WARNINGS
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS
Risks From Concomitant Use With Opioids
Concomitant use of benzodiazepines, including ONFI, and
opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and
death. Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of
benzodiazepines and opioids for use in patients for whom alternative treatment
options are inadequate.
Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant
use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related
mortality compared to use of opioids alone. If a decision is made to prescribe
ONFI concomitantly with opioids, prescribe the lowest effective dosages and
minimum durations of concomitant use, and follow patients closely for signs and
symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. Advise both patients and
caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression and sedation when ONFI is
used with opioids [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Potentiation Of Sedation From Concomitant Use With Central
Nervous System Depressants
Since ONFI has a central nervous system (CNS) depressant
effect, patients or their caregivers should be cautioned against simultaneous
use with other CNS depressant drugs or alcohol, and cautioned that the effects
of other CNS depressant drugs or alcohol may be potentiated [see DRUG
INTERACTIONS].
Somnolence Or Sedation
ONFI causes somnolence and sedation. In clinical trials,
somnolence or sedation was reported at all effective doses and was
dose-related.
In general, somnolence and sedation begin within the
first month of treatment and may diminish with continued treatment. Prescribers
should monitor patients for somnolence and sedation, particularly with
concomitant use of other central nervous system depressants. Prescribers should
caution patients against engaging in hazardous activities requiring mental
alertness, such as operating dangerous machinery or motor vehicles, until the
effect of ONFI is known.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Abrupt discontinuation of ONFI should be avoided. ONFI
should be tapered by decreasing the dose every week by 5-10 mg/day until
discontinuation [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Withdrawal symptoms occurred following abrupt
discontinuation of ONFI; the risk of withdrawal symptoms is greater with higher
doses.
As with all antiepileptic drugs, ONFI should be withdrawn
gradually to minimize the risk of precipitating seizures, seizure exacerbation,
or status epilepticus.
Withdrawal symptoms (e.g., convulsions, psychosis,
hallucinations, behavioral disorder, tremor, and anxiety) have been reported
following abrupt discontinuance of benzodiazepines. The more severe withdrawal
symptoms have usually been limited to patients who received excessive doses
over an extended period of time, followed by an abrupt discontinuation.
Generally milder withdrawal symptoms (e.g., dysphoria, anxiety, and insomnia)
have been reported following abrupt discontinuance of benzodiazepines taken
continuously at therapeutic doses for several months.
Serious Dermatological Reactions
Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson
syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), have been reported with
ONFI in both children and adults during the postmarketing period. Patients
should be closely monitored for signs or symptoms of SJS/TEN, especially during
the first 8 weeks of treatment initiation or when re-introducing therapy. ONFI
should be discontinued at the first sign of rash, unless the rash is clearly
not drug-related. If signs or symptoms suggest SJS/TEN, use of this drug should
not be resumed and alternative therapy should be considered [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Physical And Psychological Dependence
Patients with a history of substance abuse should be
under careful surveillance when receiving ONFI or other psychotropic agents
because of the predisposition of such patients to habituation and dependence [see
Drug Abuse And Dependence].
Suicidal Behavior And Ideation
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including ONFI, 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% confidence interval [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
2 shows absolute and relative risk by indication for all evaluated AEDs.
Table 2: 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 Drug 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
ONFI 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.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient
labeling (Medication Guide and Instructions for Use).
Risks From Concomitant Use With Opioids
Inform patients and caregivers that potentially fatal
additive effects may occur if ONFI is used with opioids and not to use such
drugs concomitantly unless supervised by a healthcare provider [see WARNINGS
AND PRECAUTIONS, DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Somnolence Or Sedation
Advise patients or caregivers to check with their healthcare
provider before ONFI is taken with other CNS depressants such as other
benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants, sedating antihistamines,
or alcohol [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
If applicable, caution patients about operating hazardous
machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that ONFI
does not affect them adversely (e.g., impair judgment, thinking or motor
skills).
Increasing Or Decreasing The ONFI Dose
Inform patients or caregivers to consult their healthcare
provider before increasing the ONFI dose or abruptly discontinuing ONFI. Advise
patients or caregivers that abrupt withdrawal of AEDs may increase their risk
of seizure [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Hypersensitivity
Inform patients or caregivers that ONFI is
contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to the drug or
its ingredients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Interactions With Hormonal Contraceptives
Counsel women to also use non-hormonal methods of
contraception when ONFI is used with hormonal contraceptives and to continue
these alternative methods for 28 days after discontinuing ONFI to ensure
contraceptive reliability [see DRUG INTERACTIONS, CLINICAL
PHARMACOLOGY].
Serious Dermatological Reactions
Advise patients or caregivers that serious skin reactions
have been reported in patients taking ONFI. Serious skin reactions, including
SJS/TEN, may need to be treated in a hospital and may be life-threatening. If a
skin reaction occurs while taking ONFI, patients or caregivers should consult
with healthcare providers immediately [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Suicidal Thinking And Behavior
Counsel patients, their caregivers, and their families
that AEDs, including ONFI, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and
behavior and advise them of the need to be alert for the emergence or worsening
of symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence
of suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts of self-harm. Patients should
report behaviors of concern immediately to healthcare providers [see WARNINGS
AND PRECAUTIONS].
Pregnancy
Advise pregnant women and women of childbearing potential
that the use of ONFI during pregnancy can cause fetal harm which may occur
early in pregnancy before many women know they are pregnant. Instruct patients
to notify their healthcare provider if they become pregnant or intend to become
pregnant during therapy. When appropriate, prescribers should counsel pregnant
women and women of childbearing potential about alternative therapeutic
options.
Advise patients that there is a pregnancy exposure
registry that collects information about the safety of antiepileptic drugs
during pregnancy [see Use In Specific Populations].
Nursing
Counsel patients that ONFI is excreted in breast milk.
Instruct patients to notify their physician if they are breast feeding or
intend to breast feed during therapy and counsel nursing mothers to observe
their infants for poor sucking and somnolence [see Use In Specific
Populations].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Carcinogenesis
In mice, oral administration of clobazam (0, 6, 12, or 24
mg/kg/day) for 2 years did not result in an increase in tumors. The highest
dose tested was approximately 3 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD)
of 40 mg/day, based on body surface area (mg/m²).
In rats, oral administration of clobazam for 2 years
resulted in increases in tumors of the thyroid gland (follicular cell adenoma
and carcinoma) and liver (hepatocellular adenoma) at the mid and high doses.
The low dose, not associated with an increase in tumors, was associated with
plasma exposures (AUC) for clobazam and its major active metabolite,
N-desmethylclobazam, less than that in humans at the MRHD.
Mutagenesis
Clobazam and the major active metabolite, N-desmethylclobazam,
were negative for genotoxicity, based on data from a battery of in vitro (bacteria
reverse mutation, mammalian clastogenicity) and in vivo (mouse micronucleus)
assays.
Impairment Of Fertility
In a fertility study in which clobazam (50, 350, or 750
mg/kg/day, corresponding to 12, 84 and 181 times the oral Maximum Recommended
Human Dose, MRHD, of 40 mg/day based on mg/m² body surface) was orally
administered to male and female rats prior to and during mating and continuing
in females to gestation day 6, increases in abnormal sperm and pre-implantation
loss were observed at the highest dose tested. The no-effect level for
fertility and early embryonic development in rats was associated with plasma
exposures (AUC) for clobazam and its major active metabolite,
N-desmethylclobazam, less than those in humans at the maximum recommended human
dose of 40 mg/day.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors
pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to AEDs, such as ONFI, during pregnancy.
Physicians are advised to recommend that pregnant patients taking ONFI enroll
in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (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/.
Risk Summary
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of ONFI
in pregnant women. Available data suggest that the class of benzodiazepines is
not associated with marked increases in risk for congenital anomalies. Although
some early epidemiological studies suggested a relationship between
benzodiazepine drug use in pregnancy and congenital anomalies such as cleft lip
and or palate, these studies had considerable limitations. More recently
completed studies of benzodiazepine use in pregnancy have not consistently
documented elevated risks for specific congenital anomalies. There is
insufficient evidence to assess the effect of benzodiazepine pregnancy exposure
on neurodevelopment.
There are clinical considerations regarding exposure to
benzodiazepines during the second and third trimester of pregnancy or
immediately prior to or during childbirth. These risks include decreased fetal
movement and/or fetal heart rate variability, “floppy infant syndrome,” dependence,
and withdrawal [see Clinical Considerations and Human Data].
Administration of clobazam to pregnant rats and rabbits
during the period of organogenesis or to rats throughout pregnancy and
lactation resulted in developmental toxicity, including increased incidences of
fetal malformations and mortality, at plasma exposures for clobazam and its
major active metabolite, N-desmethylclobazam, below those expected at
therapeutic doses in patients [see Animal Data]. Data for other
benzodiazepines suggest the possibility of long-term effects on neurobehavioral
and immunological function in animals following prenatal exposure to
benzodiazepines at clinically relevant doses. ONFI should be used during
pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the mother justifies the potential
risk to the fetus. Advise a pregnant woman and women of childbearing age of the
potential risk to a fetus.
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background
risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized
pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. The background risk of major
birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
Clinical Considerations
Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions
Infants born to mothers who have taken benzodiazepines
during the later stages of pregnancy can develop dependence, and subsequently
withdrawal, during the postnatal period. Clinical manifestations of withdrawal
or neonatal abstinence syndrome may include hypertonia, hyperreflexia,
hypoventilation, irritability, tremors, diarrhea, and vomiting. These
complications can appear shortly after delivery to 3 weeks after birth and
persist from hours to several months depending on the degree of dependence and
the pharmacokinetic profile of the benzodiazepine. Symptoms may be mild and
transient or severe. Standard management for neonatal withdrawal syndrome has
not yet been defined. Observe newborns who are exposed to ONFI in utero during
the later stages of pregnancy for symptoms of withdrawal and manage
accordingly.
Labor And Delivery
Administration of benzodiazepines immediately prior to or
during childbirth can result in a floppy infant syndrome, which is
characterized by lethargy, hypothermia, hypotonia, respiratory depression, and
difficulty feeding. Floppy infant syndrome occurs mainly within the first hours
after birth and may last up to 14 days. Observe exposed newborns for these
symptoms and manage accordingly.
Data
Human Data
Congenital Anomalies
Although there are no adequate and well controlled
studies of ONFI in pregnant women, there is information about benzodiazepines
as a class. Dolovich et al. published a meta-analysis of 23 studies that
examined the effects of benzodiazepine exposure during the first trimester of
pregnancy. Eleven of the 23 studies included in the meta-analysis considered
the use of chlordiazepoxide and diazepam and not other benzodiazepines. The
authors considered case-control and cohort studies separately. The data from
the cohort studies did not suggest an increased risk for major malformations
(OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.61—1.35) or for oral cleft (OR 1.19; 95% CI 0.34—4.15). The
data from the case-control studies suggested an association between
benzodiazepines and major malformations (OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.32—6.84) and oral
cleft (OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.13— 2.82). The limitations of this meta-analysis
included the small number of reports included in the analysis, and that most
cases for analyses of both oral cleft and major malformations came from only
three studies. A follow up to that meta-analysis included 3 new cohort studies
that examined risk for major malformations and one study that considered
cardiac malformations. The authors found no new studies with an outcome of oral
clefts. After the addition of the new studies, the odds ratio for major
malformations with first trimester exposure to benzodiazepines was 1.07 (95% CI
0.91—1.25).
Neonatal Withdrawal And Floppy Infant Syndrome
Neonatal withdrawal syndrome and symptoms suggestive of
floppy infant syndrome associated with administration of ONFI during the later
stages of pregnancy and peripartum period have been reported in the
postmarketing experience. Findings in published scientific literature suggest
that the major neonatal side effects of benzodiazepines include sedation and
dependence with withdrawal signs. Data from observational studies suggest that
fetal exposure to benzodiazepines is associated with the neonatal adverse
events of hypotonia, respiratory problems, hypoventilation, low Apgar score,
and neonatal withdrawal syndrome.
Animal Data
In a study in which clobazam (0, 150, 450, or 750
mg/kg/day) was orally administered to pregnant rats throughout the period of
organogenesis, embryofetal mortality and incidences of fetal skeletal
variations were increased at all doses. The low-effect dose for embryofetal
developmental toxicity in rats (150 mg/kg/day) was associated with plasma
exposures (AUC) for clobazam and its major active metabolite,
N-desmethylclobazam, lower than those in humans at the maximum recommended
human dose (MRHD) of 40 mg/day.
Oral administration of clobazam (0, 10, 30, or 75
mg/kg/day) to pregnant rabbits throughout the period of organogenesis resulted
in decreased fetal body weights, and increased incidences of fetal
malformations (visceral and skeletal) at the mid and high doses, and an
increase in embryofetal mortality at the high dose. Incidences of fetal
variations were increased at all doses. The highest dose tested was associated
with maternal toxicity (ataxia and decreased activity). The low-effect dose for
embryofetal developmental toxicity in rabbits (10 mg/kg/day) was associated
with plasma exposures for clobazam and N-desmethylclobazam lower than those in humans
at the MRHD.
Oral administration of clobazam (0, 50, 350, or 750
mg/kg/day) to rats throughout pregnancy and lactation resulted in increased
embryofetal mortality at the high dose, decreased pup survival at the mid and
high doses and alterations in offspring behavior (locomotor activity) at all
doses. The low-effect dose for adverse effects on pre-and postnatal development
in rats (50 mg/kg/day) was associated with plasma exposures for clobazam and
N-desmethylclobazam lower than those in humans at the MRHD.
Lactation
Risk Summary
ONFI is excreted in human milk. Postmarketing experience
suggests that breastfed infants of mothers taking benzodiazepines, such as
ONFI, may have effects of lethargy, somnolence and poor sucking. The effect of
ONFI on milk production is unknown. The developmental and health benefits of
breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for
ONFI and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from ONFI or
from the underlying maternal condition. If exposing a breastfed infant to ONFI,
observe for any potential adverse effects.
Clinical Considerations
Monitoring For Adverse Reactions
Adverse reactions such as somnolence and difficulty
feeding have been reported in infants during breastfeeding in postmarketing
experience with ONFI. Monitor breastfed infants for possible sedation and poor
sucking.
Data
Scientific literature on ONFI use during lactation is
limited. After short-term administration, clobazam and N-desmethylclobazam are
transferred into breast milk.
Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential
Administration of clobazam to rats prior to and during
mating and early gestation resulted in adverse effects on fertility and early
embryonic development at plasma exposures for clobazam and its major active
metabolite, N-desmethylclobazam, below those in humans at the MRHD [see Nonclinical
Toxicology].
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in patients less than 2 years of
age have not been established.
In a study in which clobazam (0, 4, 36, or 120 mg/kg/day)
was orally administered to rats during the juvenile period of development
(postnatal days 14 to 48), adverse effects on growth (decreased bone density
and bone length) and behavior (altered motor activity and auditory startle
response; learning deficit) were observed at the high dose. The effect on bone
density, but not on behavior, was reversible when drug was discontinued. The
no-effect level for juvenile toxicity (36 mg/kg/day) was associated with plasma
exposures (AUC) to clobazam and its major active metabolite,
N-desmethylclobazam, less than those expected at therapeutic doses in pediatric
patients.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of ONFI did not include sufficient
numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond
differently from younger subjects. However, elderly subjects appear to
eliminate clobazam more slowly than younger subjects based on population
pharmacokinetic analysis. For these reasons, the initial dose in elderly
patients should be 5 mg/day. Patients should be titrated initially to 10-20
mg/day.
Patients may be titrated further to a maximum daily dose
of 40 mg if tolerated [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, CLINICAL
PHARMACOLOGY].
CYP2C19 Poor Metabolizers
Concentrations of clobazam’s active metabolite,
N-desmethylclobazam, are higher in CYP2C19 poor metabolizers than in extensive
metabolizers. For this reason, dosage modification is recommended [see
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Renal Impairment
The pharmacokinetics of ONFI were evaluated in patients
with mild and moderate renal impairment. There were no significant differences
in systemic exposure (AUC and Cmax) between patients with mild or moderate
renal impairment and healthy subjects. No dose adjustment is required for
patients with mild and moderate renal impairment. There is essentially no
experience with ONFI in patients with severe renal impairment or ESRD. It is
not known if clobazam or its active metabolite, N-desmethylclobazam, is
dialyzable [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Hepatic Impairment
ONFI is hepatically metabolized; however, there are
limited data to characterize the effect of hepatic impairment on the
pharmacokinetics of ONFI. For this reason, dosage adjustment is recommended in
patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 5-9). There
is inadequate information about metabolism of ONFI in patients with severe
hepatic impairment [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, CLINICAL
PHARMACOLOGY].