Brivaracetam
RxNorm 1739761· BRIVARACETAM· ORAL
Apotex Corp.
Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Brivaracetam tablets are indicated for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients 1 month of age and older. Brivaracetam tablets are indicated for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients 1 month of age and older. ( 1 )
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adults (16 Years and Older) : The recommended starting dosage for monotherapy or adjunctive therapy is 50 mg twice daily (100 mg per day). Based on individual patient tolerability and therapeutic response, the dosage may be adjusted down to 25 mg twice daily (50 mg per day) or up to 100 mg twice daily (200 mg per day). ( 2.1 ) Pediatric Patients (1 Month to less than 16 Years) : The recommended dosage is based on body weight and is administered orally twice daily ( 2. 1) Hepatic Impairment: Dose adjustment is recommended for all stages of hepatic impairment. ( 2.5 ) 2.1 Dosage Information Monotherapy or Adjunctive Therapy The recommended dosage for patients 1 month of age and older is included in Table 1. In pediatric patients weighing less than 50 kg, the recommended dosing regimen is dependent upon body weight. When initiating treatment, gradual dose escalation is not required. Dosage should be adjusted based on clinical response and tolerability. Table 1: Recommended Dosage for Patients 1 Month of Age and Older Age and Body Weight Initial Dosage Minimum and Maximum Maintenance Dosage Adults (16 years and older) 50 mg twice daily (100 mg per day) 25 mg to 100 mg twice daily (50 mg to 200 mg per day) Pediatric patients weighing 50 kg or more 25 mg to 50 mg twice daily (50 mg to 100 mg per day) 25 mg to 100 mg twice daily (50 mg to 200 mg per day) Pediatric patients weighing 20 kg to less than 50 kg 0.5 mg/kg to 1 mg/kg twice daily (1 mg/kg to 2 mg/kg per day) 0.5 mg/kg to 2 mg/kg twice daily (1 mg/kg to 4 mg/kg per day) Pediatric patients weighing 11 kg to less than 20 kg 0.5 mg/kg to 1.25 mg/kg twice daily (1 mg/kg to 2.5 mg/kg per day) 0.5 mg/kg to 2.5 mg/kg twice daily (1 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg per day) Pediatric patients weighing less than 11 kg 0.75 mg/kg to 1.5 mg/kg twice daily (1.5 mg/kg to 3 mg/kg per day) 0.75 mg/kg to 3 mg/kg twice daily (1.5 mg/kg to 6 mg/kg per day) 2.2 Administration Instructions for Brivaracetam Tablets Brivaracetam can be initiated with oral administration. Brivaracetam tablets may be taken with or without food. Brivaracetam tablets should be swallowed whole with liquid. Brivaracetam tablets should not be chewed or crushed. 2.4 Discontinuation of Brivaracetam Tablets Avoid abrupt withdrawal from brivaracetam tablets in order to minimize the risk of increased seizure frequency and status epilepticus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) and Clinical Studies ( 14 )]. 2.5 Patients with Hepatic Impairment The recommended dosage for patients with hepatic impairment is included in Table 2 [ see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] . Table 2: Recommended Dosage for Patients with Hepatic Impairment Age and Body Weight Initial Dosage Maximum Maintenance Dosage Adults (16 years and older) 25 mg twice daily (50 mg per day) 75 mg twice daily (150 mg per day) Pediatric patients weighing 50 kg or more Pediatric patients weighing 20 kg to less than 50 kg 0.5 mg/kg twice daily (1 mg/kg per day) 1.5 mg/kg twice daily (3 mg/kg per day) Pediatric patients weighing 11 kg to less than 20 kg 0.5 mg/kg twice daily (1 mg/kg per day) 2 mg/kg twice daily (4 mg/kg per day) Pediatric patients weighing less than 11 kg 0.75 mg/kg twice daily (1.5 mg/kg per day) 2.25 mg/kg twice daily (4.5 mg/kg per day) 2.6 Co-administration with Rifampin Increase the brivaracetam tablets dosage in patients on concomitant rifampin by up to 100% (i.e., double the dosage) [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Suicidal Behavior and Ideation : Monitor patients for suicidal behavior and ideation. ( 5. 1) Neurological Adverse Reactions : Monitor for somnolence and fatigue, and advise patients not to drive or operate machinery until they have gained sufficient experience on brivaracetam tablets. ( 5.2 ) Psychiatric Adverse Reactions: Behavioral reactions including psychotic symptoms, irritability, depression, aggressive behavior, and anxiety; monitor patients for symptoms. ( 5.3 ) Hypersensitivity: Bronchospasm and Angioedema: Advise patients to seek immediate medical care. Discontinue and do not restart brivaracetam tablets if hypersensitivity occurs. ( 5.4 ) Serious Dermatologic Reactions: Discontinue brivaracetam tablets unless an alternative etiology is established ( 5.5 ) Withdrawal of Antiepileptic Drugs: Brivaracetam tablets should be gradually withdrawn. ( 5.6 ) 5.1 Suicidal Behavior and Ideation Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including brivaracetam, 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% 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 3 shows absolute and relative risk by indication for all evaluated AEDs. Table 3: Risk of Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors 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 in patients with epilepsy than in clinical trials in patients with psychiatric or other conditions, but the absolute risk differences were similar for the epilepsy and psychiatric indications. Anyone considering prescribing brivaracetam or any other AED must balance the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors 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. Shou…
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Hypersensitivity to brivaracetam or any of the inactive ingredients in brivaracetam tablets (bronchospasm and angioedema have occurred) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]. Hypersensitivity to brivaracetam or any of the inactive ingredients in brivaracetam tablets. ( 4 )
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Rifampin : Because of decreased concentrations, increasing brivaracetam dosage in patients on concomitant rifampin is recommended. ( 2.6 , 7.1 ) Carbamazepine : Because of increased exposure to carbamazepine metabolite, if tolerability issues arise, consider reducing carbamazepine dosage in patients on concomitant brivaracetam. ( 7. 2) Phenytoin : Because phenytoin concentrations can increase, phenytoin levels should be monitored in patients on concomitant brivaracetam. ( 7.3 ) Levetiracetam: Brivaracetam had no added therapeutic benefit when co- administered with levetiracetam. (7.4 ) 7.1 Rifampin Co-administration with rifampin decreases brivaracetam plasma concentrations likely because of CYP2C19 induction [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Prescribers should increase the brivaracetam dose by up to 100% (i.e., double the dosage) in patients while receiving concomitant treatment with rifampin [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.6 )]. 7.2 Carbamazepine Co-administration with carbamazepine may increase exposure to carbamazepine-epoxide, the active metabolite of carbamazepine. Though available data did not reveal any safety concerns, if tolerability issues arise when co-administered, carbamazepine dose reduction should be considered [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 7.3 Phenytoin Because brivaracetam can increase plasma concentrations of phenytoin, phenytoin levels should be monitored in patients when concomitant brivaracetam is added to or discontinued from ongoing phenytoin therapy [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 7.4 Levetiracetam Brivaracetam provided no added therapeutic benefit to levetiracetam when the two drugs were co-administered [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )].
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), such as brivaracetam tablets, during pregnancy. Encourage patients who are taking brivaracetam tablets during pregnancy to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry by calling the toll free number 1-888-233-2334 or visiting http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/. Risk Summary Available data from the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) pregnancy registry, a prospective cohort study, case reports, and a case series are insufficient to identify a risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or other maternal or fetal outcomes associated with brivaracetam tablets use during pregnancy. In animal studies, brivaracetam produced evidence of developmental toxicity (increased embryofetal mortality and decreased fetal body weights in rabbits; decreased growth, delayed sexual maturation, and long-term neurobehavioral changes in rat offspring) at maternal plasma exposures greater than clinical exposures [see Data]. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Oral administration of brivaracetam (0, 150, 300, or 600 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis did not produce any significant maternal or embryofetal toxicity. The highest dose tested was associated with maternal plasma exposures (AUC) approximately 30 times exposures in humans at the maximum recommended dose (MRD) of 200 mg/day. Oral administration of brivaracetam (0, 30, 60, 120, or 240 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis resulted in embryofetal mortality and decreased fetal body weights at the highest dose tested, which was also maternally toxic. The highest no-effect dose (120 mg/kg/day) was associated with maternal plasma exposures approximately 4 times human exposures at the MRD. When brivaracetam (0, 150, 300, or 600 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to rats throughout pregnancy and lactation, decreased growth, delayed sexual maturation (female), and long-term neurobehavioral changes were observed in the offspring at the highest dose. The highest no-effect dose (300 mg/kg/day) was associated with maternal plasma exposures approximately 7 times human exposures at the MRD. Brivaracetam was shown to readily cross the placenta in pregnant rats after a single oral (5 mg/kg) dose of 14 C-brivaracetam. From 1 hour post dose, radioactivity levels in fetuses, amniotic fluid, and placenta were similar to those measured in maternal blood.
Nursing mothers
8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of brivaracetam have been established in pediatric patients 1 month to less than 16 years of age. Use of brivaracetam in these age groups is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of brivaracetam in adults with partial-onset seizures, pharmacokinetic data from adult and pediatric patients, and safety data in pediatric patients 2 months to less than 16 years of age [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ), and Clinical Studies ( 14 )]. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 1 month have not been established. Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data The potential adverse effects of brivaracetam on postnatal growth and development were investigated in juvenile rats and dogs. Oral administration (0, 150, 300, or 600 mg/kg/day) to rats during the neonatal and juvenile periods of development (approximately equivalent to neonatal through adolescent development in humans) resulted in increased mortality, decreased body weight gain, delayed male sexual maturation, and adverse neurobehavioral effects at the highest dose tested and decreased brain size and weight at all doses. Therefore, a no-effect dose was not established; the lowest dose tested in juvenile rats was associated with plasma exposures (AUC) approximately 2 times those in children and adolescents at the recommended maintenance dose. In dogs, oral administration (0, 15, 30, or 100 mg/kg/day) throughout the neonatal and juvenile periods of development induced liver changes similar to those observed in adult animals at the highest dose but produced no adverse effects on growth, bone density or strength, neurological testing, or neuropathology evaluation. The overall no-effect dose (30 mg/kg/day) and the no-effect dose for adverse effects on developmental parameters (100 mg/kg/day) were associated with plasma exposures approximately equal to and 4 times, respectively, those in children and adolescents at the recommended maintenance dose.
Adverse events
Most frequently reported events (FDA FAERS). Report frequency does not imply causation.
- seizure3,062
- off label use1,088
- drug ineffective924
- fatigue543
- therapy interrupted480
- somnolence470
- overdose452
- dizziness447
- product availability issue368
- fall349
- generalised tonic-clonic seizure324
- product dose omission issue299
- epilepsy292
- product use issue291
- headache290
- aggression288
Adverse reactions (label)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in labeling: Suicidal Behavior and Ideation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Neurological Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Psychiatric Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hypersensitivity: Bronchospasm and Angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Serious Dermatologic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Withdrawal of Antiepileptic Drugs [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Adults : Most common adverse reactions (at least 5% for brivaracetam and at least 2% more frequently than placebo) are somnolence/sedation, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea/vomiting. ( 6.1 ) Pediatric Patients: Most common adverse reactions are similar to those seen in adult patients. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Apotex Corp. at 1-800-706-5575 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In all controlled and uncontrolled trials performed in adult epilepsy patients, brivaracetam was administered as adjunctive therapy to 2,437 patients. Of these patients, 1,929 were treated for at least 6 months, 1,500 for at least 12 months, 1,056 for at least 24 months, and 758 for at least 36 months. A total of 1,558 patients (1,099 patients treated with brivaracetam and 459 patients treated with placebo) constituted the safety population in the pooled analysis of Phase 3 placebo-controlled studies in patients with partial-onset seizures (Studies 1, 2, and 3) [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . The adverse reactions presented in Table 4 are based on this safety population; the median length of treatment in these studies was 12 weeks. Of the patients in those studies, approximately 51% were male, 74% were Caucasian, and the mean age was 38 years. In the Phase 3 controlled epilepsy studies, adverse events occurred in 68% of patients treated with brivaracetam and 62% treated with placebo. The most common adverse reactions occurring at a frequency of at least 5% in patients treated with brivaracetam doses of at least 50 mg/day and greater than placebo were somnolence and sedation (16%), dizziness (12%), fatigue (9%), and nausea and vomiting symptoms (5%). The discontinuation rates due to adverse events were 5%, 8%, and 7% for patients randomized to receive brivaracetam at the recommended doses of 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg/day, respectively, compared to 4% in patients randomized to receive placebo. Table 4 lists adverse reactions for brivaracetam that occurred at least 2% more frequently for brivaracetam doses of at least 50 mg/day than placebo. Table 4: Adverse Reactions in Pooled Placebo-Controlled Adjunctive Therapy Studies in Adult Patients with Partial-Onset Seizures (Brivaracetam 50 mg/day, 100 mg/day, and 200 mg/day) Adverse Reactions Brivaracetam (N=803) % Placebo (N=459) % Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea/vomiting symptoms 5 3 Constipation 2 0 Nervous system disorders Somnolence and sedation 16 8 Dizziness 12 7 Fatigue 9 4 Cerebellar coordination and balance disturbances* 3 1 Psychiatric disorders Irritability 3 1 * Cerebellar coordination and balance disturbances includes ataxia, balance disorder, coordination abnormal, and nystagmus. There was no apparent dose-dependent increase in adverse reactions listed in Table 4 with the exception of somnolence and sedation. Pediatric Patients Safety of brivaracetam were evaluated in two open-label, safety and pharmacokinetic trials in pediatric patients 2 months to less than 16 years of age. Across studies of pediatric patients with partial onset seizures, 186 patients received brivaracetam oral solution or tablet, of whom 123 received brivaracetam for at lea…
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