OXCARBAZEPINE

Oxcarbazepine is an antiepileptic drug (AED). Oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets contain oxcarbazepine for once-a-day oral administration. Oxcarbazepine is 10,11-Dihydro-10-oxo-5H-dibenz[b,f]-azepine-5-carboxamide, and its structural formula is Oxcarbazepine is Light orange to creamish white or Off-white powder. Oxcarbazepine is sparingly soluble in chloroform (30-100 g/L). In aqueous media over pH range 1 to 8, oxcarbazepine is practically insoluble and its solubility is 40 mg/L (0.04 g/L) at pH 7.0, 25°C. The molecular formula is C 15 H 12 N 2 O 2 and its molecular weight is 252.27. Oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, sodium lauryl sulfate, fumaric acid, povidone, hypromellose, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium, polyvinyl alcohol, FD&C Yellow 6 lake, polyethylene glycol, talc, D&C Red No. 30 Lake and titanium dioxide. Image

Oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients 6 years of age and older. Oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients 6 years of age and older. ( 1 )

Adult Patients: The recommended initial dosage is 600 mg once per day. Increase the dosage in weekly increments of 600 mg once per day, based on clinical response and tolerability, to a recommended maintenance dosage of 1200 mg to 2400 mg once per day. ( 2.2 ) In adult patients with a creatinine clearance <30 mL/min, initiate at one-half the usual starting dosage and increase slowly. ( 2.3 ) Pediatric Patients: The recommended dosage is based on body weight and is administered orally once per day. Increase the dosage in weekly intervals based on clinical response and tolerability, to the recommended dosage. ( 2.2 ) Geriatric Patients: Start at lower dosage (300 mg or 450 mg/day) and increase slowly. ( 2.4 ) In conversion of oxcarbazepine immediate-release to oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets, higher dosages of oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets may be necessary. ( 2.7, 12.3 ) 2.1 Important Administration Instructions Administer oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets as a single daily dose taken on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after meals) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . If oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets are taken with food, adverse reactions are more likely to occur because of increased peak levels [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Swallow oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew the tablets. For ease of swallowing in pediatric patients or patients with difficulty swallowing, achieve daily dosages with multiples of appropriate lower strength tablets (e.g., 150 mg tablets). 2.2 General Dosing Recommendations Monotherapy or Adjunctive Therapy Adult Patients Initiate treatment at a dosage of 600 mg/day given orally once daily for one week. Subsequent dosage increases can be made at weekly intervals in 600 mg/day increments to achieve the recommended daily dosage. The recommended daily dosage of oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets is 1200 mg to 2400 mg/day, given once daily. The dosage of 2400 mg/day showed slightly greater efficacy than 1200 mg/day, but was associated with an increase in adverse reactions [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Studies (14.1) ]. 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) ]. Pediatric Patients (6 to Less than 17 Years of Age) In pediatric patients 6 to less than 17 years of age, initiate treatment at a daily dosage of 8 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg orally once daily, not to exceed 600 mg per day in the first week. Subsequent dosage increases can be made at weekly intervals in 8 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg increments once daily, not to exceed 600 mg, to achieve the target daily dosage. The target maintenance dosage, achieved over two to three weeks, is displayed in Table 1. Table 1: Target Daily Dosage in Pediatric Patients (6 to Less Than 17 Years of Age) Weight Target Daily Dosage 20 kg to 29 kg 900 mg/day 29.1 kg to 39 kg 1200 mg/day Greater than 39 kg 1800 mg/day 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) ]. 2.3 Dosage Modifications in Adult Patients with Renal Impairment In adult patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/minute), initiate oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets at one-half the usual starting dosage (300 mg/day). Subsequent dosage increases can be made at weekly intervals in increments of 300 mg to 450 mg/day to achieve the desired clinical response [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ]. 2.4 Dosage Modifications in Geriatric Patients In geriatric patients, consider starting at a lower dosage (300 mg or 450 mg/day). Subsequent dosage increases can be made at weekly intervals in increments of 300 mg to 450 mg/day to achieve the desired clinical effect [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5) ]. 2.5 Dosage Modification with Concomitant Use of Strong CYP3A4 Enzyme Inducers or UGT Enzyme Inducers Strong CYP3A4 inducers, including enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin, and UGT inducers (e.g., rifampin) decrease exposure to 10-monohydroxy derivative (MHD), the active metabolite [see Drug Interactions (7.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Dosage adjustment of oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets may be required after initiation, dosage modification, or discontinuation of such inducers. Dosage increases of oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets may be necessary with concomitant use. Consider initiating at 900 mg once daily for adults and 12 to 15 mg/kg orally once daily (not to exceed 900 mg per day in the first week) in pediatric patients. 2.6 Withdrawal of AEDs As with most antiepileptic drugs, oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets should be withdrawn gradually because of the risk of increased seizure frequency and status epilepticus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ]. 2.7 Conversion from Immediate-Release Oxcarbazepine to Oxcarbazepine Extended-Release Tablets In conversion of oxcarbazepine immediate-release to oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets, higher dosages of oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets may be necessary [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

Oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to oxcarbazepine, to any of the components of oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets, or to eslicarbazepine acetate. Reactions have included anaphylaxis and angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.3) ]. Known hypersensitivity to oxcarbazepine, any of the components of oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets, or to eslicarbazepine acetate. ( 4 )

The following serious adverse reactions are described in other sections of 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) ] Withdrawal of AEDs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/Multi-Organ Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Hematologic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Risk of Seizures in the Pregnant Patient [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Most commonly observed (≥5% and more frequent than placebo) adverse reactions in adults were dizziness, somnolence, headache, balance disorder, tremor, vomiting, diplopia, asthenia, and fatigue. ( 6.1 ) Adverse reactions in pediatric patients are similar to those seen in adult patients. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ingenus Pharmaceuticals, LLC at 1-877-748-1970 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 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 clinical practice. The safety data presented below are from 384 patients with partial-onset seizures who received oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets (366 adults and 18 pediatric patients) with concomitant AEDs. In addition, safety data presented below are from a total of 2288 patients with seizure disorders treated with immediate-release oxcarbazepine; 1832 were adults and 456 were pediatric patients. Most Common Adverse Reactions Reported by Adult Patients Receiving Concomitant AEDs in Oxcarbazepine Extended-Release Tablets Clinical Studies Table 3 lists adverse reactions that occurred in at least 2% of adult patients with epilepsy treated with oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets or placebo and concomitant AEDs and that were numerically more common in the patients treated with any dosage of oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets than in patients receiving placebo. Table 3: Adverse Reaction Incidence in a Controlled Clinical Study of Oxcarbazepine Extended-Release Tablets with Concomitant AEDs in Adults* Oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets 2400 mg/day N=123 % Oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets, 1200 mg/day N=122 % Placebo N=121% Any System / Any Term 69 57 55 Nervous System Disorders Dizziness 41 20 15 Somnolence 14 12 9 Headache 15 8 7 Balance Disorder 7 5 5 Tremor 1 5 2 Nystagmus 3 3 1 Ataxia 1 3 1 Gastrointestinal Disorders Vomiting 15 6 9 Abdominal Pain Upper 0 3 1 Dyspepsia 0 3 1 Gastritis 0 3 2 Eye Disorders Diplopia 13 10 4 Vision Blurred 1 4 3 Visual Impairment 1 3 0 General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Asthenia 7 3 1 Fatigue 3 6 1 Gait Disturbance 0 3 1 Drug Intolerance 2 0 0 Infections and Infestations Nasopharyngitis 0 3 0 Sinusitis 0 3 2 * Reported by ≥ 2% of patients treated with oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets and numerically more frequent than in the placebo group The overall incidence of adverse reactions appeared to be dose related, particularly during the titration period. The most commonly observed (≥ 5%) adverse reactions seen in association with oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets and more frequent than in placebo-treated patients were: dizziness, somnolence, headache, balance disorder, tremor, vomiting, diplopia, and asthenia. Adverse Reactions Associated with Discontinuation of Oxcarbazepine Extended-Release Tablets Treatment: Approximately 23.3% of the 366 adult patients receiving oxcarbazepine extended -release tablets in clinical studies discontinued treatment because of an adverse reaction. The adverse reactions most commonly associated with discontinuation of oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets (reported by ≥2%) were: dizziness (9.8%), vomiting (5.3%), nausea (3.7%), diplopia (3.2%), and somnolence (2.4%). Adjunctive Therapy with Oxcarbazepine Extended-Release Tablets in Pediatric Patients 6 to Less than 17 Years of Age Previously Treated with other AEDs In a pharmacokinetic study in 18 pediatric patients (including patients 6 to less than 17 years of age) with partial-onset seizures treated with different dosages of oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets, the observed adverse reactions seen in association with oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets were similar to those seen in adults. Most Common Adverse Reactions in Immediate-Release Oxcarbazepine Controlled Clinical Studies Controlled Clinical Studies of Adjunctive Therapy with Immediate-Release Oxcarbazepine in Adults Previously Treated with other AEDs: Table 4 lists adverse reactions that occurred in at least 2% of adult patients with epilepsy treated with immediate-release oxcarbazepine or placebo with concomitant AEDs and that were numerically more common in the patients treated with any dosage of immediate-release oxcarbazepine than in placebo. As immediate-release oxcarbazepine and oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets were not examined in the same trial, adverse event frequencies cannot be directly compared between the two formulations. Table 4: Adverse Reaction Incidence in a Controlled Clinical Study of Immediate Release Oxcarbazepine with Concomitant AEDs in Adults* Immediate-Release Oxcarbazepine Dosage (mg/day) Placebo N = 166% OXC 600 N = 163 % OXC 1200 N = 171% OXC 2400 N = 126% Body as a Whole Fatigue 15 12 15 7 Asthenia 6 3 6 5 Edema Legs 2 1 2 1 Weight Increase 1 2 2 1 Feeling Abnormal 0 1 2 0 Cardiovascular System Hypotension 0 1 2 0 Digestive System Nausea 15 25 29 10 Vomiting 13 25 36 5 Pain Abdominal 10 13 11 5 Diarrhea 5 6 7 6 Dyspepsia 5 5 6 2 Constipation 2 2 6 4 Gastritis 2 1 2 1 Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders Hyponatremia 3 1 2 1 Musculoskeletal System Muscle Weakness 1 2 2 0 Sprains and Strains 0 2 2 1 Nervous System Headache 32 28 26 23 Dizziness 36 32 49 13 Somnolence 20 28 36 12 Ataxia 9 17 31 5 Nystagmus 7 20 26 5 Gait Abnormal 5 10 17 1 Insomnia 4 2 3 1 Tremor 3 8 16 5 Nervousness 2 4 2 1 Agitation 1 1 2 1 Coordination Abnormal 1 3 2 1 EEG Abnormal 0 0 2 0 Speech Disorder 1 1 3 0 Confusion 1 1 2 1 Cranial Injury NOS 1 0 2 1 Dysmetria 1 2 3 0 Thinking Abnormal 0 2 4 0 Respiratory System Rhinitis 2 4 5 4 Skin and Appendages Acne 1 2 2 0 Special Senses Diplopia 14 30 40 5 Vertigo 6 12 15 2 Vision Abnormal 6 14 13 4 Accommodation Abnormal 0 0 2 0 * Events in at least 2% of patients treated with 2400mg/day of immediate-release oxcarbazepine and numerically more frequent than in the placebo group Other Reactions Observed in Association with the Administration of Immediate-Release Oxcarbazepine In the paragraphs that follow, the adverse reactions, other than those in the preceding tables or text, that occurred in a total of 565 children and 1574 adults exposed to immediate-release oxcarbazepine and that are reasonably likely to be related to drug use are presented. Events common in the population, events reflecting chronic illness and events likely to reflect concomitant illness are omitted particularly if minor. They are listed in order of decreasing frequency. Because the reports cite reactions observed in open-label and uncontrolled trials, the role of immediate-release oxcarbazepine in their causation cannot be reliably determined. Body as a Whole: fever, malaise, pain chest precordial, rigors, weight decrease. Cardiovascular System: bradycardia, cardiac failure, cerebral hemorrhage, hypertension, hypotension postural, palpitation, syncope, tachycardia. Digestive System: appetite increased, blood in stool, cholelithiasis, colitis, duodenal ulcer, dysphagia, enteritis, eructation, esophagitis, flatulence, gastric ulcer, gingival bleeding, gum hyperplasia, hematemesis, hemorrhage rectum, hemorrhoids, hiccup, mouth dry, pain biliary, pain right hypochondrium, retching, sialoadenitis, stomatitis, stomatitis ulcerative. Hematologic and Lymphatic System: thrombocytopenia. Laboratory Abnormality: gamma-GT increased, hyperglycemia, hypocalcemia, hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, liver enzymes elevated, serum transaminase increased. Musculoskeletal System: hypertonia muscle. Nervous System: aggressive reaction, amnesia, anguish, anxiety, apathy, aphasia, aura, convulsions aggravated, delirium, delusion, depressed level of consciousness, dysphonia, dystonia, emotional lability, euphoria, extrapyramidal disorder, feeling drunk, hemiplegia , hyperkinesia, hyperreflexia, hypoesthesia, hypokinesia, hyporeflexia, hypotonia, hysteria, libido decreased, libido increased, manic reaction, migraine, muscle contractions involuntary, nervousness, neuralgia, oculogyric crisis, panic disorder, paralysis, paroniria, personality disorder, psychosis, ptosis, stupor, tetany. Respiratory System: asthma, bronchitis, coughing, dyspnea, epistaxis, laryngismus, pleurisy. Skin and Appendages: acne, alopecia, angioedema, bruising, dermatitis contact, eczema, facial rash, flushing, folliculitis, heat rash, hot flushes, photosensitivity reaction, pruritus genital, psoriasis, purpura, rash erythematous, rash maculopapular, vitiligo, urticaria. Special Senses: accommodation abnormal, cataract, conjunctival hemorrhage, edema eye, hemianopia, mydriasis, otitis externa, photophobia, scotoma, taste perversion, tinnitus, xerophthalmia. Urogenital and Reproductive System: dysuria, hematuria, intermenstrual bleeding, leukorrhea, menorrhagia, micturition frequency, pain renal, pain urinary tract, polyuria, priapism, renal calculus, urinary tract infection. Other: Systemic lupus erythematosus. Laboratory Tests Serum sodium levels below 125 mmol/L have been observed in patients treated with immediate-release oxcarbazepine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Experience from clinical trials with immediate-release oxcarbazepine indicates that serum sodium levels return toward normal when the dosage is reduced or discontinued, or when the patient was treated conservatively (e.g., fluid restriction). Laboratory data from clinical trials suggest that immediate-release oxcarbazepine use was associated with decreases in T4, without changes in T3 or TSH. 6.2 Postmarketing and Other Experience The following adverse reactions have been observed in named patient programs or post-marketing experience with immediate-release oxcarbazepine or oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Body as a Whole: multi-organ hypersensitivity disorders characterized by features such as rash, fever, lymphadenopathy, abnormal liver function tests, eosinophilia, and arthralgia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Cardiovascular System: atrioventricular block Digestive System: pancreatitis and/or lipase and/or amylase increase Hematologic and Lymphatic Systems: aplastic anemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Immune System Disorders : anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders : hypothyroidism and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] , Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP) Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue and Bone Disorders : There have been reports of decreased bone mineral density, osteoporosis and fractures in patients on long-term therapy with immediate-release oxcarbazepine.

Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, and Phenobarbital: Coadministration decreased blood levels of an active metabolite of oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets: Greater dosage of oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets may be required. ( 2.5, 7.2 ) Oral Contraceptives : Advise patients that oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Additional non-hormonal forms of contraception are recommended. ( 7.3 ) 7.1 Effect of Oxcarbazepine Extended-Release Tablets on Other Drugs It is recommended that the plasma levels of phenytoin be monitored during the period of oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets titration and dosage modification [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. A decrease in the dosage of phenytoin may be required. 7.2 Effect of Other Drugs on Oxcarbazepine Extended-Release Tablets If oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets and strong CYP3A4 inducers or UGT inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital) are administered concurrently, it is recommended that the plasma levels of MHD be monitored during the period of oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets titration [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Dosage adjustment of oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets may be required after initiation, dosage modification, or discontinuation of such inducers [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ]. 7.3 Hormonal Contraceptives Concurrent use of immediate-release oxcarbazepine with hormonal contraceptives may render these contraceptives less effective [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Studies with other oral or implant contraceptives have not been conducted.

16.2 Storage and Handling Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [See USP controlled room temperature]. Protect from light and moisture. Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container.