival bleeding, acquired megacolon, ileus, intestinal obstruction, enteritis, ulcerative stomatitis, glossitis, dysphagia, jaundice, gastric ulcer, gastric dilatation, gastroesophageal reflux.
Fetal Disorders: fetal death, microcephaly, genital malformation, anencephaly, encephalocele.
Hematologic: (Refer to WARNINGS) increased and decreased prothrombin time, anemia, hypochromic anemia, aplastic anemia, pancytopenia, hemolytic uremic syndrome, increased mean corpuscular volume (mcv) with and without anemia, coagulation disorder, embolism-limb, disseminated intravascular coagulation, eosinophilia, hemolytic anemia, leukemia, including myelogenous leukemia, and lymphoma, including T-cell and B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders.
Metabolic/Nutritional: hypernatremia. hypoglycemia, SIADH, hypomagnesemia, dehydration, hyperglycemia, hypocalcemia.
Musculoskeletal: arthralgia. muscle weakness, involuntary muscle contraction, rhabdomyolysis.
Respiratory: dyspnea, pneumonia, pneumonitis, hypoxia, epistaxis, pleural effusion, respiratory insufficiency, pulmonary hemorrhage, asthma.
Special Senses: hemianopsia. decreased hearing, conjunctivitis.
Urogenital: menstrual disorder, acute renal failure, hepatorenal syndrome, hematuria, urinary retention, nephrosis, vaginal hemorrhage, abnormal renal function, dysuria, placental disorder.
Drug Abuse And Dependence AbuseAbuse potential was not evaluated in human studies.
DependenceRats administered felbamate orally at doses 8.3 times the recommended human dose 6 days each week for 5 consecutive weeks demonstrated no signs of physical dependence as measured by weight loss following drug withdrawal on day 7 of each week.
DRUG INTERACTIONSThe drug interaction data described in this section were obtained from controlled clinical trials and studies involving otherwise healthy adults with epilepsy.
Use in Conjunction with Other Antiepileptic Drugs(see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION):
The addition of Felbamyl® to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) affects the steady-state plasma concentrations of AEDs. The net effect of these interactions is summarized in Table 2:
Table 2: Steady-State Plasma Concentrations of Felbamyl When Coadministered With Other AEDs
| AED Coadministered | AED Concentration | Felbamyl® Concentration |
| Phenytoin | ↑ | ↓ |
| Valproate | ↑ | ↔** |
| Carbamazepine (CBZ) *CBZ epoxide | ↓ ↑ | ↓ |
| Phenobarbital | ↓ | ↓ |
| *Not administered but an active metabolite of carbamazepine. **No significant effect. |
Phenytoin: Felbamyl® causes an increase in steady-state phenytoin plasma concentrations. In 10 otherwise healthy subjects with epilepsy ingesting phenytoin, the steady-state trough (Cmin) phenytoin plasma concentration was 17±5 micrograms/mL. The steady-state Cmin increased to 21±5 micrograms/mL when 1200 mg/day of felbamate was coadministered. Increasing the felbamate dose to 1800 mg/day in six of these subjects increased the steady-state phenytoin Cmin to 25±7 micrograms/mL. In order to maintain phenytoin levels, limit adverse experiences, and achieve the felbamate dose of 3600 mg/day, a phenytoin dose reduction of approximately 40% was necessary for eight of these 10 subjects.
In a controlled clinical trial, a 20% reduction of the phenytoin dose at the initiation ofFelbamyl® therapy resulted in phenytoin levels comparable to those prior to Felbamyl® administration.
Carbamazepine: Felbamyl® causes a decrease in the steady-state carbamazepine plasma concentrations and an increase in the steady-state carbamazepine epoxide plasma concentration. In nine otherwise healthy subjects with epilepsy ingesting carbamazepine, the steady-state trough (Cmin) carbamazepine concentration was 8±2 micrograms/mL. The carbamazepine steady-state Cmin decreased 31% to 5±1 micrograms/mL when felbamate (3000 mg/day, divided into three doses) was coadministered. Carbamazepine epoxide steady-state Cmin concentrations increased 57% from 1.0±0.3 to 1.6±0.4 micrograms/mL with the addition of felbamate.
In clinical trials, similar changes in carbamazepine and carbamazepine epoxide were seen.
Valproate: Felbamyl® causes an increase in steady-state valproate concentrations. In four subjects with epilepsy ingesting valproate, the steady-state trough (Cmin) valproate plasma concentration was 63±16 micrograms/mL. The steady-state Cmin increased to 78±14 micrograms/mL when 1200 mg/day of felbamate was coadministered. Increasing the felbamate dose to 2400 mg/day increased the steady-state valproate Cmin to 96±25 micrograms/mL. Corresponding values for free valproate Cmin concentrations were 7±3, 9±4, and 11±6 micrograms/mL for 0, 1200, and 2400 mg/day Felbamyl®, respectively. The ratios of the AUCs of unbound valproate to the AUCs of the total valproate were 11.1%, 13.0%, and 11.5%, with coadministration of 0, 1200, and 2400 mg/day ofFelbamyl®, respectively. This indicates that the protein binding of valproate did not change appreciably with increasing doses ofFelbamyl®.
Phenobarbital: Coadministration of felbamate with phenobarbital causes an increase in phenobarbital plasma concentrations. In 12 otherwise healthy male volunteers ingesting phenobarbital, the steady-state trough (Cmin) phenobarbital concentration was 14.2 micrograms/mL. The steady-state Cmin concentration increased to 17.8 micrograms/mL when 2400 mg/day of felbamate was coadministered for one week.
Effects of Other Antiepileptic Drugs on Felbamyl®Phenytoin: Phenytoin causes an approximate doubling of the clearance ofFelbamyl® (felbamate) at steady-state and, therefore, the addition of phenytoin causes an approximate 45% decrease in the steady-state trough concentrations ofFelbamyl® as compared to the same dose ofFelbamyl® given as monotherapy.
Carbamazepine: Carbamazepine causes an approximate 50% increase in the clearance of Felbamyl® at steady-state and, therefore, the addition of Carbamazepine results in an approximate 40% decrease in the steady-state trough concentrations of Felbamyl® as compared to the same dose of Felbamyl® given as monotherapy.
Valproate: Available data suggest that there is no significant effect of valproate on the clearance of Felbamyl® at steady-state. Therefore, the addition of valproate is not expected to cause a clinically important effect on Felbamyl® (felbamate) plasma concentrations.
Phenobarbital: It appears that phenobarbital may reduce plasma felbamate concentrations. Steady-state plasma felbamate concentrations were found to be 29% lower than the mean concentrations of a group of newly diagnosed subjects with epilepsy also receiving 2400 mg of felbamate a day.
Effects of Antacids on Felbamyl®The rate and extent of absorption of a 2400 mg dose of Felbamyl® as monotherapy given as tablets was not affected when coadministered with antacids.
Effects of Erythromycin on Felbamyl®The coadministration of erythromycin (1000 mg/day) for 10 days did not alter the pharmacokinetic parameters of Cmax, Cmin, AUC, Cl/kg or Tmax at felbamate daily doses of 3000 or 3600 mg/day in 10 otherwise healthy subjects with epilepsy.
Effects of Felbamyl® on Low-Dose Combination Oral ContraceptivesA group of 24 nonsmoking, healthy white female volunteers established on an oral contraceptive regimen containing 30 µg ethinyl estradiol and 75 µg gestodene for at least 3 months received 2400 mg/day of felbamate from midcycle (day 15) to midcycle (day 14) of two consecutive oral contraceptive cycles. Felbamate treatment resulted in a 42% decrease in the gestodene AUC 0-24, but no clinically relevant effect was observed on the pharmacokinetic parameters of ethinyl estradiol. No volunteer showed hormonal evidence of ovulation, but one volunteer reported intermenstrual bleeding during felbamate treatment.
Drug/Laboratory Test InteractionsThere are no known interactions of Felbamyl® with commonly used laboratory tests.
Warnings &amSee BOXED WARNINGS regarding aplastic anemia and hepatic failure.
Antiepileptic drugs should not be suddenly discontinued because of the possibility of increasing seizure frequency.
Suicidal Behavior and IdeationAntiepileptic drugs (AEDs) including Felbamyl ®, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Patients treated with any AED for any indication should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and/or any unusual changes in mood or behavior.
Pooled analyses of 199 placebo-controlled clinical trials (mono- and adjunctive therapy) of 11 different AEDs showed that patients randomized to one of the AEDs had approximately twice the risk (adjusted Relative Risk 1.8,95% CI: 1.2,2.7) of suicidal thinking or behavior compared to patients randomized to placebo. In these trials, which had a median treatment duration of 12 weeks, the estimated incidence rate of suicidal behavior or ideation among 27,863 AED-treated patients was 0.43%, compared to 0.24% among 16,029 placebo-treated patients, representing an increase of approximately one case of suicidal thinking or behavior for every 530 patients treated. There were four suicides in drug-treated patients in the trials and none in placebo-treated patients, but the number is too small to allow any conclusion about drug effect on suicide.
The increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior with AEDs was observed as early as one week after starting drug treatment with AEDs and persisted for the duration of treatment assessed. Because most trials included in the analysis did not extend beyond 24 weeks, the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior beyond 24 weeks could not be assessed.
The risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior was generally consistent among drugs in the data analyzed. The finding of increased risk with AEDs of varying mechanisms of action and across a range of indications suggests that the risk applies to all AEDs used for any indication. The risk did not vary substantially by age (5-100 years) in the clinical trials analyzed.
Table 1: shows absolute and relative risk by indication for all evaluated AEDs.
Table 1 - Risk by Indication for Antiepileptic Drugs in the Pooled Analysis
| Indication | Placebo Patients with Events Per 1000 Patients | Drug Patients with Events Per 1000 Patients | Relative Risk: Incidence of Events in Drug Patients/Incidence in Placebo Patients | Risk Difference: Additional Drug Patients with Events Per 1000 Patients |
| Epilepsy | 1.0 | 3.4 | 3.5 | 2.4 |
| Psychiatric | 5.7 | 8.5 | 1.5 | 2.9 |
| Other | 1.0 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 0.9 |
| Total | 2.4 | 4.3 | 1.8 | 1.9 |
The relative risk for suicidal thoughts or behavior was higher in clinical trials for epilepsy than in clinical trials for psychiatric or other conditions, but the absolute risk differences were similar for the epilepsy and psychiatric indications.
Anyone considering prescribing Felbamyl or any other AED must balance the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior with the risk of untreated illness. Epilepsy and many other illnesses for which AEDs are prescribed are themselves associated with morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Should suicidal thoughts and behavior emerge during treatment, the prescriber needs to consider whether the emergence of these symptoms in any given patient may be related to the illness being treated.
Patients, their caregivers, and families should be informed that AEDs increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior and should be advised of the need to be alert for the emergence or worsening of the signs and 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.
PRECAUTIONS Dosage Adjustment in the Renally ImpairedA study in otherwise healthy individuals with renal dysfunction indicated that prolonged half-life and reduced clearance of felbamate are associated with diminishing renal function. Felbamate should be used with caution in patients with renal dysfunction (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of FertilityCarcinogenicity studies were conducted in mice and rats. Mice received felbamate as a feed admixture for 92 weeks at doses of 300,600, and 1200 mg/kg and rats were also dosed by feed admixture for 104 weeks at doses of 30,100, and 300 (males) or 10,30, and 100 (females) mg/kg. The maximum doses in these studies produced steady-state plasma concentrations that were equal to or less than the steady-state plasma concentrations in epileptic patients receiving 3600 mg/day. There was a statistically significant increase in hepatic cell adenomas in high-dose male and female mice and in high-dose female rats. Hepatic hypertrophy was significantly increased in a dose-related manner in mice, primarily males, but also in females. Hepatic hypertrophy was not found in female rats. The relationship between the occurrence of benign hepatocellular adenomas and the finding of liver hypertrophy resulting from liver enzyme induction has not been examined. There was a statistically significant increase in benign interstitial cell tumors of the testes in high-dose male rats receiving felbamate. The relevance of these findings to humans is unknown.
As a result of the synthesis process, felbamate could contain small amounts of two known animal carcinogens, the genotoxic compound ethyl carbamate (urethane) and the nongenotoxic compound methyl carbamate. It is theoretically possible that a 50 kg patient receiving 3600 mg of felbamate could be exposed to up to 0.72 micrograms of urethane and 1800 micrograms of methyl carbamate. These daily doses are approximately 1/35,000 (urethane) and 1/5,500 (methyl carbamate) on a mg/kg basis, and 1/10,000 (urethane) and 1/1,600 (methyl carbamate) on a mg/m2 basis, of the dose levels shown to be carcinogenic in rodents. Any presence of these two compounds in felbamate used in the lifetime carcinogenicity studies was inadequate to cause tumors.
Microbial and mammalian cell assays revealed no evidence of mutagenesis in the Ames Salmonella/microsome plate test, CHO/HGPRT mammalian cell forward gene mutation assay, sister chromatid exchange assay in CHO cells, and bone marrow cytogenetics assay.
Reproduction and fertility studies in rats showed no effects on male or female fertility at oral doses of up to 13.9 times the human total daily dose of 3600 mg on a mg/kg basis, or up to 3 times the human total daily dose on a mg/m2 basis.
Pregnancy Pregnancy Category CThe incidence of malformations was not increased compared to control in offspring of rats or rabbits given doses up to 13.9 times (rat) and 4.2 times (rabbit) the human daily dose on a mg/kg basis, or 3 times (rat) and less than 2 times (rabbit) the human daily dose on a mg/m2 basis. However, in rats, there was a decrease in pup weight and an increase in pup deaths during lactation. The cause for these deaths is not known. The no effect dose for rat pup mortality was 6.9 times the human dose on a mg/kg basis or 1.5 times the human dose on a mg/m2 basis.
Placental transfer of felbamate occurs in rat pups. There are, however, no studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
To provide information regarding the effects of in utero exposure to Felbamyl®, physicians are advised to recommend that pregnant patients taking Felbamyl enroll in the NAAED Pregnancy Registry. This can be done by calling the toll free number 1-888-233-2334, and must be done by patients themselves. Information on the registry can also be found at the website http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/.
Labor and DeliveryThe effect of felbamate on labor and delivery in humans is unknown.
Nursing MothersFelbamate has been detected in human milk. The effect on the nursing infant is unknown (see Pregnancy section).
Pediatric UseThe safety and effectiveness of Felbamyl® in children other than those with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome has not been established.
Geriatric UseNo systematic studies in geriatric patients have been conducted. Clinical studies of Felbamyl® did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dosage selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Felbamyl® (felbamate) has been studied as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy in adults and as adjunctive therapy in children with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. As Felbamyl® is added to or substituted for existing AEDs, it is strongly recommended to reduce the dosage of those AEDs in the range of 20-33% to minimize side effects (see DRUG INTERACTIONS subsection).
Dosage Adjustment in the Renally ImpairedFelbamate should be used with caution in patients with renal dysfunction. In the renally impaired, starting and maintenance doses should be reduced by one-half (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY / Pharmacokinetics and PRECAUTIONS). Adjunctive therapy with medications which affect felbamate plasma concentrations, especially AEDs, may warrant further reductions in felbamate daily doses in patients with renal dysfunction.
Adults (14 years of age and over)The majority of patients received 3600 mg/day in clinical trials evaluating its use as both monotherapy and adjunctive therapy.
Monotherapy: (Initial therapy) Felbamyl® (felbamate) has not been systematically evaluated as initial monotherapy. Initiate Felbamyl® at 1200 mg/day in divided doses three or four times daily. The prescriber is advised to titrate previously untreated patients under close clinical supervision, increasing the dosage in 600-mg increments every 2 weeks to 2400 mg/day based on clinical response and thereafter to 3600 mg/day if clinically indicated.
Conversion to Monotherapy: Initiate Felbamyl® at 1200 mg/day in divided doses three or four times daily. Reduce the dosage of concomitant AEDs by one-third at initiation of Felbamyl® therapy. At week 2, increase the Felbamyl® dosage to 2400 mg/day while reducing the dosage of other AEDs up to an additional one-third of their original dosage. At week 3, increase the Felbamyl® dosage up to 3600 mg/day and continue to reduce the dosage of other AEDs as clinically indicated.
Adjunctive Therapy: Felbamyl® should be added at 1200 mg/day in divided doses three or four times daily while reducing present AEDs by 20% in order to control plasma concentrations of concurrent phenytoin, valproic acid, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine and its metabolites. Further reductions of the concomitant AEDs dosage may be necessary to minimize side effects due to drug interactions. Increase the dosage of Felbamyl® by 1200 mg/day increments at weekly intervals to 3600 mg/day. Most side effects seen during Felbamyl® adjunctive therapy resolve as the dosage of concomitant AEDs is decreased.
Table 6: Dosage Table (adults)
| WEEK1 | WEEK 2 | WEEK 3 | |
| Dosage reduction of concomitant AEDs | REDUCE original dose by 20-33%* | REDUCE original dose by up to an additional 1/3* | REDUCE as clinically indicated |
| Felbamyl® Dosage | 1200 mg/day Initial dose | 2400 mg/day Therapeutic dosage range | 3600 mg/day Therapeutic dosage range |
| *See Adjunctive and Conversion to Monotherapy sections. |
While the above Felbamyl® conversion guidelines may result in a Felbamyl® 3600 mg/day dose within 3 weeks, in some patients titration to a 3600 mg/day Felbamyl® dose has been achieved in as little as 3 days with appropriate adjustment of other AEDs.
Children with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (Ages 2-14 years)Adjunctive Therapy: Felbamyl® should be added at 15 mg/kg/day in divided doses three or four times daily while reducing present AEDs by 20% in order to control plasma levels of concurrent phenytoin, valproic acid, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine and its metabolites. Further reductions of the concomitant AEDs dosage may be necessary to minimize side effects due to drug interactions. Increase the dosage of Felbamyl® by 15 mg/kg/day increments at weekly intervals to 45 mg/kg/day. Most side effects seen during Felbamyl® adjunctive therapy resolve as the dosage of concomitant AEDs is decreased.
