Eslicarbazepine

Use has been associated with dose-dependent CNS-related adverse events, most significant of these were cognitive symptoms (eg, memory impairment, disturbance in attention, amnesia, confusional state, aphasia, speech disorder, slowness of thought, disorientation, psychomotor retardation), somnolence or fatigue, dizziness and coordination abnormalities (eg, ataxia, vertigo, balance disorder, gait disturbance, nystagmus, abnormal coordination), and visual changes (eg, diplopia, blurred vision, impaired vision). There was an increased risk of visual changes and dizziness and coordination abnormalities during the titration period, in patients >60 years of age, and with concomitant carbamazepine use; consider dosage modifications in patients using eslicarbazepine and carbamazepine concomitantly. Caution patients about performing tasks which require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving).

Potentially serious, sometimes fatal, dermatologic reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) have been reported; monitor for signs and symptoms of skin reactions; discontinuation and conversion to alternate therapy may be required. Avoid use in patients with prior dermatologic reaction with carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, or eslicarbazepine.

Cases of pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, and leukopenia have been reported; consider discontinuing eslicarbazepine if these hematologic abnormalities develop.

Hepatic effects ranging from mild to moderate elevations in transaminases (>3 times the upper limit of normal) to rare cases of concomitant elevations of total bilirubin (>2 times the upper limit of normal) have been reported. Perform baseline liver laboratory tests. Discontinue in patients with jaundice or other evidence of significant liver injury.

Rare cases of anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported. Permanently discontinue should symptoms occur. Avoid use in patients with a prior anaphylactic-type reaction with either oxcarbazepine or eslicarbazepine.

Clinically significant hyponatremia (serum sodium • Multiorgan hypersensitivity reactions: Potentially serious, sometimes fatal drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), also known as multiorgan hypersensitivity reactions, have been reported. Monitor for signs and symptoms (eg, fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia) in association with other organ system involvement (eg, hepatitis, nephritis, hematological abnormalities, myocarditis, myositis). Evaluate immediately if signs or symptoms are present. Discontinuation and conversion to alternate therapy may be required. Avoid use in patients with a prior DRESS reaction with carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, or eslicarbazepine.

Pooled analysis of trials involving various antiepileptics (regardless of indication) showed an increased risk of suicidal thoughts/behavior (incidence rate: 0.43% treated patients compared to 0.24% of patients receiving placebo); risk observed as early as 1 week after initiation and continued through duration of trials (most trials ≤24 weeks). Monitor all patients for notable changes in behavior that might indicate suicidal thoughts or depression; patients should be instructed to notify healthcare provider immediately if symptoms occur.

Dose-dependent decreases in serum T3 and T4 (free and total) values have been observed; changes were not associated with other abnormal thyroid function tests suggesting hypothyroidism. Disease-related concerns:

Clearance is decreased in patients with impaired renal function; dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with CrCl • Hepatic impairment: Avoid use in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Concurrent drug therapy issues:

Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information. Other warnings/precautions:

Anticonvulsants should not be discontinued abruptly because of the possibility of increasing seizure frequency; therapy should be withdrawn gradually to minimize the potential of increased seizure frequency, unless safety concerns require a more rapid withdrawal.