Prescription Drug Information: LEVETIRACETAM (Page 6 of 7)

Time Course Of Onset Of Adverse Events For Partial Onset Seizures

Of the most frequently reported adverse events in adults experiencing partial onset seizures, asthenia, somnolence and dizziness appeared to occur predominantly during the first 4 weeks of treatment with levetiracetam.

Discontinuation Or Dose Reduction In Well-Controlled Clinical Studies

Partial Onset Seizures

In well-controlled adult clinical studies, 15.0% of patients receiving levetiracetam and 11.6% receiving placebo either discontinued or had a dose reduction as a result of an adverse event. Table 12 lists the most common (>1%) adverse events that resulted in discontinuation or dose reduction.

Table 12: Adverse Events That Most Commonly Resulted In Discontinuation Or Dose Reduction In Placebo-Controlled Studies In Adult Patients Experiencing Partial Onset Seizures

Number (%)
Levetiracetam(N=769) Placebo(N=439)
Asthenia 10 (1.3%) 3 (0.7%)
Convulsion 23 (3.0%) 15 (3.4%)
Dizziness 11(1.4%) 0
Rash 0 5 (1.1%)
Somnolence 34 (4.4%) 7 (1.6%)

In the well-controlled pediatric clinical study, 16.8% of patients receiving levetiracetam and 20.6% receiving placebo either discontinued or had a dose reduction as a result of an adverse event. The adverse events most commonly associated (≥3% in patients receiving levetiracetam) with discontinuation or dose reduction in the well-controlled study are presented in Table 13.

Table 13: Adverse Events Most Commonly Associated With Discontinuation Or Dose Reduction In The Placebo-Controlled Study In Pediatric Patients Ages 4-16 Years Experiencing Partial Onset Seizures

Number (%)
Levetiracetam(N=101) Placebo(N=97)
Asthenia 3 (3.0%) 0
Hostility 7 (6.9%) 2 (2.1%)
Somnolence 3 (3.0%) 3 (3.1%)

Myoclonic Seizures In the placebo-controlled study, 8.3% of patients receiving levetiracetam and 1.7% receiving placebo either discontinued or had a dose reduction as a result of an adverse event. The adverse events that led to discontinuation or dose reduction in the well-controlled study are presented in Table 14.

Table 14: Adverse Events That Resulted In Discontinuation Or Dose Reduction In The Placebo-Controlled Study In Patients With Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy

Body System / MedDRA preferred term Levetiracetam ( N = 60 ) n (%) Placebo ( N = 60 ) n (%)
Anxiety 2 (3.3%) 1 (1.7%)
Depressed mood 1 (1.7%) 0
Depression 1 (1.7%) 0
Diplopia 1 (1.7%) 0
Hypersomnia 1 (1.7%) 0
Insomnia 1 (1.7%) 0
Irritability 1 (1.7%) 0
Nervousness 1 (1.7%) 0
Somnolence 1 (1.7%) 0

Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic SeizuresIn the placebo-controlled study, 5.1% of patients receiving levetiracetam and 8.3% receiving placebo either discontinued or had a dose reduction during the treatment period as a result of a treatment-emergent adverse event.

This study was too small to adequately characterize the adverse events leading to discontinuation. It is expected that the adverse events that would lead to discontinuation in this population would be similar to those resulting in discontinuation in other epilepsy trials (see tables 12 — 14).

Comparison Of Gender, Age And Race

The overall adverse experience profile of levetiracetam was similar between females and males. There are insufficient data to support a statement regarding the distribution of adverse experience reports by age and race.

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse events have been identified during postapproval use of levetiracetam. Because these events are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a casual relationship to drug exposure.

In addition to the adverse experiences listed above, the following have been reported in patients receiving marketed levetiracetam worldwide. The listing is alphabetized: abnormal liver function test, hepatic failure, hepatitis, leukopenia, neutropenia, pancreatitis, pancytopenia (with bone marrow suppression identified in some of these cases), thrombocytopenia, and weight loss. Alopecia has been reported with levetiracetam use; recovery was observed in majority of cases where levetiracetam was discontinued. These adverse experiences have not been listed above, and data are insufficient to support an estimate of their incidence or to establish causation.

DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE

The abuse and dependence potential of levetiracetam has not been evaluated in human studies.

OVERDOSAGE

Signs, Symptoms And Laboratory Findings Of Acute Overdosage In Humans

The highest known dose of levetiracetam received in the clinical development program was 6000 mg/day. Other than drowsiness, there were no adverse events in the few known cases of overdose in clinical trials. Cases of somnolence, agitation, aggression, depressed level of consciousness, respiratory depression and coma were observed with levetiracetam overdoses in postmarketing use.

Treatment Or Management Of Overdose

There is no specific antidote for overdose with levetiracetam. If indicated, elimination of unabsorbed drug should be attempted by emesis or gastric lavage; usual precautions should be observed to maintain airway. General supportive care of the patient is indicated including monitoring of vital signs and observation of the patient’s clinical status. A Certified Poison Control Center should be contacted for up to date information on the management of overdose with levetiracetam.

Hemodialysis

Standard hemodialysis procedures result in significant clearance of levetiracetam (approximately 50% in 4 hours) and should be considered in cases of overdose. Although hemodialysis has not been performed in the few known cases of overdose, it may be indicated by the patient’s clinical state or in patients with significant renal impairment.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Levetiracetam tablets are indicated as adjunctive treatment of partial onset seizures in adults and children 4 years of age and older with epilepsy.

Levetiracetam tablets are indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of myoclonic seizures in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.

Levetiracetam tablets are indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children 6 years of age and older with idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

Partial Onset Seizures

Adults 16 Years And Older

In clinical trials, daily doses of 1000 mg, 2000 mg, and 3000 mg, given as twice-daily dosing, were shown to be effective. Although in some studies there was a tendency toward greater response with higher dose (see CLINICAL STUDIES), a consistent increase in response with increased dose has not been shown.

Treatment should be initiated with a daily dose of 1000 mg/day, given as twice-daily dosing (500 mg BID). Additional dosing increments may be given (1000 mg/day additional every 2 weeks) to a maximum recommended daily dose of 3000 mg. Doses greater than 3000 mg/day have been used in open-label studies for periods of 6 months and longer. There is no evidence that doses greater than 3000 mg/day confer additional benefit.

Pediatric Patients Ages 4 to <16 Years

Treatment should be initiated with a daily dose of 20 mg/kg in 2 divided doses (10 mg/kg BID). The daily dose should be increased every 2 weeks by increments of 20 mg/kg to the recommended daily dose of 60 mg/kg (30 mg/kg BID). If a patient cannot tolerate a daily dose of 60 mg/kg, the daily dose may be reduced. In the clinical trial, the mean daily dose was 52 mg/kg. Patients with body weight ≤ 20 kg should be dosed with oral solution. Patients with body weight above 20 kg can be dosed with either tablets or oral solution. Table 15 below provides a guideline for tablet dosing based on weight during titration to 60 mg/kg/day. Only whole tablets should be administered.

Levetiracetam Tablets are given orally with or without food.

Table 15: Levetiracetam Tablet Weight-Based Dosing Guide For Children

Patient Weight Daily Dose
20 mg / kg / day ( BID dosing ) 40 mg / kg / day ( BID dosing ) 60 mg / kg / day ( BID dosing )
20 . 1 40 kg 500 mg/day(1 X 250 mg tablet BID) 1000 mg/day(1 X 500 mg tablet BID) 1500 mg/day(1 X 750 mg tablet BID)
> 40 kg 1000 mg/day(1 X 250 mg tablet BID) 2000 mg/day(2 X 500 mg tablet BID) 3000 mg/day(2 X 750 mg tablet BID)

The following calculation should be used to determine the appropriate daily dose of oral solution for pediatric patients based on a daily dose of 20 mg/kg/day, 40 mg/kg/day or 60 mg/kg/day:

Daily dose (mg/kg/day) x patient weight (kg)

Total daily dose (mL/day) = ———————————————————

100 mg/mL

A household teaspoon or tablespoon is not an adequate measuring device. It is recommended that a calibrated measuring device be obtained and used. Healthcare providers should recommend a device that can measure and deliver the prescribed dose accurately, and provide instructions for measuring the dosage.

Myoclonic Seizures In Patients 12 Years Of Age And Older With Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy

Treatment should be initiated with a dose of 1000 mg/day, given as twice-daily dosing (500 mg BID). Dosage should be increased by 1000 mg/day every 2 weeks to the recommended daily dose of 3000 mg. The effectiveness of doses lower than 3000 mg/day has not been studied.

Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures

Adults 16 Years And Older
Treatment should be initiated with a dose of 1000 mg/day, given as twice-daily dosing (500 mg BID). Dosage should be increased by 1000 mg/day every 2 weeks to the recommended daily dose of 3000 mg. The effectiveness of doses lower than 3000 mg/day has not been adequately studied.

Pediatric Patients Ages 6 To < 16 YearsTreatment should be initiated with a daily dose of 20 mg/kg in 2 divided doses (10 mg/kg BID). The daily dose should be increased every 2 weeks by increments of 20 mg/kg to the recommended daily dose of 60 mg/kg (30 mg/kg BID). The effectiveness of doses lower than 60 mg/kg/day has not been adequately studied. Patients with body weight ≤ 20 kg should be dosed with oral solution. Patients with body weight above 20 kg can be dosed with either tablets or oral solution. See Table 14 for tablet dosing based on weight during titration to 60 mg/kg/day. Only whole tablets should be administered.

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