Levetiracetam
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION
Levetiracetam is an antiepileptic drug available as a clear,
colorless, grape-flavored liquid (100 mg/mL) for oral administration.
The chemical name of levetiracetam, a single enantiomer, is
(-)-(S)-α-ethyl-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine acetamide, its molecular formula is C8H14N2O2 and its molecular weight is 170.21. Levetiracetam is
chemically unrelated to existing antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). It has the
following structural formula:
Levetiracetam is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a faint odor
and a bitter taste. It is very soluble in water (104.0 g/100 mL). It is freely
soluble in chloroform (65.3 g/100 mL) and in methanol (53.6 g/100 mL), soluble
in ethanol (16.5 g/100 mL), sparingly soluble in acetonitrile (5.7 g/100 mL) and
practically insoluble in n-hexane. (Solubility limits are expressed as g/100 mL
solvent.)
Levetiracetam oral solution contains 100 mg of levetiracetam per mL. Inactive
ingredients: acesulfame potassium, citric acid, flavor, glycerin, methylparaben,
propylparaben, purified water, sodium citrate, and sorbitol solution.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Mechanism of Action
The precise mechanism(s) by which levetiracetam exerts its
antiepileptic effect is unknown. The antiepileptic activity of levetiracetam was
assessed in a number of animal models of epileptic seizures. Levetiracetam did
not inhibit single seizures induced by maximal stimulation with electrical
current or different chemoconvulsants and showed only minimal activity in
submaximal stimulation and in threshold tests. Protection was observed, however,
against secondarily generalized activity from focal seizures induced by
pilocarpine and kainic acid, two chemoconvulsants that induce seizures that
mimic some features of human complex partial seizures with secondary
generalization. Levetiracetam also displayed inhibitory properties in the
kindling model in rats, another model of human complex partial seizures, both
during kindling development and in the fully kindled state. The predictive value
of these animal models for specific types of human epilepsy is uncertain.
In vitro and in vivo recordings of epileptiform activity from the hippocampus have shown that levetiracetam inhibits burst firing without affecting normal neuronal excitability, suggesting that levetiracetam may selectively prevent hypersynchronization of epileptiform burst firing and propagation of seizure activity.
Levetiracetam at concentrations of up to 10 μM did not demonstrate binding affinity for a variety of known receptors, such as those associated with benzodiazepines, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), glycine, NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate), re-uptake sites, and second messenger systems. Furthermore, in vitro studies have failed to find an effect of levetiracetam on neuronal voltage-gated sodium or T-type calcium currents and levetiracetam does not appear to directly facilitate GABAergic neurotransmission. However, in vitro studies have demonstrated that levetiracetam opposes the activity of negative modulators of GABA- and glycine-gated currents and partially inhibits
N-type calcium currents in neuronal cells.
A saturable and stereoselective neuronal binding site in rat brain tissue has
been described for levetiracetam. Experimental data indicate that this binding
site is the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, thought to be involved in the
regulation of vesicle exocytosis. Although the molecular significance of
levetiracetam binding to synaptic vesicle protein SV2A is not understood,
levetiracetam and related analogs showed a rank order of affinity for SV2A which
correlated with the potency of their antiseizure activity in audiogenic
seizure-prone mice. These findings suggest that the interaction of levetiracetam
with the SV2A protein may contribute to the antiepileptic mechanism of action of
the drug.
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam have been studied in healthy adult subjects, adults and pediatric patients with epilepsy, elderly subjects and subjects with renal and hepatic impairment.
Overview
Levetiracetam is rapidly and almost completely absorbed after oral
administration. Levetiracetam tablets and oral solution are bioequivalent. The pharmacokinetics are linear and time-invariant, with low intra- and inter-subject variability. The extent of bioavailability of levetiracetam is not affected by food. Levetiracetam is not significantly protein-bound (<10% bound) and its volume of distribution is close to the volume of intracellular and extracellular water. Sixty-six percent (66%) of the dose is renally excreted unchanged. The major metabolic pathway of levetiracetam (24% of dose) is an enzymatic hydrolysis of the acetamide group. It is not liver cytochrome P450 dependent. The metabolites have no known activity and are renally excreted. Plasma half- life of levetiracetam across studies is approximately 6 to 8 hours. It is increased in the elderly (primarily due to impaired renal clearance) and in subjects with renal impairment.
Absorption And Distribution
Absorption of levetiracetam is rapid, with peak plasma concentrations
occurring in about an hour following oral administration in fasted subjects. The oral bioavailability of levetiracetam tablets is 100% and the tablets and oral solution are bioequivalent in rate and extent of absorption. Food does not affect the extent of absorption of levetiracetam but it decreases Cmax by 20% and delays Tmax by 1.5 hours. The pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam are linear over the dose range of 500 to 5000 mg. Steady state is achieved after 2 days of multiple twice-daily dosing. Levetiracetam and its major metabolite are less than 10% bound to plasma proteins; clinically significant interactions with other drugs through competition for protein binding sites are therefore unlikely.
Metabolism
Levetiracetam is not extensively metabolized in humans. The major metabolic pathway is the enzymatic hydrolysis of the acetamide group, which produces the carboxylic acid metabolite, ucb L057 (24% of dose) and is not dependent on any liver cytochrome P450 isoenzymes. The major metabolite is inactive in animal seizure models. Two minor metabolites were identified as the product of hydroxylation of the 2-oxo-pyrrolidine ring (2% of dose) and opening of the 2-oxo-pyrrolidine ring in position 5 (1% of dose). There is no enantiomeric interconversion of levetiracetam or its major metabolite.
Elimination
Levetiracetam plasma half-life in adults is 7 ± 1 hour and is unaffected by either dose or repeated administration. Levetiracetam is eliminated from the systemic circulation by renal excretion as unchanged drug which represents 66% of administered dose. The total body clearance is 0.96 mL/min/kg and the renal clearance is 0.6 mL/min/kg. The mechanism of excretion is glomerular filtration with subsequent partial tubular reabsorption. The metabolite ucb L057 is excreted by glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion with a renal clearance of 4 mL/min/kg. Levetiracetam elimination is correlated to creatinine clearance. Levetiracetam clearance is reduced in patients with impaired renal function (see Special Populations, Renal Impairment and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Adult Patients with Impaired Renal Function).
Pharmacokinetic Interactions
In vitro data on metabolic interactions indicate that levetiracetam is
unlikely to produce, or be subject to, pharmacokinetic interactions.
Levetiracetam and its major metabolite, at concentrations well above Cmax levels achieved within the therapeutic dose range, are neither inhibitors of, nor high affinity substrates for, human liver cytochrome P450 isoforms, epoxide hydrolase or UDP-glucuronidation enzymes. In addition, levetiracetam does not affect the in vitro glucuronidation of valproic acid.
Potential pharmacokinetic interactions of or with levetiracetam were assessed in clinical pharmacokinetic studies (phenytoin, valproate, warfarin, digoxin, oral contraceptive, probenecid) and through pharmacokinetic screening in the placebo-controlled clinical studies in epilepsy patients (see PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions).
Special Populations
Elderly
Pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam were evaluated in 16 elderly subjects (age
61 to 88 years) with creatinine clearance ranging from 30 to 74 mL/min.
Following oral administration of twice-daily dosing for 10 days, total body
clearance decreased by 38% and the half-life was 2.5 hours longer in the elderly
compared to healthy adults. This is most likely due to the decrease in renal
function in these subjects.
Pediatric Patients
Pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam were evaluated in 24 pediatric patients (age 6 to 12 years) after single dose (20 mg/kg). The body weight adjusted apparent clearance of levetiracetam was approximately 40% higher than in adults.
A repeat dose pharmacokinetic study was conducted in pediatric patients (age 4 to 12 years) at doses of 20 mg/kg/day, 40 mg/kg/day, and 60 mg/kg/day. The evaluation of the pharmacokinetic profile of levetiracetam and its metabolite (ucb L057) in 14 pediatric patients demonstrated rapid absorption of levetiracetam at all doses with a Tmax of about 1 hour and a t1/2 of 5 hours across the three dosing levels. The pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam in children was linear between 20 to 60 mg/kg/day. The potential interaction of levetiracetam with other AEDs was also evaluated in these patients (see PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions). Levetiracetam had no significant effect on the plasma concentrations of carbamazepine, valproic acid, topiramate or lamotrigine. However, there was about a 22% increase of apparent clearance of levetiracetam when it was co-administered with an enzyme-inducing AED (e.g. carbamazepine). Population pharmacokinetic analysis showed that body weight was significantly correlated to clearance of levetiracetam in pediatric patients; clearance increased with an increase in body weight.
Gender
Levetiracetam Cmax and AUC were 20% higher in women
(N=11) compared to men (N=12). However, clearances adjusted for body weight were
comparable.
Race
Formal pharmacokinetic studies of the effects of race have not been
conducted. Cross study comparisons involving Caucasians (N=12) and Asians
(N=12), however, show that pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam were comparable between the two races. Because levetiracetam is primarily renally excreted and there are no important racial differences in creatinine clearance, pharmacokinetic differences due to race are not expected.
Renal Impairment
The disposition of levetiracetam was studied in adult subjects with varying
degrees of renal function. Total body clearance of levetiracetam is reduced in
patients with impaired renal function by 40% in the mild group (CLcr = 50 to 80
mL/min), 50% in the moderate group (CLcr = 30 to 50 mL/min) and 60% in the
severe renal impairment group (CLcr <30 mL/min). Clearance of levetiracetam
is correlated with creatinine clearance.
In anuric (end stage renal disease) patients, the total body clearance
decreased 70% compared to normal subjects (CLcr >80mL/min). Approximately 50%
of the pool of levetiracetam in the body is removed during a standard 4-hour
hemodialysis procedure.
Dosage should be reduced in patients with impaired renal function receiving
levetiracetam, and supplemental doses should be given to patients after dialysis (see PRECAUTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Adult Patients with Impaired Renal Function).
Hepatic Impairment
In subjects with mild (Child-Pugh A) to moderate (Child-Pugh B) hepatic
impairment, the pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam were unchanged. In patients
with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C), total body clearance was 50% that
of normal subjects, but decreased renal clearance accounted for most of the
decrease. No dose adjustment is needed for patients with hepatic
impairment.
CLINICAL STUDIES
In the following studies, statistical significance versus placebo
indicates a p value < 0.05.
Effectiveness In Partial Onset Seizures In Adults With Epilepsy
The effectiveness of Levetiracetam as adjunctive therapy (added
to other antiepileptic drugs) in adults was established in three multicenter,
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies in patients who
had refractory partial onset seizures with or without secondary generalization.
The tablet formulation was used in all these studies. In these studies, 904
patients were randomized to placebo, 1000 mg, 2000 mg, or 3000 mg/day. Patients
enrolled in Study 1 or Study 2 had refractory partial onset seizures for at
least two years and had taken two or more classical AEDs. Patients enrolled in
Study 3 had refractory partial onset seizures for at least 1 year and had taken
one classical AED. At the time of the study, patients were taking a stable dose
regimen of at least one and could take a maximum of two AEDs. During the
baseline period, patients had to have experienced at least two partial onset
seizures during each 4-week period.
Study 1
Study 1 was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group
study conducted at 41 sites in the United States comparing Levetiracetam 1000
mg/day (N=97), Levetiracetam 3000 mg/day (N=101), and placebo (N=95) given in
equally divided doses twice daily. After a prospective baseline period of 12
weeks, patients were randomized to one of the three treatment groups described
above. The 18-week treatment period consisted of a 6-week titration period,
followed by a 12-week fixed dose evaluation period, during which concomitant AED
regimens were held constant. The primary measure of effectiveness was a between
group comparison of the percent reduction in weekly partial seizure frequency
relative to placebo over the entire randomized treatment period (titration +
evaluation period). Secondary outcome variables included the responder rate
(incidence of patients with ≥50% reduction from baseline in partial onset
seizure frequency). The results of the analysis of Study 1 are displayed in
Table 1.
|
Placebo (N=95) |
Levetiracetam 1000 mg/day (N=97) |
Levetiracetam 3000 mg/day (N=101) |
Percent reduction in partial seizure frequency over placebo |
- |
26.1% |
30.1%* |
The percentage of patients (y-axis) who achieved ≥50% reduction in weekly seizure rates from baseline in partial onset seizure frequency over the entire randomized treatment period (titration + evaluation period) within the three treatment groups (x-axis) is presented in Figure 1
* statistically significant versus placebo
Uses
INDICATION AND USAGE
Levetiracetam is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment
of partial onset seizures in adults and children 4 years of age and older with epilepsy.
Levetiracetam is 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 is 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.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
This product should not be administered to patients who have
previously exhibited hypersensitivity to levetiracetam or any of the inactive
ingredients in Levetiracetam Oral Solution.
WARNINGS
Suicidal Behavior and Ideation
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including Levetiracetam, 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 (5-100 years) in the clinical trials analyzed. Table 7 shows absolute and relative risk by indication for all evaluated AEDs.
Indication | Placebo Patients With Events per 1000 Patients | Drug Patients with Events Per 1000 Patients | Relative Risk:Incidence of Events In Drug Patients/Incidence in Placebo Patients | Risk Difference: Additional Drug Patients with Events per 1000 Patients |
Epilepsy | 1.0 | 3.4 | 3.5 | 2.4 |
Psychiatric | 5.7 | 8.5 | 1.5 | 2.9 |
Other | 1.0 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 0.9 |
Total | 2.4 | 4.3 | 1.8 | 1.9 |
The relative risk for suicidal thoughts or behavior was higher in clinical trials for epilepsy than in clinical trials for psychiatric or other conditions, but the absolute risk differences were similar for the epilepsy and psychiatric indications.
Anyone considering prescribing Levetiracetam 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. 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.
Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events
Partial Onset Seizures
Adults
In adults experiencing partial onset seizures, Levetiracetam use is
associated with the occurrence of central nervous system adverse events that can
be classified into the following categories: 1) somnolence and fatigue, 2)
coordination difficulties, and 3) behavioral abnormalities.
In controlled trials of adult patients with epilepsy experiencing partial
onset seizures, 14.8% of levetiracetam-treated patients reported somnolence,
compared to 8.4% of placebo patients. There was no clear dose response up to
3000 mg/day. In a study where there was no titration, about 45% of patients
receiving 4000 mg/day reported somnolence. The somnolence was considered serious
in 0.3% of the treated patients, compared to 0% in the placebo group. About 3%
of levetiracetam-treated patients discontinued treatment due to somnolence,
compared to 0.7% of placebo patients. In 1.4% of treated patients and in 0.9% of
placebo patients the dose was reduced, while 0.3% of the treated patients were
hospitalized due to somnolence.
In controlled trials of adult patients with epilepsy experiencing partial
onset seizures, 14.7% of treated patients reported asthenia, compared to 9.1% of
placebo patients. Treatment was discontinued in 0.8% of treated patients as
compared to 0.5% of placebo patients. In 0.5% of treated patients and in 0.2% of
placebo patients the dose was reduced.
A total of 3.4% of levetiracetam-treated patients experienced coordination
difficulties, (reported as either ataxia, abnormal gait, or incoordination)
compared to 1.6% of placebo patients. A total of 0.4% of patients in controlled
trials discontinued Levetiracetam treatment due to ataxia, compared to 0% of
placebo patients. In 0.7% of treated patients and in 0.2% of placebo patients
the dose was reduced due to coordination difficulties, while one of the treated
patients was hospitalized due to worsening of pre-existing ataxia.
Somnolence, asthenia and coordination difficulties occurred most frequently
within the first 4 weeks of treatment.
In controlled trials of patients with epilepsy experiencing partial onset
seizures, 5 (0.7%) of levetiracetam-treated patients experienced psychotic
symptoms compared to 1 (0.2%) placebo patient. Two (0.3%) levetiracetam-treated
patients were hospitalized and their treatment was discontinued. Both events,
reported as psychosis, developed within the first week of treatment and resolved
within 1 to 2 weeks following treatment discontinuation. Two other events,
reported as hallucinations, occurred after 1 to 5 months and resolved within 2
to 7 days while the patients remained on treatment. In one patient experiencing
psychotic depression occurring within a month, symptoms resolved within 45 days
while the patient continued treatment. A total of 13.3% of Levetiracetam
patients experienced other behavioral symptoms (reported as aggression,
agitation, anger, anxiety, apathy, depersonalization, depression, emotional
lability, hostility, irritability, etc.) compared to 6.2% of placebo patients.
Approximately half of these patients reported these events within the first 4
weeks. A total of 1.7% of treated patients discontinued treatment due to these
events, compared to 0.2% of placebo patients. The treatment dose was reduced in
0.8% of treated patients and in 0.5% of placebo patients. A total of 0.8% of
treated patients had a serious behavioral event (compared to 0.2% of placebo
patients) and were hospitalized.
Pediatric Patients
In pediatric patients experiencing partial onset seizures, Levetiracetam is associated with somnolence, fatigue, and behavioral abnormalities.
In the double-blind, controlled trial in children with epilepsy experiencing partial onset seizures, 22.8% of levetiracetam-treated patients experienced somnolence, compared to 11.3% of placebo patients. The design of the study prevented accurately assessing dose-response effects. No patient discontinued treatment for somnolence. In about 3.0% of levetiracetam-treated patients and in 3.1% of placebo patients the dose was reduced as a result of somnolence.
Asthenia was reported in 8.9% of levetiracetam-treated patients, compared to 3.1% of placebo patients. No patient discontinued treatment for asthenia, but asthenia led to a dose reduction in 3.0% of levetiracetam treated patients compared to 0% of placebo patients.
A total of 37.6% of the levetiracetam-treated patients experienced behavioral symptoms (reported as agitation, anxiety, apathy, depersonalization, depression, emotional lability, hostility, hyperkinesia, nervousness, neurosis, and personality disorder), compared to 18.6% of placebo patients. Hostility was reported in 11.9% of levetiracetam treated patients, compared to 6.2% of placebo patients. Nervousness was reported in 9.9% of levetiracetam-treated patients, compared to 2.1% of placebo patients. Depression was reported in 3.0% of levetiracetam-treated patients, compared to 1.0% of placebo patients. One levetiracetam-treated patient experienced suicidal ideation.
A total of 3.0% of levetiracetam-treated patients discontinued treatment due to psychotic and nonpsychotic adverse events, compared to 4.1% of placebo patients.Overall, 10.9% of levetiracetam-treated patients experienced behavioral symptoms associated with discontinuation or dose reduction, compared to 6.2% of placebo patients.
Myoclonic Seizures
During clinical development, the number of patients with myoclonic seizures exposed to levetiracetam was considerably smaller than the number with partial seizures. Therefore, under-reporting of certain adverse events was more likely to occur in the myoclonic seizure population. In adult and adolescent patients experiencing myoclonic seizures, levetiracetam is associated with somnolence and behavioral abnormalities. It is expected that the events seen in partial seizure patients would occur in patients with JME.
In the double-blind, controlled trial in adults and adolescents with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy experiencing myoclonic seizures, 11.7% of levetiracetam-treated patients experienced somnolence compared to 1.7% of placebo patients. No patient discontinued treatment as a result of somnolence. In 1.7% of levetiracetam-treated patients and in 0% of placebo patients the dose was reduced as a result of somnolence.
Non-psychotic behavioral disorders (reported as aggression and irritability) occurred in 5% of the levetiracetam-treated patients compared to 0% of placebo patients. Non-psychotic mood disorders (reported as depressed mood, depression, and mood swings) occurred in 6.7% of levetiracetam-treated patients compared to 3.3% of placebo patients. A total of 5.0% of levetiracetam-treated patients had a reduction in dose or discontinued treatment due to behavioral or psychiatric events (reported as anxiety, depressed mood, depression, irritability, and nervousness), compared to 1.7% of placebo patients.
Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures
During clinical development, the number of patients with primary generalized tonic-clonic epilepsy exposed to levetiracetam was considerably smaller than the number with partial epilepsy, described above. As in the partial seizure patients, behavioral symptoms appeared to be associated with levetiracetam treatment. Gait disorders and somnolence were also described in the study in primary generalized seizures, but with no difference between placebo and levetiracetam treatment groups and no appreciable discontinuations. Although it may be expected that drug related events seen in partial seizure patients would be seen in primary generalized epilepsy patients (e.g. somnolence and gait disturbance), these events may not have been observed because of the smaller sample size.
In patients 6 years of age and older experiencing primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, levetiracetam is associated with behavioral abnormalities.
In the double-blind, controlled trial in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy experiencing primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, irritability was the most frequently reported psychiatric adverse event occurring in 6.3% of levetiracetam-treated patients compared to 2.4% of placebo patients. Additionally, non-psychotic behavioral disorders (reported as abnormal behavior, aggression, conduct disorder, and irritability) occurred in 11.4% of the levetiracetam-treated patients compared to 3.6% of placebo patients.
Of the levetiracetam-treated patients experiencing non-psychotic behavioral disorders, one patient discontinued treatment due to aggression. Non-psychotic mood disorders (including anger, apathy, depression, mood altered, mood swings, negativism, and tearfulness) occurred in 12.7% of levetiracetam-treated patients compared to 8.3% of placebo patients. No levetiracetam-treated patients discontinued or had a dose reduction as a result of these events. One patient experienced delusional behavior that required the lowering of the dose of levetiracetam.
In a long-term open label study that examined patients with various forms of primary generalized epilepsy, along with the non-psychotic behavioral disorders, 2 of 192 patients studied exhibited psychotic-like behavior. Behavior in one case was characterized by auditory hallucinations and suicidal thoughts and led to levetiracetam discontinuation. The other case was described as worsening of pre-existent schizophrenia and did not lead to drug discontinuation.
Withdrawal Seizures
Antiepileptic drugs, including Levetiracetam should be withdrawn gradually to
minimize the potential of increased seizure frequency.
PRECAUTIONS
Hematologic Abnormalities
Partial Onset Seizures
Adults
Minor, but statistically significant, decreases compared to placebo in total
mean RBC count (0.03 x 106/mm3),
mean hemoglobin (0.09 g/dL), and mean hematocrit (0.38%), were seen in
levetiracetam-treated patients in controlled trials.
A total of 3.2% of treated and 1.8% of placebo patients had at least one
possibly significant (≤2.8 x 109/L) decreased WBC, and
2.4% of treated and 1.4% of placebo patients had at least one possibly
significant (≤1.0 x 109/L) decreased neutrophil count. Of
the treated patients with a low neutrophil count, all but one rose towards or to
baseline with continued treatment. No patient was discontinued secondary to low
neutrophil counts.
Pediatric Patients
Minor, but statistically significant, decreases in WBC and neutrophil counts were seen in levetiracetam-treated patients as compared to placebo. The mean decreases from baseline in the levetiracetam-treated group were -0.4 × 109/L and -0.3 × 109/L, respectively, whereas there were small increases in the placebo group. Mean relative lymphocyte counts increased by 1.7% in Levetiracetam -treated patients, compared to a decrease of 4% in placebo patients (statistically significant).
In the well-controlled trial, more levetiracetam-treated patients had a possibly clinically significant abnormally low WBC value (3.0% levetiracetam-treated versus 0% placebo), however, there was no apparent difference between treatment groups with respect to neutrophil count (5.0% levetiracetam-treated versus 4.2% placebo). No patient was discontinued secondary to low WBC or neutrophil counts.
Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy
Although there were no obvious hematologic abnormalities observed in patients with JME, the limited number of patients makes any conclusion tentative. The data from the partial seizure patients should be considered to be relevant for JME patients.
Hepatic Abnormalities
There were no meaningful changes in mean liver function tests (LFT) in
controlled trials in adult or pediatric patients; lesser LFT abnormalities were similar in
drug and placebo treated patients in controlled trials (1.4%). No adult or pediatric patients
were discontinued from controlled trials for LFT abnormalities except for 1
(0.07%) adult epilepsy patient receiving open treatment.
Information for Patients
Patients and caregivers should be informed of the availability of a Medication Guide, and they should be instructed to read the Medication Guide prior to taking Levetiracetam. Patients should be instructed to take Levetiracetam only as prescribed.
Patients, their caregivers, and families should be counseled that AEDs, including Levetiracetam, 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.
Patients should be advised that Levetiracetam may cause changes in behavior (e.g. aggression, agitation, anger, anxiety, apathy, depression, hostility, and irritability) and in rare cases patients may experience psychotic symptoms.
Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during therapy. 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.
Patients should be advised that Levetiracetam may cause dizziness and somnolence. Accordingly, patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery or engage in other hazardous activities until they have gained sufficient experience on Levetiracetam to gauge whether it adversely affects their performance of these activities.
Laboratory Tests
Although most laboratory tests are not systematically altered
with Levetiracetam treatment, there have been relatively infrequent
abnormalities seen in hematologic parameters and liver function tests.
Drug Interactions
In vitro data on metabolic interactions indicate that Levetiracetam is unlikely to produce, or be subject to, pharmacokinetic interactions. Levetiracetam and its major metabolite, at concentrations well above Cmax levels achieved within the therapeutic dose range, are neither inhibitors of nor high affinity substrates for human liver cytochrome P450 isoforms, epoxide hydrolase or UDP-glucuronidation enzymes. In
addition, levetiracetam does not affect the in vitro
glucuronidation of valproic acid.
Levetiracetam circulates largely unbound (< 10% bound) to plasma proteins;
clinically significant interactions with other drugs through competition for
protein binding sites are therefore unlikely.
Potential pharmacokinetic
interactions were assessed in clinical pharmacokinetic studies (phenytoin,
valproate, oral contraceptive, digoxin, warfarin, probenecid) and through
pharmacokinetic screening in the placebo-controlled clinical studies in epilepsy
patients.
Drug-Drug Interactions Between Levetiracetam And Other Antiepileptic Drugs
(AEDs)
Phenytoin
Levetiracetam (3000 mg daily) had no effect on the pharmacokinetic
disposition of phenytoin in patients with refractory epilepsy. Pharmacokinetics
of levetiracetam were also not affected by phenytoin.
Valproate
Levetiracetam (1500 mg twice daily) did not alter the pharmacokinetics of
valproate in healthy volunteers. Valproate 500 mg twice daily did not modify the
rate or extent of levetiracetam absorption or its plasma clearance or urinary
excretion. There also was no effect on exposure to and the excretion of the
primary metabolite, ucb L057.
Potential drug interactions between Levetiracetam and other AEDs
(carbamazepine, gabapentin, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone and valproate) were also assessed by evaluating the serum concentrations of levetiracetam and these AEDs during placebo-controlled clinical studies. These data indicate that levetiracetam does not influence the plasma concentration of other AEDs and that these AEDs do not influence the pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam.
Effect Of AEDs In Pediatric Patients
There was about a 22% increase of apparent total body clearance of levetiracetam when it was co-administered with enzyme-inducing AEDs. Dose adjustment is not recommended. Levetiracetam had no effect on plasma concentrations of carbamazepine, valproate, topiramate, or lamotrigine.
Other Drug Interactions
Oral Contraceptives
Levetiracetam (500 mg twice daily) did not influence the pharmacokinetics of an oral contraceptive containing 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg levonorgestrel, or of the luteinizing hormone and progesterone levels, indicating that impairment of contraceptive efficacy is unlikely. Coadministration of this oral contraceptive did not influence the pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam.
Digoxin
Levetiracetam (1000 mg twice daily) did not influence the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (ECG) of digoxin given as a 0.25 mg dose every day. Coadministration of digoxin did not influence the pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam.
Warfarin
Levetiracetam (1000 mg twice daily) did not influence the pharmacokinetics of R and S warfarin. Prothrombin time was not affected by levetiracetam. Coadministration of warfarin did not affect the pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam.
Probenecid
Probenecid, a renal tubular secretion blocking agent, administered at a dose
of 500 mg four times a day, did not change the pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam
1000 mg twice daily. Css
max of the metabolite, ucb L057, was approximately doubled in the presence of probenecid while the fraction of drug excreted unchanged in the urine remained the same. Renal clearance of ucb L057 in the presence of probenecid decreased 60%, probably related to competitive inhibition of tubular secretion of ucb L057. The effect of Levetiracetam on probenecid was not studied.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Carcinogenesis
Rats were dosed with levetiracetam in the diet for 104 weeks at doses of 50,
300 and 1800 mg/kg/day. The highest dose corresponds to 6 times the maximum
recommended daily human dose (MRHD) of 3000 mg on a mg/m2 basis and it also
provided systemic exposure (AUC) approximately 6 times that achieved in humans
receiving the MRHD. There was no evidence of carcinogenicity. A study was
conducted in which mice received levetiracetam in the diet for 80 weeks at doses
of 60, 240 and 960 mg/kg/day (high dose is equivalent to 2 times the MRHD on a
mg/m2 or exposure basis). Although no evidence for
carcinogenicity was seen, the potential for a carcinogenic response has not been
fully evaluated in that species because adequate doses have not been
studied.
Mutagenesis
Levetiracetam was not mutagenic in the Ames test or in mammalian cells in vitro in the Chinese hamster ovary/HGPRT locus assay. It
was not clastogenic in an in vitro analysis of
metaphase chromosomes obtained from Chinese hamster ovary cells or in an in vivo mouse micronucleus assay. The hydrolysis product
and major human metabolite of levetiracetam (ucb L057) was not mutagenic in the
Ames test or the in vitro mouse lymphoma assay.
Impairment Of Fertility
No adverse effects on male or female fertility or reproductive performance
were observed in rats at doses up to 1800 mg/kg/day (approximately 6 times the
maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 or exposure
basis).
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C
In animal studies, levetiracetam produced evidence of developmental toxicity at doses similar to or greater than human therapeutic doses.
Administration to female rats throughout pregnancy and lactation was associated with increased incidences of minor fetal skeletal abnormalities and retarded offspring growth pre- and/or postnatally at doses ≥350 mg/kg/day (approximately equivalent to the maximum recommended human dose of 3000 mg [MRHD] on a mg/m2 basis) and with increased pup mortality and offspring behavioral alterations at a dose of 1800 mg/kg/day (6 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). The developmental no effect dose was 70 mg/kg/day (0.2 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). There was no overt maternal toxicity at the doses used in this study.
Treatment of pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis resulted in increased embryofetal mortality and increased incidences of minor fetal skeletal abnormalities at doses ≥600 mg/kg/day (approximately 4 times MRHD on a mg/m2 basis) and in decreased fetal weights and increased incidences of fetal malformations at a dose of 1800 mg/kg/day (12 times the MRHD
on a mg/m2 basis). The developmental no effect dose was 200 mg/kg/day (1.3 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis). Maternal toxicity was also observed at 1800 mg/kg/day.
When pregnant rats were treated during the period of organogenesis, fetal
weights were decreased and the incidence of fetal skeletal variations was
increased at a dose of 3600 mg/kg/day (12 times the MRHD). 1200 mg/kg/day (4
times the MRHD) was a developmental no effect dose. There was no evidence of
maternal toxicity in this study.
Treatment of rats during the last third of gestation and throughout lactation
produced no adverse developmental or maternal effects at doses of up to 1800
mg/kg/day (6 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis).
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Levetiracetam should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit
justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Pregnancy Registry
To provide information regarding the effects of in utero exposure to Levetiracetam, physicians are advised to recommend that pregnant patients taking Levetiracetam enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) pregnancy registry. This can be done by calling the toll free number 1-888-233-2334, and must be done by the patients themselves. Information on the registry can also be found at the website http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/.
Labor and Delivery
The effect of Levetiracetam on labor and delivery in humans is
unknown.
Nursing Mothers
Levetiracetam is excreted in breast milk. Because of the potential for serious
adverse reactions in nursing infants from Levetiracetam, a decision should be
made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account
the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in patients below 4 years of age have not been established.
Studies of levetiracetam in juvenile rats (dosing from day 4 through day 52 of age) and dogs (dosing from week 3 through week 7 of age) at doses of up to 1800 mg/kg/day (approximately 7 and 24 times, respectively, the maximum recommended pediatric dose of 60 mg/kg/day on a mg/m2 basis) did not indicate a potential for age-specific toxicity.
Geriatric Use
Of the total number of subjects in clinical studies of
levetiracetam, 347 were 65 and over. No overall differences in safety were
observed between these subjects and younger subjects. There were insufficient
numbers of elderly subjects in controlled trials of epilepsy to adequately
assess the effectiveness of Levetiracetam in these patients.
A study in 16 elderly subjects (age 61 to 88 years) with oral administration
of single dose and multiple twice-daily doses for 10 days showed no
pharmacokinetic differences related to age alone.
Levetiracetam is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the
risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired
renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal
function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to
monitor renal function.
Use In Patients With Impaired Renal Function
Clearance of levetiracetam is decreased in patients with renal impairment and is correlated with creatinine clearance. Caution should be taken in dosing patients with moderate and severe renal impairment and in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The dosage should be reduced in patients with impaired renal function receiving Levetiracetam and supplemental doses should be given to patients after dialysis (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Adult Patients with Impaired Renal Function).
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The prescriber should be aware that the adverse event incidence
figures in the following tables, obtained when Levetiracetam was added to
concurrent AED therapy, cannot be used to predict the frequency of adverse
experiences in the course of usual medical practice where patient
characteristics and other factors may differ from those prevailing during
clinical studies. Similarly, the cited frequencies cannot be directly compared
with figures obtained from other clinical investigations involving different
treatments, uses, or investigators. An inspection of these frequencies, however,
does provide the prescriber with one basis to estimate the relative contribution
of drug and non-drug factors to the adverse event incidences in the population
studied.
Partial Onset Seizures
In well-controlled clinical studies in adults with partial onset seizures,
the most frequently reported adverse events associated with the use of
Levetiracetam in combination with other AEDs, not seen at an equivalent
frequency among placebo-treated patients, were somnolence, asthenia, infection
and dizziness. In the well-controlled pediatric clinical study in children 4 to 16 years of age with partial onset seizures, the adverse events most frequently reported with the use of Levetiracetam in combination with other AEDs, not seen at an equivalent frequency among placebo-treated patients, were somnolence, accidental injury, hostility, nervousness, and asthenia.
Table 8 lists treatment-emergent adverse events that occurred in at least 1%
of adult epilepsy patients treated with Levetiracetam participating in
placebo-controlled studies and were numerically more common than in patients
treated with placebo. Table 9 lists treatment-emergent adverse events that occurred in at least 2% of pediatric epilepsy patients (ages 4 to 16 years) treated with Levetiracetam participating in the placebo-controlled study and were numerically more common than in pediatric patients treated with placebo. In these studies, either Levetiracetam or placebo was added to concurrent AED therapy. Adverse events were usually mild to moderate in intensity.
Body System/ Adverse Event |
Levetiracetam (N=769) % |
Placebo (N=439) % |
Body as a Whole |
|
|
Asthenia | 15 | 9 |
Headache | 14 | 13 |
Infection | 13 | 8 |
Pain | 7 | 6 |
Digestive System |
|
|
Anorexia | 3 | 2 |
Nervous System |
|
|
Somnolence | 15 | 8 |
Dizziness | 9 | 4 |
Depression | 4 | 2 |
Nervousness | 4 | 2 |
Ataxia | 3 | 1 |
Vertigo | 3 | 1 |
Amnesia | 2 | 1 |
Anxiety | 2 | 1 |
Hostility | 2 | 1 |
Paresthesia | 2 | 1 |
Emotional Lability | 2 | 0 |
Respiratory System |
|
|
Pharyngitis | 6 | 4 |
Rhinitis | 4 | 3 |
Cough Increased | 2 | 1 |
Sinusitis | 2 | 1 |
Special Senses |
|
|
Diplopia | 2 | 1 |
Other events reported by at least 1% of adult levetiracetam-treated patients but as or more frequent in the placebo group were the following: abdominal pain, accidental injury, amblyopia, arthralgia, back pain, bronchitis, chest pain, confusion, constipation, convulsion, diarrhea, drug level increased, dyspepsia, ecchymosis, fever, flu syndrome, fungal infection, gastroenteritis, gingivitis, grand mal convulsion, insomnia, nausea, otitis media, rash, thinking abnormal, tremor, urinary tract infection, vomiting and weight gain.
Body System/ Adverse Event |
Levetiracetam (N=101) % |
Placebo (N=97) % |
Body as a Whole |
|
|
Accidental Injury | 17 | 10 |
Asthenia | 9 | 3 |
Pain | 6 | 3 |
Flu Syndrome | 3 | 2 |
Face Edema | 2 | 1 |
Neck Pain | 2 | 1 |
Viral Infection | 2 | 1 |
Digestive System |
|
|
Vomiting | 15 | 13 |
Anorexia | 13 | 8 |
Diarrhea | 8 | 7 |
Gastroenteritis | 4 | 2 |
Constipation | 3 | 1 |
Hemic and Lymphatic System |
|
|
Ecchymosis | 4 | 1 |
Metabolic and Nutritional |
|
|
Dehydration | 2 | 1 |
Nervous System |
|
|
Somnolence | 23 | 11 |
Hostility | 12 | 6 |
Nervousness | 10 | 2 |
Personality Disorder | 8 | 7 |
Dizziness | 7 | 2 |
Emotional Lability | 6 | 4 |
Agitation | 6 | 1 |
Depression | 3 | 1 |
Vertigo | 3 | 1 |
Reflexes Increased | 2 | 1 |
Confusion | 2 | 0 |
Respiratory System |
|
|
Rhinitis | 13 | 8 |
Cough Increased | 11 | 7 |
Pharyngitis | 10 | 8 |
Asthma | 2 | 1 |
Skin and Appendages |
|
|
Pruritus | 2 | 0 |
Skin Discoloration | 2 | 0 |
Vesiculobullous Rash | 2 | 0 |
Special Senses |
|
|
Conjunctivitis | 3 | 2 |
Amblyopia | 2 | 0 |
Ear Pain | 2 | 0 |
Urogenital System |
|
|
Albuminuria | 4 | 0 |
Urine Abnormality | 2 | 1 |
Other events occurring in at least 2% of pediatric levetiracetam-treated patients but as or more frequent in the placebo group were the following: abdominal pain, allergic reaction, ataxia, convulsion, epistaxis, fever, headache, hyperkinesia, infection, insomnia, nausea, otitis media, rash, sinusitis, status epilepticus (not otherwise specified), thinking abnormal, tremor, and urinary incontinence.
Myoclonic Seizures
Although the pattern of adverse events in this study seems somewhat different from that seen in patients with partial seizures, this is likely due to the much smaller number of patients in this study compared to partial seizure studies. The adverse event pattern for patients with JME is expected to be essentially the same as for patients with partial seizures.
In the well-controlled clinical study that included both adolescent (12 to 16 years of age) and adult patients with myoclonic seizures, the most frequently reported adverse events associated with the use of levetiracetam in combination with other AEDs, not seen at an equivalent frequency among placebo-treated patients, were somnolence, neck pain, and pharyngitis.
Table 10 lists treatment-emergent adverse events that occurred in at least 5% of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy patients experiencing myoclonic seizures treated with levetiracetam and were numerically more common than in patients treated with placebo. In this study, either levetiracetam or placebo was added to concurrent AED therapy. Adverse events were usually mild to moderate in intensity.
Body System / MedDRA preferred term
|
Levetiracetam (N=60) % |
Placebo (N=60) % |
Ear and labyrinth disorders | ||
Vertigo | 5 | 3 |
Infections and infestations | ||
Pharyngitis | 7 | 0 |
Influenza | 5 | 2 |
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders |
|
|
Neck pain | 8 | 2 |
Nervous system disorders |
|
|
Somnolence | 12 | 2 |
Psychiatric disorders |
|
|
Depression | 5 | 2 |
Other events occurring in at least 5% of levetiracetam-treated patients with myoclonic seizures but as or more frequent in the placebo group were the following: fatigue and headache.
Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures
Although the pattern of adverse events in this study seems somewhat different from that seen in patients with partial seizures, this is likely due to the much smaller number of patients in this study compared to partial seizure studies. The adverse event pattern for patients with PGTC seizures is expected to be essentially the same as for patients with partial seizures.
In the well-controlled clinical study that included patients 4 years of age and older with primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures, the most frequently reported adverse event associated with the use of levetiracetam in combination with other AEDs, not seen at an equivalent frequency among placebo-treated patients, was nasopharyngitis.
Table 11 lists treatment-emergent adverse events that occurred in at least 5% of idiopathic generalized epilepsy patients experiencing PGTC seizures treated with levetiracetam and were numerically more common than in patients treated with placebo. In this study, either levetiracetam or placebo was added to concurrent AED therapy. Adverse events were usually mild to moderate in intensity.
MedDRA System Organ Class/ Preferred Term | Levetiracetam (N=79) % |
Placebo (N=84) % |
Gastrointestinal disorders |
|
|
Diarrhea | 8 | 7 |
General disorders and administration site conditions |
|
|
Fatigue | 10 | 8 |
Infections and infestations |
|
|
Nasopharyngitis | 14 | 5 |
Psychiatric disorders |
|
|
Irritability | 6 | 2 |
Mood swings | 5 | 1 |
Other events occurring in at least 5% of levetiracetam-treated patients with PGTC seizures but as or more frequent in the placebo group were the following: dizziness, headache, influenza, and somnolence.
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 or dose reduction.
|
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.
|
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.
Body System/ MedDRA preferred term |
Levetiracetam (N=60) (%) |
Placebo (N=60) (%) |
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 Seizures
In 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 causal 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. There have been
reports of suicidal behavior (including completed suicide) with marketed
Levetiracetam. 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 Oral Solution is indicated as adjunctive treatment
of partial onset seizures in adults and children 4 years of age and older with epilepsy.
Levetiracetam is 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 is 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 oral solution.
Levetiracetam Oral Solution is given orally with or without food.
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 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). 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 oral solution.
Adult Patients With Impaired Renal Function
Levetiracetam dosing must be individualized according to the patient's renal
function status. Recommended doses and adjustment for dose for adults are shown
in Table 15. To use this dosing table, an estimate of the patient's creatinine
clearance (CLcr) in mL/min is needed. CLcr in mL/min may be estimated from serum
creatinine (mg/dL) determination using the following formula:
[140-age (years)] x weight (kg)
CLcr =
————————————————— (x 0.85 for female patients)
72 x
serum creatinine (mg/dL)
Group | Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) |
Dosage (mg) |
Frequency |
Normal | > 80 | 500 to 1,500 | Every 12 h |
Mild | 50 – 80 | 500 to 1,000 | Every 12 h |
Moderate | 30 – 50 | 250 to 750 | Every 12 h |
Severe | <30 | 250 to 500 | Every 12 h |
ESRD patients using dialysis | ---- | 500 to 1,000 | 1Every 24 h |
1 Following dialysis, a 250 to 500 mg supplemental dose is recommended.
HOW SUPPLIED
Levetiracetam Oral Solution, 100 mg/mL, is a clear, colorless, grape-flavored liquid, and supplied in a 5 mL unit dose cup. One-hundred (100) cups per box.
Storage
Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to
86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Pharmacist: Dispense in a tight, light resistant container with a child-resistant closure.
Repackaged by:
Safecor Health, LLC
Woburn, MA 01801
Distributed by:
LLC Federal Solutions
Miami, FL 33132
Rev 110-00 09/2013
MEDICATION GUIDE
Levetiracetam 100 mg/mL Oral Solution
Read this Medication Guide before you start taking Levetiracetam Oral Solution and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment.
What is the most important information I should know about Levetiracetam?
Like other antiepileptic drugs, Levetiracetam may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500 people taking it.
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
- attempts 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 Levetiracetam without first talking to a healthcare provider.
- Stopping Levetiracetam suddenly can cause serious problems. Stopping a seizure medicine suddenly can cause seizures that will not stop (status epilepticus).
- 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.
What is Levetiracetam?
Levetiracetam is a medicine taken by mouth that is used with other medicines to treat:
- partial onset seizures in patients 4 years of age and older with epilepsy
- myoclonic seizures in people 12 years of age and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
- primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in people 6 years of age and older with certain types of generalized epilepsy.
It is not known if Levetiracetam is safe or effective in children under 4 years of age.
Before taking your medicine, make sure you have received the correct medicine. Compare the name above with the name on your bottle and the appearance of your medicine with the description of Levetiracetam provided below. Contact your pharmacist immediately if you believe a dispensing error may have occurred.
Levetiracetam oral solution is a clear, colorless, grape-flavored liquid.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before starting Levetiracetam?
Before taking Levetiracetam, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- have or have had depression, mood problems or suicidal thoughts or behavior
- have kidney problems
- are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Levetiracetam will harm your unborn baby. You and your healthcare provider will have to decide if you should take Levetiracetam while you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Levetiracetam, 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.
- are breast feeding. Levetiracetam can pass into your milk and may harm your baby. You and your healthcare provider should discuss whether you should take Levetiracetam or breast-feed; you should not do both.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription, nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Do not start a new medicine without first talking with your healthcare provider.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist each time you get a new medicine.
How should I take Levetiracetam?
Take Levetiracetam exactly as prescribed.
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how much Levetiracetam to take and when to take it. Levetiracetam is usually taken twice a day. Take Levetiracetam at the same times each day.
- Your healthcare provider may change your dose. Do not change your dose without talking to your healthcare provider.
- Take Levetiracetam with or without food.
- Use a medicine dropper or medicine cup to measure Levetiracetam oral solution. Do not use a teaspoon. Ask your pharmacist for a medicine dropper or medicine cup to help you measure Levetiracetam. If your healthcare provider has given you Levetiracetam oral solution for your child, be sure to ask your pharmacist for a medicine syringe to help you measure the correct amount of Levetiracetam oral solution. Ask your pharmacist for instructions on how to properly use the medicine syringe or dosing device that has been provided to you.
- If you miss a dose of Levetiracetam, 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.
- If you take too much Levetiracetam, call your local Poison Control Center or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
What should I avoid while taking Levetiracetam?
Do not drive, operate machinery or do other dangerous activities until you know how Levetiracetam affects you. Levetiracetam may make you dizzy or sleepy.
What are the possible side effects of Levetiracetam?
- See “What is the most important information I should know about Levetiracetam?”
Levetiracetam can cause serious side effects.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms:
- mood and behavior changes such as aggression, agitation, anger, anxiety, apathy, mood swings, depression, hostility, and irritability. A few people may get psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are really not there), delusions (false or strange thoughts or beliefs) and unusual behavior.
- extreme sleepiness, tiredness, and weakness
- problems with muscle coordination (problems walking and moving)
The most common side effects seen in people who take Levetiracetam include:
- sleepiness
- weakness
- dizziness
- infection
The most common side effects seen in children who take Levetiracetam include, in addition to those listed above:
- accidental injury
- irritability
- hostility
These side effects can happen at any time but happen more often within the first 4 weeks of treatment except for infection.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of Levetiracetam. 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 Levetiracetam Oral Solution?
- Store Levetiracetam Oral Solution at room temperature, 59º to 86ºF (15ºC to 30ºC) away from heat and light.
- Keep Levetiracetam Oral Solution and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about Levetiracetam.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use Levetiracetam for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Levetiracetam to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about Levetiracetam. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Levetiracetam that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients of Levetiracetam?
Levetiracetam oral solution contains 100 mg of levetiracetam per mL. Inactive ingredients are acesulfame potassium, citric acid, flavor, glycerin, methylparaben, propylparaben, purified water, sodium citrate, and sorbitol solution.
Levetiracetam does not contain lactose or gluten. Levetiracetam Oral Solution does contain carbohydrates. The liquid is dye-free.
Rx Only
This Medication Guide has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
———PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL———
NDC: 24451-548-05
levETIRAcetam
ORAL SOLUTION
500 mg / 5 mL
DELIVERS 5 mL
GRAPE FLAVOR
Exp: 00/00/00 Lot # 00000
2445154805
Rpk By: Safecor Health LLC
Woburn, MA 01801
Dist. By: LLC Federal Solutions
Miami, FL 33132
LevetiracetamLevetiracetam SOLUTION
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