Epilepsy - generalised tonic-clonic and partial seizures.

Note: Carbamazepine Essential Pharma is not usually effective in absences (petit mal) and myoclonic seizures. Moreover, anecdotal evidence suggests that seizure exacerbation may occur in patients with atypical absences.

No clinical data are available on the use of Carbamazepine Essential Pharma Suppositories in indications other than epilepsy.

Posology

Before deciding to initiate treatment, patients of Han Chinese and Thai origin should whenever possible be screened for HLA-B*1502 as this allele strongly predicts the risk of severe carbamazepine-associated Stevens-Johnson syndrome (see section 4.4).

Epilepsy

The dose of carbamazepine should be adjusted to the needs of the individual patient to achieve adequate control of seizures. Determination of plasma levels may help in establishing the optimum dosage. In the treatment of epilepsy, the dose of carbamazepine usually requires total plasma-carbamazepine concentrations of about 4 to 12 micrograms/mL (17 to 50 micromoles/litre) (see section 4.4).

Adults, elderly, children and adolescents

125 mg and 250 mg suppositories are available for short-term use as replacement therapy (maximum period recommended: 7 days) in patients for whom oral treatment is temporarily not possible, for example in post-operative or unconscious subjects.

When switching from oral formulations to suppositories the dosage should be increased by approximately 25% (the 125 and 250 mg suppositories correspond to 100 and 200 mg tablets respectively). Carbamazepine Essential Pharma Suppositories have been shown to provide plasma levels which are well within the therapeutic range (see section 5.2).

Where Suppositories are used the maximum daily dose is limited to 1000 mg (250 mg four times daily at 6 hourly intervals, see section 5.2).

No clinical data are available on the use of suppositories in indications other than epilepsy.

Due to the potential for drug interactions, the dosage of Carbamazepine Essential Pharma should be selected with caution in elderly patients.

When Carbamazepine Essential Pharma is added to existing antiepileptic therapy, this should be done gradually while maintaining or, if necessary, adapting the dosage of the other antiepileptic(s) (see section 4.5).

Special populations

Renal impairment / Hepatic impairment

No data are available on the pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine in patients with impaired hepatic or renal function.

Method of administration

Rectal use.

Hypersensitivity to carbamazepine or structurally related drugs (e.g. tricyclic antidepressants) or any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Patients with atrioventricular block, a history of bone marrow depression or a history of hepatic porphyrias (e.g. acute intermittent porphyria, variegate porphyria, porphyria cutanea tarda).

The use of Carbamazepine Essential Pharma is contraindicated in combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (see section 4.5).

Warnings

Agranulocytosis and aplastic anaemia have been associated with Carbamazepine Essential Pharma; however, due to the very low incidence of these conditions, meaningful risk estimates for Carbamazepine Essential Pharma are difficult to obtain. The overall risk in the general untreated population has been estimated at 4.7 persons per million per year for agranulocytosis and 2.0 persons per million per year for aplastic anaemia.

Decreased platelet or white blood cell counts occur occasionally to frequently in association with the use of Carbamazepine Essential Pharma. Nonetheless, complete pre-treatment blood counts, including platelets and possibly reticulocytes and serum iron, should be obtained as a baseline, and periodically thereafter.

Patients and their relatives should be made aware of early toxic signs and symptoms indicative of a potential haematological problem, as well as symptoms of dermatological or hepatic reactions. If reactions such as fever, sore throat, rash, ulcers in the mouth, easy bruising, petechial or purpuric haemorrhage appear, the patient should be advised to consult the physician immediately.

If the white blood cell or platelet count is definitely low or decreased during treatment, the patient and the complete blood count should be closely monitored (see section 4.8). However, treatment with Carbamazepine Essential Pharma should be discontinued if the patient develops leucopenia which is severe, progressive or accompanied by clinical manifestations, e.g. fever or sore throat. Carbamazepine Essential Pharma should also be discontinued if any evidence of significant bone marrow depression appears.

Liver function tests should also be performed before commencing treatment and periodically thereafter, particularly in patients with a history of liver disease and in elderly patients. The drug should be withdrawn immediately in cases of aggravated liver dysfunction or acute liver disease.

Some liver function tests in patients receiving carbamazepine may be found to be abnormal, particularly gamma glutamyl transferase. This is probably due to hepatic enzyme induction. Enzyme induction may also produce modest elevations in alkaline phosphatase. These enhancements of hepatic metabolising capacity are not an indication for the withdrawal of carbamazepine.

Severe hepatic reactions to carbamazepine occur very rarely. The development of signs and symptoms of liver dysfunction or active liver disease should be urgently evaluated and treatment with Carbamazepine Essential Pharma suspended pending the outcome of the evaluation.

Suicidal ideation and behaviour have been reported in patients treated with anti-epileptic agents in several indications. A meta-analysis of randomised placebo controlled trials of anti-epileptic drugs has also shown a small increased risk of suicidal ideation and behaviour. The mechanism of this risk is not known, and the available data do not exclude the possibility of an increased risk for carbamazepine.

Therefore, patients should be monitored for signs of suicidal ideation and behaviours and appropriate treatment should be considered. Patients (and caregivers of patients) should be advised to seek medical advice should signs of suicidal ideation or behaviour emerge.

Serious dermatological reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN: also known as Lyell's syndrome) and Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) have been reported very rarely with Carbamazepine Essential Pharma. Patients with serious dermatological reactions may require hospitalization, as these conditions may be life-threatening and may be fatal. Most of the SJS/TEN cases appear in the first few months of treatment with Carbamazepine Essential Pharma. These reactions are estimated to occur in 1 to 6 per 10,000 new users in countries with mainly Caucasian populations. If signs and symptoms suggestive of severe skin reactions (e.g. SJS, Lyell's syndrome/TEN) appear, Carbamazepine Essential Pharma should be withdrawn at once and alternative therapy should be considered.

Cutaneous reactions

Serious and sometimes fatal cutaneous reactions including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) have been reported during treatment with carbamazepine. These reactions are estimated to occur in 1 to 6 per 10,000 new users in countries with mainly Caucasian populations, but the risk in some Asian countries is estimated to be about 10 times higher.

There is growing evidence of the role of different HLA alleles in predisposing patients to immune-mediated adverse reactions (see section 4.2).

HLA-B*1502 allele - in Han Chinese, Thai and other Asian populations

HLA-B*1502 in individuals of Han Chinese and Thai origin has been shown to be strongly associated with the risk of developing Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) when treated with carbamazepine. The prevalence of HLA-B*1502 carrier is about 10% in Han Chinese and Thai populations. Whenever possible, these individuals should be screened for this allele before starting treatment with carbamazepine (see section 4.2). If these individuals test positive, carbamazepine should not be started unless there is no other therapeutic option. Tested patients who are found to be negative for HLA-B*1502 have a low risk of SJS, although the reactions may still very rarely occur.

There are some data that suggest an increased risk of serious carbamazepine-associated TEN/SJS in other Asian populations. Because of the prevalence of this allele in other Asian populations (e.g. above 15% in the Philippines and Malaysia), testing genetically at risk populations for the presence of HLA-B*1502 may be considered.

The prevalence of the HLA-B*1502 allele is negligible in e.g. European descent, African, Hispanic populations sampled, and in Japanese and Koreans (< 1%).

HLA-A*3101 allele - European descent and Japanese populations

There are some data that suggest HLA-A*3101 is associated with an increased risk of carbamazepine induced cutaneous adverse drug reactions including SJS, TEN, Drug rash with eosinophilia (DRESS), or less severe acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) and maculopapular rash (see section 4.8) in people of European descent and the Japanese.

The frequency of the HLA-A*3101 allele varies widely between ethnic populations. HLA-A*3101 allele has a prevalence of 2 to 5% in European populations and about 10% in Japanese population.

The presence of HLA-A*3101 allele may increase the risk for carbamazepine induced cutaneous reactions (mostly less severe) from 5.0% in general population to 26.0% among subjects of Northern European ancestry, whereas its absence may reduce the risk from 5.0% to 3.8%.

There are insufficient data supporting a recommendation for HLA-A*3101 screening before starting carbamazepine treatment.

If patients of European descent or Japanese origin are known to be positive for HLA-A*3101 allele, the use of carbamazepine may be considered if the benefits are thought to exceed risks.

Other dermatologic reactions

Mild skin reactions e.g. isolated macular or maculopapular exanthema, can also occur and are mostly transient and not hazardous. They usually disappear within a few days or weeks, either during the continued course of treatment or following a decrease in dosage. However, since it may be difficult to differentiate the early signs of more serious skin reactions from mild transient reactions, the patient should be kept under close surveillance with consideration given to immediately withdrawing the drug should the reaction worsen with continued use.

The HLA-B*1502 allele has not been found to predict risk of less severe adverse cutaneous reactions from carbamazepine, such as anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome or non-serious rash (maculopapular eruption).

Hypersensitivity

Class I (immediate) hypersensitivity reactions including rash, pruritus, urticaria, angioedema and reports of anaphylaxis have been reported with carbamazepine. If a patient develops these reactions after treatment with carbamazepine, the medicinal product must be discontinued, and an alternative treatment started.

Carbamazepine Essential Pharma may trigger hypersensitivity reactions, including Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), reactivation of HHV6 associated with DRESS, a delayed multi-organ hypersensitivity disorder with fever, rash, vasculitis, lymphadenopathy, pseudo lymphoma, arthralgia, leukopenia, eosinophilia, hepato-splenomegaly, abnormal liver function tests and vanishing bile duct syndrome (destruction and disappearance of the intrahepatic bile ducts), that may occur in various combinations. Other organs may also be affected (e.g. lungs, kidneys, pancreas, myocardium, colon) see section 4.8.

In general, if signs and symptoms suggestive of hypersensitivity reactions occur, Carbamazepine Essential Pharma should be withdrawn immediately.

Patients who have exhibited hypersensitivity reactions to carbamazepine should be informed that 25-30 % of these patients may experience hypersensitivity reactions with oxacarbazepine (Trileptal).

Cross-hypersensitivity can occur between carbamazepine and aromatic antiepileptic drugs (e.g. phenytoin, primidone and phenobarbital).

Seizures

Carbamazepine Essential Pharma should be used with caution in patients with mixed seizures which include absences, either typical or atypical. In all these conditions, Carbamazepine Essential Pharma may exacerbate seizures. In case of exacerbation of seizures, Carbamazepine Essential Pharma should be discontinued.

An increase in seizure frequency may occur during switchover from an oral formulation to suppositories.

Dose reduction and withdrawal effects

Abrupt withdrawal of Carbamazepine Essential Pharma may precipitate seizures therefore carbamazepine withdrawal should be gradual. If treatment with Carbamazepine Essential Pharma has to be withdrawn abruptly in a patient with epilepsy, the changeover to another anti-epileptic drug should if necessary be effected under the cover of a suitable drug.

Women of childbearing potential

Carbamazepine may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Prenatal exposure to carbamazepine may increase the risks for major congenital malformations and other adverse development outcomes (see section 4.6).

Carbamazepine should not be used in women of childbearing potential unless the benefit is judged to outweigh the risks following careful consideration of alternative suitable treatment options.

Women of childbearing potential should be fully informed of the potential risk to the fetus if they take carbamazepine during pregnancy.

Before the initiation of treatment with carbamazepine in a woman of childbearing potential, pregnancy testing should be considered.

Women of childbearing potential should use highly effective contraception during treatment and for at least two weeks after stopping treatment. Due to enzyme induction, carbamazepine may result in a failure of the therapeutic effect of hormonal contraceptives, therefore, women of childbearing potential should be counselled regarding the use of other effective contraceptive methods (see sections 4.5 and 4.6).

Women of childbearing potential should be counselled regarding the need to consult their physician as soon as they are planning a pregnancy to discuss switching to alternative treatments prior to conception and before contraception is discontinued (see section 4.6).

Women of childbearing potential should be counselled to contact the doctor immediately if they become pregnant or think they might be pregnant and are taking carbamazepine.

Endocrinological effects

Breakthrough bleeding has been reported in women taking Carbamazepine Essential Pharma while using hormonal contraceptives. The reliability of hormonal contraceptives may be adversely affected by Carbamazepine Essential Pharma and women of childbearing potential should be advised to consider using alternative forms of birth control while taking Carbamazepine Essential Pharma.

Patients taking Carbamazepine Essential Pharma and requiring hormonal contraception should receive a preparation containing not less than 50 µ g oestrogen or use of some alternative non-hormonal method of contraception should be considered.

Monitoring of plasma levels

Although correlations between dosages and plasma levels of carbamazepine, and between plasma levels and clinical efficacy or tolerability are rather tenuous, monitoring of the plasma levels may be useful in the following conditions: dramatic increase in seizure frequency/verification of patient compliance; during pregnancy; when treating children or adolescents; in suspected absorption disorders; in suspected toxicity when more than one drug is being used (see section 4.5).

Precautions

Carbamazepine Essential Pharma should be prescribed only after a critical benefit-risk appraisal and under close monitoring in patients with a history of cardiac, hepatic or renal damage, adverse haematological reactions to other drugs, or interrupted courses of therapy with Carbamazepine Essential Pharma.

Baseline and periodic complete urinalysis and BUN determinations are recommended.

Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia is known to occur with carbamazepine. In patients with pre-existing renal conditions associated with low sodium or in patients treated concomitantly with sodium-lowering medicinal products (e.g. diuretics, medicinal products associated with inappropriate ADH secretion), serum sodium levels should be measured prior to initiating carbamazepine therapy. Thereafter, serum sodium levels should be measured after approximately two weeks and then at monthly intervals for the first three months during therapy, or according to clinical need. These risk factors may apply especially to elderly patients. If hyponatraemia is observed, water restriction is an important counter-measurement if clinically indicated.

Hypothyroidism

Carbamazepine may reduce serum concentrations of thyroid hormones through enzyme induction requiring an increase in dose of thyroid replacement therapy in patients with hypothyroidism. Hence thyroid function monitoring is suggested to adjust the dosage of thyroid replacement therapy.

Anticholinergic effects

Carbamazepine Essential Pharma has shown mild anticholinergic activity; patients with increased intraocular pressure and urinary retention should therefore be closely observed during therapy (see section 4.8).

Psychiatric effects

The possibility of activation of a latent psychosis and, in elderly patients, of confusion or agitation should be borne in mind.

Interactions

Co-administration of inhibitors of CYP3A4 or inhibitors of epoxide hydrolase with carbamazepine can induce adverse reactions (increase of carbamazepine or carbamazepine-10,11 epoxide plasma concentrations respectively). The dosage of Carbamazepine Essential Pharma should be adjusted accordingly and/or the plasma levels monitored.

Co-administration of CYP3A4 inducers with carbamazepine may decrease carbamazepine plasma concentrations and its therapeutic effect, while discontinuation of a CYP3A4 inducer may increase carbamazepine plasma concentrations. The dosage of Carbamazepine Essential Pharma may have to be adjusted.

Carbamazepine is a potent inducer of CYP3A4 and other phase I and phase II enzyme systems in the liver, and may therefore reduce plasma concentrations of co-medications mainly metabolized by CYP3A4 by induction of their metabolism. See section 4.5.

Female patients of childbearing potential should be warned that the concurrent use of Carbamazepine Essential Pharma with hormonal contraceptives may render this type of contraceptive ineffective. Alternative non-hormonal forms of contraception are recommended when using Carbamazepine Essential Pharma (see sections 4.5 and 4.6).

Falls

Carbamazepine treatment has been associated with ataxia, dizziness, somnolence, hypotension, confusional state, sedation (see section 4.8) which may lead to falls and, consequently fractures or other injuries. For patients with diseases, conditions, or medications that could exacerbate these effects, complete risk assessment of fall should be considered recurrently for patients on long-term carbamazepine treatment.

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP 3A4) is the main enzyme catalysing formation of the active metabolite carbamazepine 10, 11-epoxide. Co-administration of inhibitors of CYP 3A4 may result in increased carbamazepine plasma concentrations which could induce adverse reactions. Co-administration of CYP 3A4 inducers might increase the rate of carbamazepine metabolism, thus leading to potential decreases in the carbamazepine serum level and therapeutic effect.

Similarly, discontinuation of a CYP3A4 inducer may decrease the rate of metabolism of carbamazepine, leading to an increase in carbamazepine plasma levels.

Carbamazepine is a potent inducer of CYP3A4 and other phase I and phase II enzyme systems in the liver and may therefore reduce plasma concentrations of comedications mainly metabolized by CYP3A4 by induction of their metabolism.

Human microsomal epoxide hydrolase has been identified as the enzyme responsible for the formation of the 10,11-transdiol derivative from carbamazepine-10,11 epoxide. Co-administration of inhibitors of human microsomal epoxide hydrolase may result in increased carbamazepine-10,11 epoxide plasma concentrations.

Interactions resulting in a contraindication

The use of Carbamazepine Essential Pharma is contraindicated in combination with monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs); before administering Carbamazepine Essential Pharma MAOIs should be discontinued for a minimum of 2 weeks, or longer if the clinical situation permits (see section 4.3).

Agents that may raise carbamazepine plasma levels

Since raised plasma carbamazepine levels may result in adverse reactions (e.g. dizziness, drowsiness, ataxia, diplopia), the dosage of Carbamazepine Essential Pharma should be adjusted accordingly and/or the plasma levels monitored when used concomitantly with the substances described below:

Analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs: dextropropoxyphene.

Androgens: danazol.

Antibiotics: macrolide antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin), ciprofloxacine.

Antidepressants: fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, trazodone.

Antiepileptics: vigabatrin.

Antifungals: azoles (e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole). Alternative anti-convulsants may be recommended in patients treated with voriconazole or itraconazole.

Antipsychotics: olanzapine.

Antituberculosis: isoniazid.

Antivirals: protease inhibitors for HIV treatment (e.g. ritonavir).

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: acetazolamide.

Cardiovascular drugs: diltiazem, verapamil.

Gastrointestinal drugs: possibly cimetidine, omeprazole.

Other interactions: grapefruit juice, nicotinamide (only in high dosage).

Agents that may raise the active metabolite carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide plasma levels

Since raised plasma carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide levels may result in adverse reactions (e.g. dizziness, drowsiness, ataxia, diplopia), the dosage of Carbamazepine Essential Pharma should be adjusted accordingly and/or the plasma levels monitored when used concomitantly with the substances described below:

Neuroleptics: quetiapine

Antiepileptics: progabide, valproic acid, valnoctamide, valpromide, primidone, brivaracetam.

Agents that may decrease carbamazepine plasma levels

The dose of Carbamazepine Essential Pharma may have to be adjusted when used concomitantly with the substances described below:

Antiepileptics: oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin (to avoid phenytoin intoxication and subtherapeutic concentrations of carbamazepine it is recommended to adjust the plasma concentration of phenytoin to 13 micrograms /mL before adding carbamazepine to the treatment) and fosphenytoin, primidone, and, although the data are partly contradictory, possibly also clonazepam.

Antineoplastics: cisplatin or doxorubicin.

Antituberculosis: rifampicin.

Bronchodilatators or anti-asthma drugs: theophylline, aminophylline.

Dermatological drugs: isotretinoin.

Other interactions: herbal preparations containing St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum).

Effect of Carbamazepine Essential Pharma on plasma levels of concomitant agents

Carbamazepine may lower the plasma level, diminish or even abolish the activity of certain drugs. The dosage of the following drugs may have to be adjusted to clinical requirement:

Analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents: buprenorphine, methadone, paracetamol (long term administration of carbamazepine and paracetamol (acetaminophen) may be associated with hepatotoxicity), tramadol.

Antibiotics: doxycycline, rifabutin.

Anticoagulants: oral anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin, acenocoumarol, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, apixaban, edoxaban).

Antidepressants: bupropion, citalopram, mianserin, sertraline, trazodone, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. imipramine, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine).

Antiemetics: aprepitant.

Antiepileptics: clobazam, clonazepam, ethosuximide, lamotrigine, eslicarbazepine, oxcarbazepine, primidone, tiagabine, topiramate, valproic acid, zonisamide. To avoid phenytoin intoxication and subtherapeutic concentrations of carbamazepine it is recommended to adjust the plasma concentration of phenytoin to 13 micrograms /mL before adding carbamazepine to the treatment. There have been rare reports of an increase in plasma mephenytoin levels.

Antifungals: itraconazole, voriconazole. Alternative anti-convulsants may be recommended in patients treated with voriconazole or itraconazole.

Antihelmintics: albendazole.

Antineoplastics: imatinib, cyclophosphamide, lapatinib, temsirolimus.

Antipsychotics: clozapine, haloperidol and bromperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, aripiprazole, paliperidone.

Antivirals: protease inhibitors for HIV treatment (e.g. indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir).

Anxiolytics: alprazolam.

Bronchodilatators or anti-asthma drugs: theophylline.

Contraceptives: hormonal contraceptives (alternative contraceptive methods should be considered).

Cardiovascular drugs: calcium channel blockers (dihydropyridine group) e.g. felodipine, digoxin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, cerivastatin, ivabradine.

Corticosteroids: corticosteroids (e.g. prednisolone, dexamethasone).

Drugs used in erectile dysfunction: tadalafil.

Immunosuppressants: ciclosporin, everolimus, tacrolimus, sirolimus.

Thyroid agents: levothyroxine.

Other drug interactions: products containing oestrogens and/or progesterones.

Combinations that require specific consideration

Concomitant use of carbamazepine and levetiracetam has been reported to increase carbamazepine-induced toxicity.

Concomitant use of carbamazepine and isoniazid has been reported to increase isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity.

The combination of lithium and carbamazepine may cause enhanced neurotoxicity in spite of lithium plasma concentrations being within the therapeutic range. Combined use of carbamazepine with metoclopramide or major tranquillisers, e.g. haloperidol, thioridazine, may also result in an increase in neurological side-effects.

Concomitant medication with Carbamazepine Essential Pharma and some diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide) may lead to symptomatic hyponatraemia.

Carbamazepine may antagonise the effects of non-depolarising muscle relaxants (e.g. pancuronium). Their dosage should be raised, and patients monitored closely for a more rapid recovery from neuromuscular blockade than expected.

Carbamazepine, like other psychoactive drugs, may reduce alcohol tolerance. It is therefore advisable for the patient to abstain from alcohol.

Concomitant use of carbamazepine with direct acting oral anti-coagulants (rivaroxaban, dabigatran, apixaban, and edoxaban) may lead to reduced plasma concentrations of direct acting oral anti-coagulants, which carries the risk of thrombosis. Therefore, if a concomitant use is necessary, close monitoring of signs and symptoms of thrombosis is recommended.

Interference with serological testing

Carbamazepine may result in false positive perphenazine concentrations in HPLC analysis due to interference.

Carbamazepine and the 10,11-epoxide metabolite may result in false positive tricyclic antidepressant concentration in fluorescence polarized immunoassay method.

Pregnancy

Risk related to antiepileptic medicinal products in general

Specialist medical advice regarding the potential risks to a fetus caused by both seizures and antiepileptic treatment should be given to all women of childbearing potential taking antiepileptic treatment, and especially to women planning pregnancy and women who are pregnant.

Sudden discontinuation of antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy should be avoided as this may lead to seizures that could have serious consequences for the woman and the unborn child.

Monotherapy is preferred for treating epilepsy in pregnancy whenever possible because therapy with multiple AEDs could be associated with a higher risk of congenital malformations than monotherapy, depending on the associated AEDs.

Risks related to carbamazepine

Carbamazepine Essential Pharma crosses the placenta in humans. Epidemiological data from pregnancy registries and cohort studies have shown that children born to mothers with epilepsy treated with carbamazepine during the first trimester of pregnancy are at an increased risk of major congenital malformations. The most common types of major congenital malformations reported in association with carbamazepine include neural tube defects including spina bifida, craniofacial defects including cleft lip/palate, cardiovascular malformations, genitourinary tract defects including hypospadias, skeletal malformations and anomalies involving various body systems. Data derived from a meta-analysis (including registries and cohort studies) has shown that 4.93% of children of epileptic women exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during first trimester of pregnancy suffer from congenital malformations (95% CI: 3.84-6.16) compared with the background rate on the general population of around 2-3%. Malformations such as neural tube defects (spina bifida), craniofacial defects such as cleft lip/palate, cardiovascular malformations, hypospadias, hypoplasia of the fingers, and other anomalies involving various body systems, have been reported in the offspring of women who used carbamazepine during pregnancy. Specialised antenatal surveillance for these malformations is recommended.

Epidemiological study data do not indicate that carbamazepine use during pregnancy is associated with negative impact on the child in terms of measures of intelligence, developmental outcomes, or symptoms or diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders.

Carbamazepine should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefit is judged to outweigh the risks following careful consideration of alternative suitable treatment options. The woman should be fully informed of and understand the risks of taking carbamazepine during pregnancy.

Evidence suggest that the risk of malformation with carbamazepine may be dose-dependent, i.e. at a dose < 400 mg per day, the rates of malformation were lower than with higher doses of carbamazepine. If based on a careful evaluation of the risks and the benefits, no alternative treatment option is suitable, and treatment with carbamazepine is continued, monotherapy and the lowest effective dose of carbamazepine should be used and monitoring of plasma levels is recommended. The plasma concentration could be maintained in the lower side of the therapeutic range 4 to 12 micrograms/mL provided seizure control is maintained.

Neurodevelopmental disorder has been reported among children born to women with epilepsy who used carbamazepine alone or in combination with other antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy. Studies related to the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children exposed to carbamazepine during pregnancy are contradictory and a risk cannot be excluded.

Some antiepileptic drugs, such as carbamazepine, have been reported to decrease serum folate levels. This deficiency may contribute to the increased incidence of birth defects in the offspring of treated epileptic women. Folic acid supplementation is recommended before and during pregnancy. In order to prevent bleeding disorders in the offspring, it has also been recommended that vitamin K1 be given to the mother during the last weeks of pregnancy as well as to the neonate.

If a woman is planning to become pregnant, all efforts should be made to switch to appropriate alternative treatment prior to conception and before contraception is discontinued. If a woman becomes pregnant while taking carbamazepine, she should be referred to a specialist to reassess carbamazepine treatment and consider alternative treatment options.

Monitoring and prevention

Folic acid deficiency is known to occur in pregnancy. Antiepileptic drugs have been reported to aggravate deficiency. This deficiency may contribute to the increased incidence of birth defects in the offspring of treated epileptic women. Folic acid supplementation has therefore been recommended before and during pregnancy.

In the neonate

In order to prevent bleeding disorders in the offspring, it has also been recommended that vitamin K₁ be given to the mother during the last weeks of pregnancy as well as to the neonate.

There have been a few cases of neonatal seizures and/or respiratory depression associated with maternal Carbamazepine Essential Pharma and other concomitant anti-epileptic drug use. A few cases of neonatal vomiting, diarrhoea and/or decreased feeding have also been reported in association with maternal Carbamazepine Essential Pharma use. These reactions may represent a neonatal withdrawal syndrome.

Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).

Women of childbearing potential

Carbamazepine should not be used in women of childbearing potential unless the potential benefit is judged to outweigh the risks following careful consideration of alternative suitable treatment options. The woman should be fully informed of and understand the risk of potential harm to the fetus if carbamazepine is taken during pregnancy and therefore the importance of planning any pregnancy. Pregnancy testing in women of childbearing potential should be considered prior to initiating treatment with carbamazepine.

Women of childbearing potential should use highly effective contraception during treatment and for at least two weeks after stopping treatment. Due to enzyme induction, carbamazepine may result in a failure of the therapeutic effect of hormonal contraceptives (see section 4.5), therefore, women of childbearing potential should be counselled regarding the use of other effective contraceptive methods. At least one effective method of contraception (such as an intra-uterine device) or two complementary forms of contraception including a barrier method should be used. Individual circumstances should be evaluated in each case, involving the patient in the discussion, when choosing the contraception method.

Breast-feeding

Carbamazepine passes into the breast milk (about 25-60% of the plasma concentrations). The benefits of breast-feeding should be weighed against the remote possibility of adverse effects occurring in the infant. Mothers taking Carbamazepine Essential Pharma may breast-feed their infants, provided the infant is observed for possible adverse reactions (e.g. excessive somnolence, allergic skin reaction). There have been some reports of cholestatic hepatitis in neonates exposed to carbamazepine during antenatal and or during breast feeding. Therefore, breast-fed infants of mothers treated with carbamazepine should be carefully observed for adverse hepatobiliary effects.

Fertility

There have been very rare reports of impaired male fertility and/or abnormal spermatogenesis.

The patient's ability to react may be impaired by the medical condition resulting in seizures and adverse reactions including dizziness, drowsiness, ataxia, diplopia, impaired accommodation and blurred vision have been reported with Carbamazepine Essential Pharma, especially at the start of treatment or in connection with dose adjustments. Patients should therefore exercise due caution when driving a vehicle or operating machinery.

Summary of the safety profile

Particularly at the start of treatment with Carbamazepine Essential Pharma, or if the initial dosage is too high, or when treating elderly patients, certain types of adverse reaction occur very commonly or commonly, e.g. CNS adverse reactions (dizziness, headache, ataxia, drowsiness, fatigue, diplopia); gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting), as well as allergic skin reactions.

The dose-related adverse reactions usually abate within a few days, either spontaneously or after a transient dosage reduction. The occurrence of CNS adverse reactions may be a manifestation of relative overdosage or significant fluctuation in plasma levels. In such cases it is advisable to monitor the plasma levels and divide the daily dosage into smaller (i.e. 3-4) fractional doses.

Tabulated summary of adverse drug reactions compiled from clinical trials and from spontaneous reports

Adverse drug reactions from clinical trials are listed by MedDRA system organ class. Within each system organ class, the adverse drug reactions are ranked by frequency, with the most frequent reactions first. Within each frequency grouping, adverse drug reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness. In addition, the corresponding frequency category for each adverse drug reaction is based on the following convention (CIOMS III): very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥ 1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000).

* In some Asian countries also reported as rare. See also section 4.4.

**Additional adverse drug reactions from spontaneous reports (frequency not known)

The following adverse drug reactions have been derived from post-marketing experience with Carbamazepine Essential Pharma via spontaneous case reports and literature cases. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to reliably estimate their frequency which is therefore categorized as not known. Adverse drug reactions are listed according to system organ classes in MedDRA. Within each system organ class, ADRs are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

There have been reports of decreased bone mineral density, osteopenia, osteoporosis and fractures in patients on long-term therapy with carbamazepine. The mechanism by which carbamazepine affects bone metabolism has not been identified.

There is increasing evidence regarding the association of genetic markers and the occurrence of cutaneous ADRs such as SJS, TEN, DRESS, AGEP and maculopapular rash. In Japanese and European patients, these reactions have been reported to be associated with the use of carbamazepine and the presence of the HLA-A*3101 allele. Another marker, HLA-B*1502 has been shown to be strongly associated with SJS and TEN among individuals of Han Chinese, Thai and some other Asian ancestry (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme

Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

Signs and symptoms

The presenting signs and symptoms of overdosage involve the central nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory systems and the adverse drug reactions mentioned under section 4.8.

Central nervous system: CNS depression; disorientation, depressed level of consciousness, somnolence, agitation, hallucination, coma; blurred vision, slurred speech, dysarthria, nystagmus, ataxia, dyskinesia, initially hyperreflexia, later hyporeflexia; convulsions, psychomotor disturbances, myoclonus, hypothermia, mydriasis.

Respiratory system: Respiratory depression, pulmonary oedema.

Cardiovascular system: Tachycardia, hypotension and at times hypertension, conduction disturbance with widening of QRS complex; syncope in association with cardiac arrest.

Gastro-intestinal system: Vomiting, delayed gastric emptying, reduced bowel motility.

Musculoskeletal system: There have been some cases which reported rhabdomyolysis in association with carbamazepine toxicity.

Renal function: Retention of urine, oliguria or anuria; fluid retention, water intoxication due to ADH-like effect of carbamazepine.

Laboratory findings: Hyponatraemia, possibly metabolic acidosis, possibly hyperglycaemia, increased muscle creatine phosphokinase.

Management

There is no specific antidote.

Management should initially be guided by the patient's clinical condition; admission to hospital. Measurement of the plasma level to confirm carbamazepine poisoning and to ascertain the size of the overdose.

Evacuation of the stomach, gastric lavage, and administration of activated charcoal. Delay in evacuating the stomach may result in delayed absorption, leading to relapse during recovery from intoxication. Supportive medical care in an intensive care unit with cardiac monitoring and careful correction of electrolyte imbalance.

Special recommendations

Charcoal haemoperfusion has been recommended. Hemodialysis is the effective treatment modality in the management of the carbamazepine overdose.

Relapse and aggravation of symptomatology on the 2nd and 3rd day after overdose, due to delayed absorption, should be anticipated.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antiepileptics, Carboxaminde derivatives, ATC code: N03AF01.

As an antiepileptic agent its spectrum of activity embraces: partial seizures (simple and complex) with and without secondary generalisation; generalised tonic-clonic seizures, as well as combinations of these types of seizures.

Mechanism of action

The mechanism of action of carbamazepine, the active substance of Carbamazepine Essential Pharma, has only been partially elucidated. Carbamazepine stabilises hyperexcited nerve membranes, inhibits repetitive neuronal discharges, and reduces synaptic propagation of excitatory impulses. It is conceivable that prevention of repetitive firing of sodium-dependent action potentials in depolarised neurons via use- and voltage-dependent blockade of sodium channels may be its main mechanism of action.

Whereas reduction of glutamate release and stabilisation of neuronal membranes may account for the antiepileptic effects, the depressant effect on dopamine and noradrenaline turnover could be responsible for the antimanic properties of carbamazepine.

Absorption

As measured by AUC calculations the total bioavailability of carbamazepine from Carbamazepine Essential Pharma suppositories is approximately 25% less than from oral formulations. For doses up to 300mg approximately 75% of the total amount absorbed reaches the general circulation within 6 hours of application. For these reasons the maximum recommended daily dose is limited to 250mg four times daily (1000mg per day), the equivalent to 800mg per day orally. Clinical trials have shown that when Carbamazepine Essential Pharma suppositories are substituted for oral dosage forms plasma levels within the range 5-8µ g/ml (19-34µ mol/l) are reached. It should be possible, therefore, to maintain therapeutically effective plasma levels in most patients.

Distribution

Carbamazepine is bound to serum proteins to the extent of 70-80%. The concentration of unchanged substance in cerebrospinal fluid and saliva reflects the non-protein bound portion in plasma (20-30%). Concentrations in breast milk were found to be equivalent to 25-60% of the corresponding plasma levels.

Carbamazepine crosses the placental barrier. Assuming complete absorption of carbamazepine, the apparent volume of distribution ranges from 0.8 to 1.9 L/kg.

Biotransformation

Carbamazepine is metabolised in the liver, where the epoxide pathway of biotransformation is the most important one, yielding the 10, 11-transdiol derivative and its glucuronide as the main metabolites.

Cytochrome P450 3A4 has been identified as the major isoform responsible for the formation of carbamazepine 10, 11-epoxide from carbamazepine. Human microsomal epoxide hydrolase has been identified as the enzyme responsible for the formation of the 10,11-transdiol derivative from carbamazepine-10,11 epoxide. 9-Hydroxy-methyl-10-carbamoyl acridan is a minor metabolite related to this pathway. After a single oral dose of carbamazepine about 30% appears in the urine as end-products of the epoxide pathway.

Other important biotransformation pathways for carbamazepine lead to various monohydroxylated compounds, as well as to the N-glucuronide of carbamazepine produced by UGT2B7.

Elimination

The elimination half-life of unchanged carbamazepine averages approx. 36 hours following a single oral dose, whereas after repeated administration it averages only 16-24 hours (auto-induction of the hepatic mono-oxygenase system), depending on the duration of the medication. In patients receiving concomitant treatment with other enzyme-inducing drugs (e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbitone), half-life values averaging 9-10 hours have been found.

The mean elimination half-life of the 10, 11-epoxide metabolite in the plasma is about 6 hours following single oral doses of the epoxide itself.

After administration of a single oral dose of 400mg carbamazepine, 72% is excreted in the urine and 28% in the faeces. In the urine, about 2% of the dose is recovered as unchanged drug and about 1% as the pharmacologically active 10, 11-epoxide metabolite.

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship(s)

The steady-state plasma concentrations of carbamazepine considered as “ therapeutic range” vary considerably inter-individually; for the majority of patients a range between 4-12 µ g/ml corresponding to 17-50 µ mol/l has been reported. Concentrations of carbamazepine 10, 11-epoxide (pharmacologically active metabolite): about 30% of carbamazepine levels.

Paediatric population

Owing to enhanced carbamazepine elimination, children may require higher doses of carbamazepine (in mg/kg) than adults to maintain therapeutic concentrations.

Elderly population

There is no indication of altered pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine in elderly patients as compared with young adults.

Patients with hepatic or renal impairment

No data are available on the pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine in patients with impaired hepatic or renal function.

Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of single and repeated dose toxicity, local tolerance, genotoxicity and carcinogenic potential. Reproductive toxicity studies in animals were insufficient to rule out a teratogenic effect of carbamazepine in humans.

Carcinogenicity

In rats treated with carbamazepine for two years, there was an increased incidence of hepatocellular tumours in females and benign testicular tumours in males. However, there is no evidence to date that these observations are of any relevance to the therapeutic use of carbamazepine in humans.

Reproductive toxicity

Animal data

The cumulative evidence from various animal studies in mice, rats and rabbits indicates that carbamazepine has no or only minor teratogenic potential at doses relevant to man. However, the animal studies were insufficient to rule out a teratogenic effect of carbamazepine.

Published studies indicate that carbamazepine is a teratogen in rats and mice (craniofacial and limb malformations) with the effects in mice reported at clinically relevant exposures.

Intrauterine growth restrictions (e.g reduced crown-rump lengths), delayed skeletal ossification and reduced fetal weights have been reported in multiple studies in rodents in the open literature. In a reproduction study in rats, nursing offspring demonstrated a reduced weight gain at a maternal dosage level of 192 mg/kg/day.

There are some reports of neurodegenerative changes in the brains of offspring exposed to carbamazepine during pregnancy from rodent studies published in the open literature. However, limitations in the study design means the toxicological significance and clinical relevance of these findings are unclear.

Fertility

In chronic toxicity studies dose related testicular atrophy and aspermatogenesis occurred in rats receiving carbamazepine. The safety margin for this effect is not known.

Hypromellose

Hard fat

Not applicable.

5 years.

Store below 30° C.

Carbamazepine Essential Pharma Suppositories 250mg are sealed in polyethylene laminated aluminium foil and come in packs of 5.

No special requirements.