WARNINGS
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS
Acute Myopia And Secondary Angle Closure Glaucoma
A syndrome consisting of acute myopia associated with
secondary angle closure glaucoma has been reported in patients receiving
topiramate. Symptoms include acute onset of decreased visual acuity and/or
ocular pain. Ophthalmologic findings can include myopia, anterior chamber
shallowing, ocular hyperemia (redness) and increased intraocular pressure.
Mydriasis may or may not be present. This syndrome may be associated with
supraciliary effusion resulting in anterior displacement of the lens and iris,
with secondary angle closure glaucoma. Symptoms typically occur within 1 month
of initiating topiramate therapy. In contrast to primary narrow angle glaucoma,
which is rare under 40 years of age, secondary angle closure glaucoma
associated with topiramate has been reported in pediatric patients as well as adults.
The primary treatment to reverse symptoms is discontinuation of Trokendi XR™ as
rapidly as possible, according to the judgment of the treating physician. Other
measures, in conjunction with discontinuation of Trokendi XR™, may be helpful.
Elevated intraocular pressure of any etiology, if left
untreated, can lead to serious sequelae including permanent vision loss.
Oligohydrosis And Hyperthermia
Oligohydrosis (decreased sweating), resulting in
hospitalization in some cases, has been reported in association with topiramate
use. Decreased sweating and an elevation in body temperature above normal
characterized these cases. Some of the cases were reported after exposure to
elevated environmental temperatures.
The majority of the reports have been in pediatric
patients. Patients, especially pediatric patients, treated with Trokendi XR™
should be monitored closely for evidence of decreased sweating and increased
body temperature, especially in hot weather. Caution should be used when
Trokendi XR™ is prescribed with other drugs that predispose patients to
heat-related disorders; these drugs include, but are not limited to, other
carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and drugs with anticholinergic activity.
Metabolic Acidosis
Hyperchloremic, non-anion gap, metabolic acidosis (i.e.,
decreased serum bicarbonate below the normal reference range in the absence of
chronic respiratory alkalosis) is associated with topiramate, and can be
expected with treatment with Trokendi XR™. This metabolic acidosis is caused by
renal bicarbonate loss due to the inhibitory effect of topiramate on carbonic
anhydrase. Such electrolyte imbalance has been observed with the use of
topiramate in placebo-controlled clinical trials and in the post-marketing
period. Generally, topiramate-induced metabolic acidosis occurs early in
treatment although cases can occur at any time during treatment. Bicarbonate
decrements are usually mild-moderate (average decrease of 4 mEq/L at daily
doses of 400 mg in adults and at approximately 6 mg/kg/day in pediatric
patients); rarely, patients can experience severe decrements to values below 10
mEq/L. Conditions or therapies that predispose patients to acidosis (such as
renal disease, severe respiratory disorders, status epilepticus, diarrhea,
ketogenic diet or specific drugs) may be additive to the bicarbonate lowering
effects of topiramate.
Adults
In adults, the incidence of persistent treatment-emergent
decreases in serum bicarbonate (levels of less than 20 mEq/L at two consecutive
visits or at the final visit) in controlled clinical trials for adjunctive
treatment of epilepsy was 32% for 400 mg per day, and 1% for placebo. Metabolic
acidosis has been observed at doses as low as 50 mg per day. The incidence of
persistent treatment-emergent decreases in serum bicarbonate in adults in the
epilepsy controlled clinical trial for monotherapy was 15% for 50 mg per day
and 25% for 400 mg per day. The incidence of a markedly abnormally low serum
bicarbonate (i.e., absolute value less than 17 mEq/L and greater than 5 mEq/L
decrease from pretreatment) in the adjunctive therapy trials was 3% for 400 mg
per day, and 0% for placebo and in the monotherapy trial was 1% for 50 mg per
day and 7% for 400 mg per day. Serum bicarbonate levels have not been
systematically evaluated at daily doses greater than 400 mg per day.
Pediatric Patients (2 Years To 16 Years Of Age)
Although Trokendi XR™ is not approved for use in patients
below the age of 6, the incidence of persistent treatment-emergent decreases in
serum bicarbonate in placebo-controlled trials for adjunctive treatment of
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or refractory partial onset seizures in patients age 2
years to 16 years was 67% for topiramate (at approximately 6 mg/kg/day), and
10% for placebo. The incidence of a markedly abnormally low serum bicarbonate
(i.e., absolute value less than17 mEq/L and greater than 5 mEq/L decrease from
pretreatment) in these trials was 11% for topiramate and 0% for placebo. Cases
of moderately severe metabolic acidosis have been reported in patients as young
as 5 months old, especially at daily doses above 5 mg/kg/day.
In pediatric patients (6 years to 15 years of age), the
incidence of persistent treatment-emergent decreases in serum bicarbonate in
the epilepsy controlled clinical trial for monotherapy performed with
topiramate was 9% for 50 mg per day and 25% for 400 mg per day. The incidence
of a markedly abnormally low serum bicarbonate (i.e., absolute value less than
17 mEq/L and greater than 5 mEq/L decrease from pretreatment) in this trial was
1% for 50 mg per day and 6% for 400 mg per day.
Pediatric Patients (Under 2 Years Of Age)
Although Trokendi XR™ is not approved for use in patients
less than 6 years of age with partial onset seizures, a study of topiramate as
adjunctive use in patients under 2 years of age revealed that topiramate
produced a metabolic acidosis that is notably greater in magnitude than that
observed in controlled trials in older children and adults. The mean treatment
difference (25 mg/kg/day topiramate-placebo) was -5.9 mEq/L for bicarbonate.
The incidence of metabolic acidosis (defined by a serum bicarbonate less than
20 mEq/L) was 0% for placebo, 30% for 5 mg/kg/day, 50% for 15 mg/kg/day, and
45% for 25 mg/kg/day [see Use In Specific Populations].
Manifestations Of Metabolic Acidosis
Some manifestations of acute or chronic metabolic
acidosis may include hyperventilation, nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue and
anorexia, or more severe sequelae including cardiac arrhythmias or stupor.
Chronic, untreated metabolic acidosis may increase the risk for nephrolithiasis
or nephrocalcinosis, and may also result in osteomalacia (referred to as
rickets in pediatric patients) and/or osteoporosis with an increased risk for
fractures. Chronic metabolic acidosis in pediatric patients may also reduce
growth rates. A reduction in growth rate may eventually decrease the maximal
height achieved. The effect of topiramate on growth and bone-related sequelae
has not been systematically investigated in long-term, placebo-controlled
trials. Long-term, open-label treatment of infants/toddlers, with intractable
partial epilepsy, for up to 1 year, showed reductions from baseline in Z SCORES
for length, weight, and head circumference compared to age and sex-matched
normative data, although these patients with epilepsy are likely to have
different growth rates than normal infants. Reductions in Z SCORES for length
and weight were correlated to the degree of acidosis [see Pediatric Use].
Topiramate treatment that causes metabolic acidosis during pregnancy can
possibly produce adverse effects on the fetus and might also cause metabolic
acidosis in the neonate from possible transfer of topiramate to the fetus [see Fetal Toxicity and Use In Specific Populations].
Risk Mitigation Strategies
Measurement of baseline and periodic serum bicarbonate
during topiramate treatment is recommended. If metabolic acidosis develops and
persists, consideration should be given to reducing the dose or discontinuing
topiramate (using dose tapering). If the decision is made to continue patients
on topiramate in the face of persistent acidosis, alkali treatment should be
considered.
Interaction With Alcohol
In vitro data show that, in the presence of alcohol, the
pattern of topiramate release from Trokendi XR™ capsules is significantly
altered. As a result, plasma levels of topiramate with Trokendi XR™ may be
markedly higher soon after dosing and subtherapeutic later in the day. Therefore,
alcohol use should be completely avoided within 6 hours prior to and 6 hours
after Trokendi XR™ administration.
Suicidal Behavior And Ideation
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) increase the risk of suicidal
thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication.
Patients treated with any AED, including Trokendi XR™ for any indication should
be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or
behavior, and/or any unusual changes in mood or behavior.
Pooled analyses of 199 placebo-controlled clinical trials
(mono-and adjunctive therapy) of 11 different AEDs showed that patients
randomized to one of the AEDs had approximately twice the risk (adjusted
Relative Risk 1.8, 95% CI:1.2, 2.7) of suicidal thinking or behavior compared
to patients randomized to placebo. In these trials, which had a median
treatment duration of 12 weeks, the estimated incidence rate of suicidal
behavior or ideation among 27,863 AED-treated patients was 0.43%, compared to
0.24% among 16,029 placebo-treated patients, representing an increase of
approximately one case of suicidal thinking or behavior for every 530 patients
treated. There were four suicides in drug-treated patients in the trials and
none in placebo-treated patients, but the number is too small to allow any
conclusion about drug effect on suicide.
The increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior with
AEDs was observed as early as one week after starting drug treatment with AEDs
and persisted for the duration of treatment assessed. Because most trials
included in the analysis did not extend beyond 24 weeks, the risk of suicidal
thoughts or behavior beyond 24 weeks could not be assessed.
The risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior was generally
consistent among drugs in the data analyzed. The finding of increased risk with
AEDs of varying mechanisms of action and across a range of indications suggests
that the risk applies to all AEDs used for any indication. The risk did not
vary substantially by age (5 to 100 years) in the clinical trials analyzed.
Table 1 shows absolute and relative risk by indication
for all evaluated AEDs.
Table 1: Risk by Indication for Antiepileptic Drugs in
the Pooled Analysis
Indication |
Placebo Patients with Events per 1,000 Patients |
Drug Patients with Events per 1,000 Patients |
Relative Risk: Incidence of Events in Drug Patients/ Incidence in Placebo Patients |
Risk Difference: Additional Drug Patients with Events per 1,000 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
Trokendi XR™ 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.
Cognitive/Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions
Adverse reactions most often associated with the use of
topiramate, and therefore expected to be associated with the use of Trokendi
XR™ were related to the central nervous system and were observed in the
epilepsy population. In adults, the most frequent of these can be classified
into three general categories: 1) Cognitive-related dysfunction (e.g.
confusion, psychomotor slowing, difficulty with concentration/attention,
difficulty with memory, speech or language problems, particularly word-finding
difficulties), 2) Psychiatric/behavioral disturbances (e.g. depression or mood
problems), and 3) Somnolence or fatigue.
Adult Patients
Cognitive Related Dysfunction
The majority of cognitive-related adverse reactions were
mild to moderate in severity, and they frequently occurred in isolation. Rapid
titration rate and higher initial dose were associated with higher incidences
of these reactions. Many of these reactions contributed to withdrawal from
treatment [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
In the adjunctive epilepsy controlled trials conducted
with topiramate (using rapid titration such as 100 mg per day to 200mg per day
weekly increments), the proportion of patients who experienced one or more
cognitive-related adverse reactions was 42% for 200mg per day, 41% for 400mg
per day, 52% for 600mg per day, 56% for 800 and 1,000 mg per day, and 14% for
placebo. These dose-related adverse reactions began with a similar frequency in
the titration or in the maintenance phase, although in some patients the events
began during titration and persisted into the maintenance phase. Some patients
who experienced one or more cognitive-related adverse reactions in the
titration phase had a dose-related recurrence of these reactions in the
maintenance phase.
In the monotherapy epilepsy controlled trial conducted
with topiramate, the proportion of patients who experienced one or more
cognitive-related adverse reactions was 19% for topiramate 50mg per day and 26%
for 400mg per day.
Psychiatric/Behavioral Disturbances
Psychiatric/behavioral disturbances (depression or mood)
were dose-related for the epilepsy population treated with topiramate [see Cognitive/Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions].
Somnolence/Fatigue
Somnolence and fatigue were the adverse reactions most
frequently reported during clinical trials of topiramate for adjunctive epilepsy.
For the adjunctive epilepsy population, the incidence of somnolence did not
differ substantially between 200 mg per day and 1,000 mg per day, but the
incidence of fatigue was dose-related and increased at dosages above 400 mg per
day. For the monotherapy epilepsy population in the 50 mg per day and 400 mg
per day groups, the incidence of somnolence was dose-related (9% for the 50 mg
per day group and 15% for the 400 mg per day group) and the incidence of
fatigue was comparable in both treatment groups (14% each). For other uses not
approved for Trokendi XR™, somnolence and fatigue were more common in the
titration phase.
Additional nonspecific CNS events commonly observed with
topiramate in the adjunctive epilepsy population include dizziness or ataxia.
Pediatric Patients
In double-blind adjunctive therapy and monotherapy
epilepsy clinical studies conducted with topiramate, the incidences of
cognitive/neuropsychiatric adverse reactions in pediatric patients were
generally lower than observed in adults. These reactions included psychomotor
slowing, difficulty with concentration/attention, speech disorders/related
speech problems and language problems. The most frequently reported
neuropsychiatric reactions in pediatric patients during adjunctive therapy
double-blind studies were somnolence and fatigue. The most frequently reported
neuropsychiatric reactions in pediatric patients in the 50 mg per day and 400
mg per day groups during the monotherapy double-blind study were headache,
dizziness, anorexia, and somnolence.
No patients discontinued treatment due to any adverse
events in the adjunctive epilepsy double-blind trials. In the monotherapy
epilepsy double-blind trial conducted with immediate-release topiramate
product, 1 pediatric patient (2%) in the 50 mg per day group and 7 pediatric
patients (12%) in the 400 mg per day group discontinued treatment due to any
adverse events. The most common adverse reaction associated with
discontinuation of therapy was difficulty with concentration/attention; all
occurred in the 400 mg per day group.
Fetal Toxicity
Topiramate can cause fetal harm when administered to a
pregnant woman. Data from pregnancy registries indicate that infants exposed to
topiramate in utero have an increased risk for cleft lip and/or cleft palate
(oral clefts). When multiple species of pregnant animals received topiramate at
clinically relevant doses, structural malformations, including craniofacial
defects, and reduced fetal weights occurred in offspring [see Use In Specific
Populations].
Consider the benefits and risks of topiramate when
administering the drug in women of childbearing potential, particularly when
topiramate is considered for a condition not usually associated with permanent
injury or death [see Use In Specific Populations]. Topiramate should be
used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential
risk. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant
while taking this drug, the patient should be informed of the potential hazard
to a fetus [see Use In Specific Populations].
Withdrawal Of Antiepileptic Drugs
In patients with or without a history of seizures or
epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs including Trokendi XR™ should be gradually
withdrawn to minimize the potential for seizures or increased seizure frequency
[see Clinical Studies]. In situations where rapid withdrawal of Trokendi
XR™ is medically required, appropriate monitoring is recommended.
Hyperammonemia and Encephalopathy
Hyperammonemia/Encephalopathy Without Concomitant
Valproic Acid (VPA)
Topiramate treatment has produced hyperammonemia (in some
instances dose-related) in clinical investigational programs in very young
pediatric patients (1 month to 24 months) who were treated with adjunctive
topiramate for partial onset epilepsy (8% for placebo, 10% for 5 mg/kg/day, 0%
for 15 mg/kg/day, 9 % for 25 mg/kg/day). Trokendi XR™ is not approved as
adjunctive treatment of partial onset seizures in pediatric patients less than
6 years old. In some patients, ammonia was markedly increased (greater than 50
% above upper limit of normal). The hyperammonemia associated with topiramate
treatment occurred with and without encephalopathy in placebo-controlled
trials, and in an open-label, extension trial. Dose-related hyperammonemia was
also observed in the extension trial in pediatric patients up to 2 years old.
Clinical symptoms of hyperammonemic encephalopathy often include acute
alterations in level of consciousness and/or cognitive function with lethargy
or vomiting.
Hyperammonemia with and without encephalopathy has also
been observed in post-marketing reports in patients who were taking topiramate
without concomitant valproic acid (VPA).
Hyperammonemia/Encephalopathy With Concomitant Valproic
Acid (VPA)
Concomitant administration of topiramate and valproic
acid (VPA) has been associated with hyperammonemia with or without
encephalopathy in patients who have tolerated either drug alone based upon
post-marketing reports. Although hyperammonemia may be asymptomatic, clinical
symptoms of hyperammonemic encephalopathy often include acute alterations in
level of consciousness and/or cognitive function with lethargy or vomiting. In
most cases, symptoms and signs abated with discontinuation of either drug. This
adverse reaction is not due to a pharmacokinetic interaction.
Although Trokendi XR™ is not indicated for use in
infants/toddlers (1month to 24 months), topiramate with concomitant VPA clearly
produced a dose-related increase in the incidence of treatment-emergent
hyperammonemia (above the upper limit of normal, 0% for placebo, 12% for 5
mg/kg/day, 7% for 15 mg/kg/day, 17% for 25 mg/kg/day) in an investigational
program using topiramate. Markedly increased, dose-related hyperammonemia (0%
for placebo and 5 mg/kg/day, 7% for 15 mg/kg/day, and 8% for 25 mg/kg/day) also
occurred in these infants/toddlers. Dose-related hyperammonemia was similarly
observed in a long-term, extension trial utilizing topiramate in these very
young, pediatric patients [see Use In Specific Populations].
Hyperammonemia with and without encephalopathy has also
been observed in post-marketing reports in patients taking topiramate with
valproic acid (VPA).
The hyperammonemia associated with topiramate treatment
appears to be more common when used concomitantly with VPA.
Monitoring For Hyperammonemia
Patients with inborn errors of metabolism or reduced
hepatic mitochondrial activity may be at an increased risk for hyperammonemia
with or without encephalopathy. Although not studied, topiramate or Trokendi
XR™ treatment or an interaction of concomitant topiramate-based product and
valproic acid treatment may exacerbate existing defects or unmask deficiencies
in susceptible persons.
In patients who develop unexplained lethargy, vomiting,
or changes in mental status associated with any topiramate treatment,
hyperammonemic encephalopathy should be considered and an ammonia level should
be measured.
Kidney Stones
A total of 32/2086 (1.5%) of adults exposed to topiramate
during its adjunctive epilepsy therapy development reported the occurrence of
kidney stones, an incidence about 2 to 4 times greater than expected in a
similar, untreated population. In the double-blind monotherapy epilepsy study,
a total of 4/319 (1.3%) of adults exposed to topiramate reported the occurrence
of kidney stones. As in the general population, the incidence of stone
formation among topiramate treated patients was higher in men. Kidney stones
have also been reported in pediatric patients. During long-term (up to 1 year)
topiramate treatment in an open-label extension study of 284 pediatric patients
1 month to 24 months old with epilepsy, 7% developed kidney or bladder stones
that were diagnosed clinically or by sonogram. Trokendi XR™ is not approved for
pediatric patients less than 6 years old [see Use In Specific Populations].
Trokendi XR™ would be expected to have the same effect as
topiramate on the formation of kidney stones. An explanation for the
association of topiramate and kidney stones may lay in the fact that topiramate
is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g.,
zonisamide, acetazolamide or dichlorphenamide) can promote stone formation by
reducing urinary citrate excretion and by increasing urinary pH [see WARNINGS
AND PRECAUTIONS]. The concomitant use of Trokendi XR™ with any other drug
producing metabolic acidosis, or potentially in patients on a ketogenic diet
may create a physiological environment that increases the risk of kidney stone
formation, and should therefore be avoided.
Increased fluid intake increases the urinary output,
lowering the concentration of substances involved in stone formation. Hydration
is recommended to reduce new stone formation.
Hypothermia With Concomitant Valproic Acid Use
Hypothermia, defined as an unintentional drop in body
core temperature to less than 35°C (95°F) has been reported in association with
topiramate use with concomitant valproic acid (VPA) both in the presence and in
the absence of hyperammonemia. This adverse reaction in patients using
concomitant topiramate and valproate can occur after starting topiramate
treatment or after increasing the daily dose of topiramate [see DRUG
INTERACTIONS]. Consideration should be given to stopping topiramate or
valproate in patients who develop hypothermia, which may be manifested by a
variety of clinical abnormalities including lethargy, confusion, coma, and
significant alterations in other major organ systems such as the cardiovascular
and respiratory systems. Clinical management and assessment should include
examination of blood ammonia levels.
Paresthesia
Paresthesia (usually tingling of the extremities), an
effect associated with the use of other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, appears
to be a common effect of topiramate. Paresthesia was more frequently reported
in the monotherapy epilepsy trials conducted with topiramate than in the
adjunctive therapy epilepsy trials conducted with the same product. In the
majority of instances, paresthesia did not lead to treatment discontinuation.
Interaction With Other CNS Depressants
Topiramate is a CNS depressant. Concomitant
administration of topiramate with other CNS depressant drugs can result in
significant CNS depression. Patients should be watched carefully when Trokendi
XR™ is coadministered with other CNS depressant drugs.
Patient Counseling Information
See FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide)
Administration Instructions
Counsel patients to swallow Trokendi XR™ capsules whole
and intact. Trokendi XR™ should not be sprinkled on food, chewed or crushed. [See
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Consumption Of Alcohol
Advise patients to completely avoid consumption of
alcohol at least 6 hours prior to and 6 hours after taking Trokendi XR™[see WARNINGS
AND PRECAUTIONS].
Acute Myopia And Secondary Angle Closure Glaucoma
Advise patients taking Trokendi XR™ to seek immediate
medical attention if they experience blurred vision, visual disturbances or
periorbital pain [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Oligohydrosis And Hyperthermia
Counsel patients that Trokendi XR™, especially pediatric
patients, can cause decreased sweating and increased body temperature,
especially in hot weather, and they should seek medical attention if this is
noticed [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Metabolic Acidosis
Inform patients about the potentially significant risk
for metabolic acidosis that may be asymptomatic and may be associated with
adverse effects on kidneys (e.g., kidney stones, nephrocalcinosis), bones
(e.g., osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and/or rickets in children), and growth
(e.g., growth delay/retardation) in pediatric patients, and on the fetus [see
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Suicidal Behavior And Ideation
Counsel patients, their caregivers, and families that
AEDs, including Trokendi XR™, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and
behavior and they 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. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Interference With Cognitive And Motor Performance
Warn patients about the potential for somnolence,
dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, visual effects and advise them
not to drive or operate machinery until they have gained sufficient experience
on Trokendi XR™ to gauge whether it adversely affects their mental performance,
motor performance, and/or vision. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that even when taking Trokendi XR™ or
other anticonvulsants, some patients with epilepsy will continue to have
unpredictable seizures. Therefore, counsel all patients taking Trokendi XR™ for
epilepsy to exercise appropriate caution when engaging in any activities where
loss of consciousness could result in serious danger to themselves or those
around them (including swimming, driving a car, climbing in high places, etc.).
Some patients with refractory epilepsy will need to avoid such activities
altogether. Physicians should discuss the appropriate level of caution with
their patients, before patients with epilepsy engage in such activities.
Fetal Toxicity
Counsel pregnant women and women of childbearing
potential that use of topiramate during pregnancy can cause fetal harm,
including an increased risk for cleft lip and/or cleft palate (oral clefts),
which occur early in pregnancy before many women know they are pregnant. When
appropriate, prescribers should counsel pregnant women and women of
childbearing potential about alternative therapeutic options.
Advise women of childbearing potential who are not
planning a pregnancy to use effective contraception while using topiramate,
keeping in mind that there is a potential for decreased contraceptive efficacy
when using estrogen-containing birth control with topiramate [see WARNINGS
AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Encourage pregnant women using topiramate to enroll in
the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry. The registry
is collecting information about the safety of antiepileptic drugs during
pregnancy. To enroll, patients can call the toll free number, 1-888-233-2334.
Information about the North American Drug Pregnancy Registry can be found at
http://www.massgeneral.org/aed/ [see Use In Specific Populations].
Hyperammonemia And Encephalopathy
Warn patients about the possible development of
hyperammonemia with or without encephalopathy. Although hyperammonemia may be
asymptomatic, clinical symptoms of hyperammonemic encephalopathy often include
acute alterations in level of consciousness and/or cognitive function with
lethargy or vomiting. This hyperammonemia and encephalopathy can develop with
topiramate treatment alone or with topiramate treatment with concomitant
valproic acid (VPA). Patients should be instructed to contact their physician
if they develop unexplained lethargy, vomiting, or changes in mental status [see
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Kidney Stones
Instruct patients, particularly those with predisposing
factors, to maintain an adequate fluid intake in order to minimize the risk of
kidney stone formation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Hypothermia
Counsel patients that Trokendi XR™ can cause a reduction
in body temperature, which can lead to alterations in mental status. If they
note such changes, they should call their health care professional and measure
their body temperature. Patients taking concomitant valproic acid should be
specifically counseled on this potential adverse reaction [see WARNINGS AND
PRECAUTIONS].
Paresthesia
Counsel patients that they may experience tingling in the
arms and legs. If this symptom occurs, they should consult with their physician
[see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, And Impairment Of Fertility
Carcinogenesis
An increase in urinary bladder tumors was observed in
mice given topiramate (20 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg) in the diet for 21
months. The elevated bladder tumor incidence, which was statistically
significant in males and females receiving 300 mg/kg, was primarily due to the
increased occurrence of a smooth muscle tumor considered histomorphologically
unique to mice. Plasma exposures in mice receiving 300 mg/kg were approximately
0.5 to 1 times steady-state exposures measured in patients receiving topiramate
monotherapy at the recommended human dose (RHD) of 400 mg, and 1.5 to 2 times
steady-state topiramate exposures in patients receiving 400 mg of topiramate
plus phenytoin. The relevance of this finding to human carcinogenic risk is
uncertain.
No evidence of carcinogenicity was seen in rats following
oral administration of topiramate for 2 years at doses up to 120 mg/kg (approximately
3 times the RHD on a mg/m² basis).
Mutagenesis
Topiramate did not demonstrate genotoxic potential when
tested in a battery of in vitro and in vivo assays. Topiramate was not
mutagenic in the Ames test or the in vitro mouse lymphoma assay; it did not
increase unscheduled DNA synthesis in rat hepatocytes in vitro; and it did not
increase chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocytes in vitro or in rat bone
marrow in vivo.
Impairment Of Fertility
No adverse effects on male or female fertility were observed
in rats at doses up to 100 mg/kg (2.5 times the RHD on a mg/m² basis).
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category D [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Topiramate can cause fetal harm when administered to a
pregnant woman. Data from pregnancy registries indicate that infants exposed to
topiramate in utero have increased risk for cleft lip and/or cleft palate (oral
clefts). When multiple species of pregnant animals received topiramate at
clinically relevant doses, structural malformations, including craniofacial
defects, and reduced fetal weights occurred in offspring. Topiramate should be
used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential
risk. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant
while taking this drug, the patient should be informed of the potential hazard
to the fetus [see Use In Specific Populations].
Pregnancy Registry
Patients should be encouraged to enroll in the North
American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry if they become pregnant.
This registry is collecting information about the safety of antiepileptic drugs
during pregnancy. To enroll, patients can call the toll-free number
1-888-233-2334. Information about the North American Drug Pregnancy Registry
can be found at http://www.massgeneral.org/aed/.
Human Data
Data from the NAAED Pregnancy Registry indicate an increased
risk of oral clefts in infants exposed to topiramate monotherapy during the
first trimester of pregnancy. The prevalence of oral clefts was 1.2% compared
to a prevalence of 0.39% -0.46% in infants exposed to other AEDs, and a
prevalence of 0.12% in infants of mothers without epilepsy or treatment with
other AEDs. For comparison, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) reviewed available data on oral clefts in the United States and found a
similar background rate of 0.17%. The relative risk of oral clefts in
topiramate-exposed pregnancies in the NAAED Pregnancy Registry was 9.6 (95%
Confidence Interval=CI 3.6-25.7) as compared to the risk in a background
population of untreated women. The UK Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register reported
a similarly increased prevalence of oral clefts of 3.2% among infants exposed
to topiramate monotherapy. The observed rate of oral clefts was 16 times higher
than the background rate in the UK, which is approximately 0.2%.
Topiramate treatment can cause metabolic acidosis (see WARNINGS
AND PRECAUTIONS]. The effect of topiramate-induced metabolic acidosis has
not been studied in pregnancy; however, metabolic acidosis in pregnancy (due to
other causes) can cause decreased fetal growth, decreased fetal oxygenation,
and fetal death, and may affect the fetus' ability to tolerate labor. Pregnant
patients should be monitored for metabolic acidosis and treated as in the
nonpregnant state [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Newborns of mothers
treated with topiramate should be monitored for metabolic acidosis because of
transfer of topiramate to the fetus and possible occurrence of transient
metabolic acidosis following birth.
Animal Data
Topiramate has demonstrated selective developmental
toxicity, including teratogenicity, in multiple animal species at clinically
relevant doses. When oral doses of 20 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, or 500 mg/kg were
administered to pregnant mice during the period of organogenesis, the incidence
of fetal malformations (primarily craniofacial defects) was increased at all
doses. The low dose is approximately 0.2 times the recommended human dose (RHD)
400mg per day on a mg/m² basis. Fetal body weights and skeletal ossification
were reduced at 500 mg/kg in conjunction with decreased maternal body weight
gain.
In rat studies (oral doses of 20 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and
500 mg/kg or 0.2 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg), the frequency of
limb malformations (ectrodactyly, micromelia, and amelia) was increased among
the offspring of dams treated with 400 mg/kg (10 times the RHD on a mg/m² basis)
or greater during the organogenesis period of pregnancy. Embryotoxicity
(reduced fetal body weights, increased incidence of structural variations) was
observed at doses as low as 20 mg/kg (0.5 times the RHD on a mg/m² basis).
Clinical signs of maternal toxicity were seen at 400 mg/kg and above, and
maternal body weight gain was reduced during treatment with 100 mg/kg or
greater.
In rabbit studies (20 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg, and 180 mg/kg or
10 mg/kg, 35 mg/kg, and 120 mg/kg orally during organogenesis), embryo/fetal
mortality was increased at 35 mg/kg (2 times the RHD on a mg/m² basis) or
greater, and teratogenic effects (primarily rib and vertebral malformations)
were observed at 120 mg/kg (6 times the RHD on a mg/m² basis). Evidence of
maternal toxicity (decreased body weight gain, clinical signs, and/or
mortality) was seen at 35 mg/kg and above.
When female rats were treated during the latter part of
gestation and throughout lactation (0.2 mg/kg, 4 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg
or 2, 20, and 200 mg/kg), offspring exhibited decreased viability and delayed
physical development at 200 mg/kg (5 times the RHD on a mg/m² basis) and
reductions in pre-and/or postweaning body weight gain at 2mg/kg (0.05 times the
RHD on a mg/m² basis) and above. Maternal toxicity (decreased body weight gain,
clinical signs) was evident at 100 mg/kg or greater.
In a rat embryo/fetal development study with a postnatal
component (0.2 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, or 400mg/kg during organogenesis;
noted above), pups exhibited delayed physical development at 400 mg/kg (10
times the RHD on a mg/m² basis) and persistent reductions in body weight gain
at 30 mg/kg (1 times the RHD on a mg/m² basis) and higher.
Labor And Delivery
Although the effect of topiramate on labor and delivery
in humans has not been established, the development of topiramate-induced
metabolic acidosis in the mother and/or in the fetus might affect the fetus'
ability to tolerate labor [see Use In Specific Populations].
Nursing Mothers
Limited data on 5 breastfeeding infants exposed to
topiramate showed infant plasma topiramate levels equal to 10-20% of the
maternal plasma level. The effects of this exposure on infants are unknown.
Caution should be exercised when Trokendi XR™ is administered to a nursing
woman.
Pediatric Use
Seizures In Pediatric Patients 6 Years Of Age And Older
Because the capsule must be swallowed whole, and may not
be sprinkled on food, crushed or chewed, Trokendi XR™ is recommended only for
children age 6 or older.
The safety and effectiveness of Trokendi XR™ in pediatric
patients is based on controlled trials with immediate-release topiramate [see Clinical
Studies].
The adverse reactions (both common and serious) in
pediatric patients are similar to those seen in adults [see WARNINGS AND
PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
These include, but are not limited to:
- oligohydrosis and hyperthermia [see WARNINGS AND
PRECAUTIONS).
- dose-related increased incidence of metabolic acidosis [see
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- dose-related increased incidence of hyperammonemia [see
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Adjunctive Treatment For Partial Onset Epilepsy In Infants
And Toddlers (1 to 24 months)
The following pediatric use information is based on
studies conducted with immediate-release topiramate.
Safety and effectiveness in patients below the age of 2
years have not been established for the adjunctive therapy treatment of partial
onset seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, or seizures
associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. In a single randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled investigational trial, the efficacy, safety, and
tolerability of immediate-release topiramate oral liquid and sprinkle
formulations as an adjunct to concurrent antiepileptic drug therapy in infants
1 to 24 months of age with refractory partial onset seizures, was assessed.
After 20 days of double-blind treatment, immediate-release topiramate (at fixed
doses of 5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, and 25 mg/kg per day) did not demonstrate efficacy
compared with placebo in controlling seizures.
In general, the adverse reaction profile in this
population was similar to that of older pediatric patients, although results
from the above controlled study, and an open-label, long-term extension study
in these infants/toddlers (1 to 24 months old) suggested some adverse reactions
not previously observed in older pediatric patients and adults; i.e.,
growth/length retardation, certain clinical laboratory abnormalities, and other
adverse reactions that occurred with a greater frequency and/or greater
severity than had been recognized previously from studies in older pediatric
patients or adults for various indications.
These very young pediatric patients appeared to
experience an increased risk for infections (any topiramate dose 12%, placebo
0%) and of respiratory disorders (any topiramate dose 40%, placebo 16%). The
following adverse reactions were observed in at least 3% of patients on
immediate-release topiramate and were 3% to 7% more frequent than in patients
on placebo: viral infection, bronchitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, otitis media,
upper respiratory infection, cough, and bronchospasm. A generally similar
profile was observed in older children [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Immediate-release topiramate resulted in an increased
incidence of patients with increased creatinine (any topiramate dose 5%,
placebo 0%), BUN (any topiramate dose 3%, placebo 0%), and protein (any
topiramate dose 34%, placebo 6%), and an increased incidence of decreased
potassium (any topiramate dose 7%, placebo 0%). This increased frequency of
abnormal values was not dose related. Creatinine was the only analyte showing a
noteworthy increased incidence (topiramate 25 mg/kg/day 5%, placebo 0%) of a
markedly abnormal increase [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. The significance of
these findings is uncertain.
Immediate-release topiramate treatment also produced a
dose-related increase in the percentage of patients who had a shift from normal
at baseline to high/increased (above the normal reference range) in total
eosinophil count at the end of treatment. The incidence of these abnormal
shifts was 6 % for placebo, 10% for 5 mg/kg/day, 9% for 15 mg/kg/day, 14% for
25 mg/kg/day, and 11% for any topiramate dose [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
There was a mean dose-related increase in alkaline phosphatase. The
significance of these findings is uncertain.
Treatment with immediate-release topiramate for up to 1
year was associated with reductions in Z SCORES for length, weight, and head
circumference [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
In open-label, uncontrolled experience, increasing
impairment of adaptive behavior was documented in behavioral testing over time
in this population. There was a suggestion that this effect was dose-related.
However, because of the absence of an appropriate control group, it is not
known if this decrement in function was treatment related or reflects the
patient's underlying disease (e.g., patients who received higher doses may have
more severe underlying disease) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
In this open-label, uncontrolled study, the mortality was
37 deaths/1000 patient years. It is not possible to know whether this mortality
rate is related to immediate-release topiramate treatment, because the
background mortality rate for a similar, significantly refractory, young
pediatric population (1month to 24 months) with partial epilepsy is not known.
Other Pediatric Studies
Topiramate treatment produced a dose-related increased
shift in serum creatinine from normal at baseline to an increased value at the
end of 4 months treatment in adolescent patients (ages 12 years to 16 years) in
a double-blind, placebo-controlled study [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Juvenile Animal Studies
When topiramate (30 mg/kg/day, 90 mg/kg/day or 300
mg/kg/day) was administered orally to rats during the juvenile period of
development (postnatal days 12 to 50), bone growth plate thickness was reduced
in males at the highest dose, which is approximately 5 to 8 times the maximum
recommended pediatric dose (9 mg/kg/day) on a body surface area (mg/m²) basis.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of immediate-release topiramate did not
include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether
they respond differently than younger subjects. Dosage adjustment is necessary
for elderly with creatinine clearance less than 70 mL/min/1.73 m² . Estimate
GFR should be measured prior to dosing [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Race And Gender Effects
Evaluation of effectiveness and safety of topiramate in
clinical trials has shown no race-or gender-related effects.
Renal Impairment
The clearance of topiramate was reduced by 42% in
moderately renally impaired (creatinine clearance 30 to 69 mL/min/1.73m²) and
by 54% in severely renally impaired subjects (creatinine clearance less than 30
mL/min/1.73m²) compared to normal renal function subjects (creatinine clearance
greater than70 mL/min/1.73m²). One-half the usual starting and maintenance dose
is recommended in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment [see DOSAGE
AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Topiramate is cleared by hemodialysis at a rate that is 4
to 6 times greater than a normal individual. Accordingly, a prolonged period of
dialysis may cause topiramate concentration to fall below that required to
maintain an anti-seizure effect. To avoid rapid drops in topiramate plasma
concentration during hemodialysis, a supplemental dose of topiramate may be
required. The actual adjustment should take into account the duration of
dialysis period, the clearance rate of the dialysis system being used, and the
effective renal clearance of topiramate in the patient being dialyzed [see DOSAGE
AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Women Of Childbearing Potential
Data from pregnancy registries indicate that infants
exposed to topiramate in utero have an increased risk for cleft lip and/or
cleft palate (oral clefts) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific
Populations]. Consider the benefits and risks of topiramate when
prescribing this drug to women of childbearing potential, particularly when
topiramate is considered for a condition not usually associated with permanent
injury or death. Because of the risk of oral clefts to the fetus, which occur
in the first trimester of pregnancy before many women know they are pregnant,
all women of childbearing potential should be apprised of the potential hazard
to the fetus from exposure to topiramate. If the decision is made to use
topiramate, women who are not planning a pregnancy would use effective
contraception [see DRUG INTERACTIONS] Women who are planning a pregnancy
would be counseled regarding the relative risks and benefits of topiramate use
during pregnancy, and alternative therapeutic options should be considered for
these patients.