Lamotrigine (Page 11 of 12)

14.2 Bipolar Disorder

The effectiveness of lamotrigine in the maintenance treatment of Bipolar I Disorder was established in two multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in adult patients who met DSM-IV criteria for Bipolar I Disorder. Study 1 enrolled patients with a current or recent (within 60 days) depressive episode as defined by DSM-IV and Study 2 included patients with a current or recent (within 60 days) episode of mania or hypomania as defined by DSM-IV. Both studies included a cohort of patients (30% of 404 patients in Study 1 and 28% of 171 patients in Study 2) with rapid cycling Bipolar Disorder (4 to 6 episodes per year).

In both studies, patients were titrated to a target dose of 200 mg of lamotrigine, as add-on therapy or as monotherapy, with gradual withdrawal of any psychotropic medications during an 8- to 16-week open-label period. Overall 81% of 1,305 patients participating in the open-label period were receiving one or more other psychotropic medications, including benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), atypical antipsychotics (including olanzapine), valproate, or lithium, during titration of lamotrigine. Patients with a CGI-severity score of 3 or less maintained for at least 4 continuous weeks, including at least the final week on monotherapy with lamotrigine, were randomized to a placebo-controlled, double-blind treatment period for up to 18 months. The primary endpoint was TIME (time to intervention for a mood episode or one that was emerging, time to discontinuation for either an adverse event that was judged to be related to Bipolar Disorder, or for lack of efficacy). The mood episode could be depression, mania, hypomania, or a mixed episode.

In Study 1, patients received double-blind monotherapy with lamotrigine 50 mg/day (n = 50), lamotrigine 200 mg/day (n = 124), lamotrigine 400 mg/day (n = 47), or placebo (n = 121). Lamotrigine (200- and 400-mg/day treatment groups combined) was superior to placebo in delaying the time to occurrence of a mood episode. Separate analyses of the 200- and 400-mg/day dose groups revealed no added benefit from the higher dose.

In Study 2, patients received double-blind monotherapy with lamotrigine (100 to 400 mg/day, n = 59), or placebo (n = 70). Lamotrigine was superior to placebo in delaying time to occurrence of a mood episode. The mean dose of lamotrigine was about 211 mg/day.

Although these studies were not designed to separately evaluate time to the occurrence of depression or mania, a combined analysis for the 2 studies revealed a statistically significant benefit for lamotrigine over placebo in delaying the time to occurrence of both depression and mania, although the finding was more robust for depression.

16. HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

Lamotrigine Tablets USP, 100 mg

White, trigonal shaped, biconvex tablets with ‘U’ debossed on either side of break line on one side and ‘112’ debossed on other side.

Bottles of 90: NDC 33261-0648-90

Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature] in a dry place.

Dispense in tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP.

17. PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

See Medication Guide that accompanies the product.

17.1 Rash

Prior to initiation of treatment with lamotrigine, the patient should be instructed that a rash or other signs or symptoms of hypersensitivity (e.g., fever, lymphadenopathy) may herald a serious medical event and that the patient should report any such occurrence to a physician immediately.

17.2 Multiorgan Hypersensitivity Reactions, Blood Dyscrasias and Organ Failure

Patients should be instructed that multiorgan hypersensitivity reactions and acute multiorgan failure may occur with lamotrigine. Isolated organ failure or isolated blood dyscrasias without evidence of multiorgan hypersensitivity may also occur. Patients should contact their physician immediately if they experience any signs or symptoms of these conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.3)].

17.3 Suicidal Thinking and Behavior

Patients, their caregivers, and families should be counseled that AEDs, including lamotrigine, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior and should be advised 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 about self-harm. Behaviors of concern should be reported immediately to healthcare providers.

17.4 Worsening of Seizures

Patients should be advised to notify their physician if worsening of seizure control occurs.

17.5 CNS Adverse Effects

Patients should be advised that lamotrigine may cause dizziness, somnolence, and other symptoms and signs of central nervous system (CNS) depression. Accordingly, they should be advised neither to drive a car nor to operate other complex machinery until they have gained sufficient experience on lamotrigine to gauge whether or not it adversely affects their mental and/or motor performance.

17.6 Pregnancy.

Patients should be advised to notify their physicians if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during therapy. Patients should be advised to notify their physicians if they intend to breastfeed or are breastfeeding an infant.

Patients should also be encouraged to enroll in the 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 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ].

17.7 Oral Contraceptive Use

Women should be advised to notify their physician if they plan to start or stop use of oral contraceptives or other female hormonal preparations. Starting estrogen-containing oral contraceptives may significantly decrease lamotrigine plasma levels and stopping estrogen-containing oral contraceptives (including the “pill-free” week) may significantly increase lamotrigine plasma levels [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Women should also be advised to promptly notify their physician if they experience adverse reactions or changes in menstrual pattern (e.g., break-through bleeding) while receiving lamotrigine in combination with these medications.

17.8 Discontinuing Lamotrigine

Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they stop taking lamotrigine for any reason and not to resume lamotrigine without consulting their physician.

17.9 Aseptic Meningitis

Patients should be advised that lamotrigine may cause aseptic meningitis. Patients should be advised to notify their physician immediately if they develop signs and symptoms of meningitis such as headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, rash, abnormal sensitivity to light, myalgia, chills, confusion, or drowsiness while taking lamotrigine.

17.10 Potential Medication Errors

Medication errors involving lamotrigine have occurred. In particular the name lamotrigine can be confused with the names of other commonly used medications. Medication errors may also occur between the different formulations of lamotrigine. To reduce the potential of medication errors, write and say lamotrigine clearly. Depictions of the lamotrigine tablets, can be found in the Medication Guide that accompanies the product to highlight the distinctive markings, colors, and shapes that serve to identify the different presentations of the drug and thus may help reduce the risk of medication errors. To avoid a medication error of using the wrong drug or formulation, patients should be strongly advised to visually inspect their tablets to verify that they are lamotrigine tablets, as well as the correct formulation of lamotrigine, each time they fill their prescription [see Dosage Forms and Strengths (3.1) , How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16) ].

MEDICATION GUIDE

LAMOTRIGINE TABLETS USP

Rx Only

Read this Medication Guide before you start taking lamotrigine tablets and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. If you have questions about lamotrigine tablets, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

What is the most important information I should know about Lamotrigine tablets?

1. Lamotrigine tablets may cause a serious skin rash that may cause you to be hospitalized or even cause death.

There is no way to tell if a mild rash will become more serious. A serious skin rash can happen at any time during your treatment with lamotrigine tablets, but is more likely to happen within the first 2 to 8 weeks of treatment. Children between 2 to 16 years of age have a higher chance of getting this serious skin rash while taking lamotrigine tablets.

The risk of getting a serious skin rash is higher if you:

  • take lamotrigine tablets while taking valproate (valproic acid or divalproex sodium)
  • take a higher starting dose of lamotrigine tablets than your healthcare provider prescribed
  • increase your dose of lamotrigine tablets faster than prescribed.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:

  • a skin rash
  • blistering or peeling of your skin
  • hives
  • painful sores in your mouth or around your eyes

These symptoms may be the first signs of a serious skin reaction. A healthcare provider should examine you to decide if you should continue taking lamotrigine tablets.

2. Other serious reactions, including serious blood problems or liver problems.

Lamotrigine tablets can also cause other types of allergic reactions or serious problems that may affect organs and other parts of your body like your liver or blood cells. You may or may not have a rash with these types of reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms:

  • fever
  • frequent infections
  • severe muscle pain
  • swelling of your face, eyes, lips or tongue
  • swollen lymph glands
  • unusual bruising or bleeding
  • weakness, fatigue
  • yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes.

3. Like other antiepileptic drugs, lamotrigine tablets may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500.

Call a healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:.

  • thoughts about suicide or dying
  • attempt to commit suicide
  • new or worse depression
  • new or worse anxiety
  • feeling agitated or restless
  • panic attacks
  • trouble sleeping (insomnia)
  • new or worse irritability
  • acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
  • acting on dangerous impulses
  • an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
  • other unusual changes in behavior or mood

Do not stop lamotrigine tablets without first talking to a healthcare provider.

  • Stopping lamotrigine tablets suddenly can cause serious problems.
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions can be caused by things other than medicines. If you have suicidal thoughts or actions, your healthcare provider may check for other causes.

How can I watch for early symptoms of suicidal thoughts and actions?

  • Pay attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings.
  • Keep all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider as scheduled.
  • Call your healthcare provider between visits as needed, especially if you are worried about symptoms.

4. Lamotrigine tablets may rarely cause aseptic meningitis, a serious inflammation of the protective membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • headache
  • fever
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • stiff neck
  • rash
  • unusual sensitivity to light
  • muscle pains
  • chills
  • confusion
  • drowsiness

Meningitis has many causes other than lamotrigine tablets, which your doctor would check for if you developed meningitis while taking lamotrigine tablets.

Lamotrigine tablets can have other serious side effects. For more information ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you. Be sure to read the section below entitled “What are the possible side effects of lamotrigine tablets?”

5. Patients prescribed lamotrigine tablets have sometimes been given the wrong medicine because many medicines have names similar to lamotrigine tablets, so always check that you receive lamotrigine tablets.

Taking the wrong medication can cause serious health problems. When your healthcare provider gives you a prescription for lamotrigine tablets:

  • Make sure you can read it clearly.
  • Talk to your pharmacist to check that you are given the correct medicine.
  • Each time you fill your prescription, check the tablets you receive against the pictures of the tablets below.

These pictures show the distinct wording, colors, and shapes of the tablets that help to identify the right strength of lamotrigine tablets. Immediately call your pharmacist if you receive a lamotrigine tablet that does not look like one of the tablets shown below, as you may have received the wrong medication.

Lamotrigine Tablets USP

Lamotrigine tablets
(click image for full-size original)

What is Lamotrigine tablet?

Lamotrigine tablet is a prescription medicine used:

  • together with other medicines to treat certain types of seizures (partial seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, generalized seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome) in people 2 years or older.
  • alone when changing from other medicines used to treat partial seizures in people 16 years or older.
  • for the long-term treatment of Bipolar I Disorder to lengthen the time between mood episodes in people 18 years or older who have been treated for mood episodes with other medicine.

It is not known if lamotrigine tablets are safe or effective in children or teenagers under the age of 18 with mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or depression.

It is not known if lamotrigine tablets are safe or effective when used alone as the first treatment of seizures in adults.

Who should not take Lamotrigine tablets?

You should not take lamotrigine tablets if you have had an allergic reaction to lamotrigine or to any of the inactive ingredients in lamotrigine tablets. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in lamotrigine tablets.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Lamotrigine tablets ?

Before taking lamotrigine tablets, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have had a rash or allergic reaction to another antiseizure medicine.
  • have or have had depression, mood problems or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
  • have had aseptic meningitis after taking lamotrigine tablets.
  • are taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills) or other female hormonal medicines. Do not start or stop taking birth control pills or other female hormonal medicine until you have talked with your healthcare provider. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any changes in your menstrual pattern such as breakthrough bleeding. Stopping these medicines may cause side effects (such as dizziness, lack of coordination, or double vision). Starting these medicines may lessen how well lamotrigine tablets work.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if lamotrigine tablets will harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking lamotrigine tablets, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry. You can enroll in this registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the safety of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
  • are breast-feeding. Lamotrigine can pass into your breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you should take lamotrigine tablets or breast-feed. Breast-feeding while taking lamotrigine tablets is not recommended.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take or if you are planning to take a new medicine, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. If you use lamotrigine tablets with certain other medicines, they can affect each other, causing side effects.

How should I take Lamotrigine tablets?

  • Take lamotrigine tablets exactly as prescribed.
  • Your healthcare provider may change your dose. Do not change your dose without talking to your healthcare provider.
  • Do not stop taking lamotrigine tablets without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping lamotrigine tablets suddenly may cause serious problems. For example, if you have epilepsy and you stop taking lamotrigine tablets suddenly, you may get seizures that do not stop. Talk with your healthcare provider about how to stop lamotrigine tablets slowly.
  • If you miss a dose of lamotrigine tablets, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time.
  • You may not feel the full effect of lamotrigine tablets for several weeks.
  • If you have epilepsy, tell your healthcare provider if your seizures get worse or if you have any new types of seizures.
  • Swallow lamotrigine tablets whole.
  • If you have trouble swallowing lamotrigine tablets, tell your healthcare provider because there may be another form of lamotrigine you can take.

What should I avoid while taking Lamotrigine tablets?

Do not drive a car or operate complex, hazardous machinery until you know how lamotrigine tablets affect you.

What are possible side effects of Lamotrigine tablets?

  • See “What is the most important information I should know about lamotrigine tablets?”

Common side effects of lamotrigine tablets include:

● dizziness ● headache ● blurred or double vision ● lack of coordination ● sleepiness● nausea, vomiting● insomnia ● tremor● rash● fever● abdominal pain ● back pain ● tiredness ● dry mouth

Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of lamotrigine tablets. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store Lamotrigine tablets?

  • Store lamotrigine tablets at 200 to 250 C (680 to 770 F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]
  • Keep lamotrigine tablets and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about Lamotrigine tablets

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use lamotrigine tablets for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give lamotrigine tablets to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about lamotrigine tablets. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about lamotrigine tablets that is written for healthcare professionals.

What are the ingredients in Lamotrigine tablets?

Active ingredient: Lamotrigine USP.

Inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone and sodium starch glycolate. In addition, the 200 mg tablets contain FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake.

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