Monotherapy or Adjunctive Therapy
The recommended starting dosage of perampanel in adults and pediatric patients 4 years of age and older is 2 mg once daily taken orally at bedtime. Increase dosage no more frequently than at weekly intervals by increments of 2 mg once daily based on individual clinical response and tolerability.
The recommended maintenance dose range is 8 mg to 12 mg once daily, although some patients may respond to a dose of 4 mg daily. A dose of 12 mg once daily resulted in somewhat greater reductions in seizure rates than the dose of 8 mg once daily, but with a substantial increase in adverse reactions.
Dosage adjustment is recommended with concomitant use of moderate or strong CYP3A4 enzyme inducing drugs, which include certain antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)
[see
Dosage and Administration (2.3)]
.
Adjunctive Therapy
The recommended starting dosage of perampanel in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older is 2 mg once daily taken orally at bedtime. Increase dosage no more frequently than at weekly intervals by increments of 2 mg once daily based on individual clinical response and tolerability.
The recommended maintenance dose is 8 mg once daily taken at bedtime. Patients who are tolerating perampanel at 8 mg once daily and require further reduction of seizures may benefit from a dose increase up to 12 mg once daily if tolerated.
Dosage adjustment is recommended with concomitant use of moderate or strong CYP3A4 enzyme inducing drugs, which include certain AEDs
[see
Dosage and Administration (2.3)]
.
Dizziness and Gait Disturbance
Perampanel caused dose-related increases in events related to dizziness and disturbance in gait or coordination
[see
Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
In the controlled partial-onset seizure clinical trials, dizziness and vertigo were reported in 35% and 47% of patients randomized to receive perampanel at doses of 8 mg and 12 mg per day, respectively, compared to 10% of placebo-treated patients. The gait disturbance related events (including ataxia, gait disturbance, balance disorder, and abnormal coordination) were reported in 12% and 16% of patients randomized to receive perampanel at doses of 8 mg and 12 mg per day, respectively, compared to 2% of placebo-treated patients. Elderly patients had an increased risk of these adverse reactions compared to younger adults and pediatric patients.
These adverse reactions occurred mostly during the titration phase and led to discontinuation in 3% of perampanel-treated patients compared to 1% of placebo-treated patients.
These adverse reactions were also observed in the primary generalized tonic-clonic seizure clinical trial.
Somnolence and Fatigue
Perampanel caused dose-dependent increases in somnolence and fatigue-related events (including fatigue, asthenia, and lethargy).
In the controlled partial-onset seizure clinical trials, 16% and 18% of patients randomized to receive perampanel at doses of 8 mg and 12 mg per day, respectively, reported somnolence compared to 7% of placebo patients. In the controlled partial-onset seizure clinical trials, 12% and 15% of patients randomized to receive perampanel at doses of 8 mg and 12 mg per day, respectively, reported fatigue-related events compared to 5% of placebo patients. Somnolence or fatigue-related events led to discontinuation in 2% of perampanel-treated patients and 0.5% of placebo-treated patients. Elderly patients had an increased risk of these adverse reactions compared to younger adults and pediatric patients.
In the controlled partial-onset seizure clinical trials, these adverse reactions occurred mostly during the titration phase.
These adverse reactions were also observed in the primary generalized tonic-clonic seizure clinical trial.
Risk Amelioration
Prescribers should advise patients against engaging in hazardous activities requiring mental alertness, such as operating motor vehicles or dangerous machinery, until the effect of perampanel is known. Patients should be carefully observed for signs of central nervous system (CNS) depression, such as somnolence and sedation, when perampanel is used with other drugs with sedative properties because of potential additive effects.
Partial-Onset Seizures
Adult and Adolescent Patients (12 years of age and older)
A total of 1,038 patients receiving perampanel (2 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg, or 12 mg once daily) constituted the safety population in the pooled analysis of the placebo-controlled trials (Studies 1, 2, and 3) in patients with partial-onset seizures. Approximately 51% of patients were female, and the mean age was 35 years.
Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation
In controlled clinical trials (Studies 1, 2, and 3), the rate of discontinuation as a result of an adverse reaction was 3%, 8%, and 19% in patients randomized to receive perampanel at the recommended doses of 4 mg, 8 mg, and 12 mg per day, respectively, and 5% in patients randomized to receive placebo
[see
Clinical Studies (14)].
The adverse reactions most commonly leading to discontinuation (≥1% in the 8 mg or 12 mg perampanel group and greater than placebo) were dizziness, somnolence, vertigo, aggression, anger, ataxia, blurred vision, irritability, and dysarthria
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.1,
5.3)].
Most Common Adverse Reactions
Table 2 gives the incidence in the controlled clinical trials (Studies 1, 2, and 3) of the adverse reactions that occurred in ≥2% of patients with partial-onset seizures in the perampanel 12 mg dose group and more frequent than placebo (in order of decreasing frequency for the 12 mg dose group).
The most common dose-related adverse reactions in patients receiving perampanel at doses of 8 mg or 12 mg (≥4% and occurring at least 1% higher than the placebo group) included dizziness (36%), somnolence (16%), fatigue (10%), irritability (9%), falls (7%), nausea (7%), ataxia (5%), balance disorder (4%), gait disturbance (4%), vertigo (4%), and weight gain (4%). For almost every adverse reaction, rates were higher on 12 mg and more often led to dose reduction or discontinuation.
Table 2. Adverse Reactions in Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials in Adult and Adolescent Patients with Partial-Onset Seizures (Studies 1, 2, and 3) (Reactions ≥ 2% of Patients in Highest Perampanel Dose (12 mg) Group and More Frequent than Placebo) | Placebo
n=442
%
| Perampanel Tablets |
|---|
| 4 mg
n=172
%
| 8 mg
n=431
%
| 12 mg
n=255
%
|
|---|
| Dizziness | 9 | 16 | 32 | 43 |
| Somnolence | 7 | 9 | 16 | 18 |
| Headache | 11 | 11 | 11 | 13 |
| Irritability | 3 | 4 | 7 | 12 |
| Fatigue | 5 | 8 | 8 | 12 |
| Falls | 3 | 2 | 5 | 10 |
| Ataxia | 0 | 1 | 3 | 8 |
| Nausea | 5 | 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Vertigo | 1 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| Back pain | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| Dysarthria | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Anxiety | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Blurred vision | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Gait disturbance | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Weight gain | 1 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Cough | 3 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Vomiting | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Hypersomnia | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Anger | <1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Aggression | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Balance disorder | 1 | 0 | 5 | 3 |
| Diplopia | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Head injury | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Hypoaesthesia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Pain in extremity | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Constipation | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Myalgia | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Coordination abnormal | 0 | 1 | <1 | 2 |
| Euphoric mood | 0 | 0 | <1 | 2 |
| Confusional state | <1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Hyponatremia | <1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Limb injury | <1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Mood altered | <1 | 1 | <1 | 2 |
| Arthralgia | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 |
| Asthenia | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Contusion | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Memory impairment | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Musculoskeletal pain | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Oropharyngeal pain | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Paraesthesia | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Peripheral edema | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Skin laceration | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Pediatric Patients (4 to <12 years of age)
In two studies in pediatric patients 4 to <12 years of age with epilepsy, a total of 225 patients received perampanel, with 110 patients exposed for at least 6 months, and 21 patients for at least 1 year. Adverse reactions in pediatric patients 4 to <12 years of age were similar to those seen in patients 12 years of age and older.
Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures
A total of 81 patients receiving perampanel 8 mg once daily constituted the safety population in the placebo-controlled trial in patients with primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (Study 4). Approximately 57% of patients were female, and the mean age was 27 years.
In the controlled primary generalized tonic-clonic seizure clinical trial (Study 4), the adverse reaction profile was similar to that noted for the controlled partial-onset seizure clinical trials (Studies 1, 2, and 3).
Table 3 gives the incidence of adverse reactions in patients receiving perampanel 8 mg (≥4% and higher than in the placebo group) in Study 4. The most common adverse reactions in patients receiving perampanel (≥10% and greater than placebo) were dizziness (32%), fatigue (15%), headache (12%), somnolence (11%), and irritability (11%).
The adverse reactions most commonly leading to discontinuation in patients receiving perampanel 8 mg (≥2% and greater than placebo) were vomiting (2%) and dizziness (2%).
Table 3. Adverse Reactions in a Placebo-Controlled Trial in Patients with Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Study 4) (Reactions ≥4% of Patients in Perampanel Group and More Frequent than Placebo) | Placebo
n=82
%
| Perampanel 8 mg
n=81
%
|
|---|
| Dizziness | 6 | 32 |
| Fatigue | 6 | 15 |
| Headache | 10 | 12 |
| Somnolence | 4 | 11 |
| Irritability | 2 | 11 |
| Vertigo | 2 | 9 |
| Vomiting | 2 | 9 |
| Weight gain | 4 | 7 |
| Contusion | 4 | 6 |
| Nausea | 5 | 6 |
| Abdominal pain | 1 | 5 |
| Anxiety | 4 | 5 |
| Urinary tract infection | 1 | 4 |
| Ligament sprain | 0 | 4 |
| Balance disorder | 1 | 4 |
| | |
| Rash | 1 | 4 |
Weight Gain
Weight gain has occurred with perampanel.
In controlled partial-onset seizure clinical trials, perampanel-treated adults gained an average of 1.1 kg (2.5 lbs) compared to an average of 0.3 kg (0.7 lbs) in placebo-treated adults with a median exposure of 19 weeks. The percentages of adults who gained at least 7% and 15% of their baseline body weight in perampanel-treated patients were 9.1% and 0.9%, respectively, as compared to 4.5% and 0.2% of placebo-treated patients, respectively. Clinical monitoring of weight is recommended.
Similar increases in weight were also observed in adult and adolescent patients treated with perampanel in the primary generalized tonic-clonic seizure clinical trial.
Elevated triglycerides
Increases in triglycerides have occurred with perampanel use.
Comparison of Sex and Race
No significant sex differences were noted in the incidence of adverse reactions.
Although there were few non-Caucasian patients, no differences in the incidence of adverse reactions compared to Caucasian patients were observed.
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), such as perampanel, during pregnancy. Encourage women who are taking perampanel during pregnancy to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334 or visiting http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org.
Risk Summary
There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with use in pregnant women. In animal studies, perampanel induced developmental toxicity in pregnant rat and rabbit at clinically relevant doses
[see
Data]
. In the U.S. general population the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
Data
Animal Data
Oral administration of perampanel (1 mg/kg/day, 3 mg/kg/day, or 10 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rats throughout organogenesis resulted in an increase in visceral abnormalities (diverticulum of the intestine) at all doses tested; maternal toxicity was observed at the mid and high doses. In a dose-ranging study at higher oral doses (10 mg/kg/day, 30 mg/kg/day, or 60 mg/kg/day), embryo lethality and reduced fetal body weight were observed at the mid and high doses tested. The lowest dose tested (1 mg/kg/day) is similar to a human dose of 8 mg/day based on body surface area (mg/m
2).
Upon oral administration of perampanel (1 mg/kg/day, 3 mg/kg/day, or 10 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rabbits throughout organogenesis, embryo lethality and maternal toxicity were observed at the mid and high doses tested; the no-effect dose for embryo-fetal developmental toxicity in rabbit (1 mg/kg/day) is approximately 2 times a human dose of 8 mg/day based on body surface area (mg/m
2).
Oral administration of perampanel (1 mg/kg/day, 3 mg/kg/day or 10 mg/kg/day) to rats throughout gestation and lactation resulted in fetal and pup deaths at the mid and high doses (associated with maternal toxicity) and delayed sexual maturation in males and females at the highest dose tested. No effects were observed on measures of neurobehavioral or reproductive function in the offspring. The no-effect dose for pre- and postnatal developmental toxicity in rat (1 mg/kg/day) is similar to a human dose of 8 mg/day based on body surface area (mg/m
2).
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of perampanel in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects of the drug on milk production. Perampanel and/or its metabolites are present in rat milk, and are detected at concentrations higher than that in maternal plasma.
The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for perampanel and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from perampanel or from the underlying maternal condition.
Contraception
Use of perampanel may reduce the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives containing levonorgestrel. Advise women taking perampanel who are using a levonorgestrel-containing contraceptive to use an additional non-hormonal form of contraception while using perampanel and for a month after discontinuation
[see
Drug Interactions (7.1),
Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]
.
Juvenile Animal Data
Oral administration of perampanel (1 mg/kg/day, 3 mg/kg/day, 3/10/30 mg/kg/day; high dose increased on postnatal days [PND] 28 and 56) to young rats for 12 weeks starting on PND 7 resulted in reduced body weight, reduced growth, neurobehavioral impairment (water maze performance and auditory startle habituation) at the mid and high doses, and delayed sexual maturation at the high doses. CNS signs (reduced activity, incoordination, excessive grooming/scratching), pup death, decreased hindlimb splay, and decreased hindlimb grip strength were observed at all doses. Effects on pup body weight, pup growth, hindlimb splay, impairment in the water maze performance, and auditory startle persisted after dosing was stopped. A no-effect dose for postnatal developmental toxicity was not identified in this study.
Oral administration of perampanel (1 mg/kg/day, 5 mg/kg/day, 5/10 mg/kg/day; high dose increased on PND 56) to juvenile dogs for 33 weeks, starting on PND 42, resulted in CNS signs (incoordination, excessive grooming/licking/scratching, spatial disorientation, and/or ataxic gait) at all doses tested.
Psychomotor Performance
In a healthy volunteer study to assess the effects of perampanel tablets on psychomotor performance using a standard battery of assessments including simulated driving, single and multiple daily doses of perampanel 4 mg did not impair simple psychomotor tasks, driving performance, or sensorimotor coordination. Single and multiple doses of 8 mg and 12 mg impaired psychomotor performance in a dose-related manner. Car handling ability was impaired after dosing of perampanel 12 mg, but postural stability was not significantly impaired. Performance testing returned to baseline within 2 weeks of cessation of perampanel dosing.
Interactions with Alcohol
In the above study
(see
Psychomotor Performance)
, when administered to healthy subjects receiving alcohol to achieve a blood concentration of 80 mg/100mL to 100 mg/100 mL, perampanel consistently impaired simple psychomotor performance after single doses of 4 mg to 12 mg, and after 21 days of multiple 12 mg/day doses. The effects of perampanel on complex tasks such as driving ability were additive or supra-additive to the impairment effects of alcohol. Perampanel enhanced the effects of alcohol on vigilance and alertness, and increased levels of anger, confusion, and depression.
Potential to Prolong QT Interval
In a placebo-controlled thorough QT study of perampanel in healthy subjects, there was no evidence that perampanel caused QT interval prolongation of clinical significance at doses of 6 mg or 12 mg (i.e., the upper bound of the 95% confidence interval for the largest placebo-adjusted baseline-corrected QTc was below 10 msec). The exposures observed with the 12 mg dose in this study will not cover the exposures expected in patients with hepatic impairment taking doses over 6 mg/day. At the highest recommended dose (12 mg), perampanel did not prolong the QTc interval to any clinically relevant extent.
Absorption
Perampanel is rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration with negligible first-pass metabolism. Median time to reach peak concentration (t
max) ranged from 0.5 to 2.5 hours under fasted condition. Co-administration of perampanel tablet with a high fat meal had no impact on the total exposure (AUC
0-inf) of perampanel and reduced the peak plasma concentration (C
max) of perampanel by 11% to 40%. The t
maxwas delayed by approximately 1 to 3 hours in fed state compared to that under fasted conditions.
Distribution
Data from
in vitrostudies indicate that, in the concentration range of 20 ng/mL to 2000 ng/mL, perampanel is approximately 95 to 96% bound to plasma proteins, mainly bound to albumin and α1-acid glycoprotein. Blood to plasma ratio of perampanel is 0.55 to 0.59.
Metabolism
Perampanel is extensively metabolized via primary oxidation and sequential glucuronidation. Oxidative metabolism is primarily mediated by CYP3A4/5 and to a lesser extent by CYP1A2 and CYP2B6, based on results of
in vitrostudies using recombinant human CYPs and human liver microsomes. Other CYP enzymes may also be involved.
Following administration of radiolabeled perampanel, unchanged perampanel accounted for 74% to 80% of total radioactivity in systemic circulation, whereas only trace amounts of individual perampanel metabolites were detected in plasma.
Elimination
Following administration of a radiolabeled perampanel tablet dose to 8 healthy elderly subjects, 22% of administered radioactivity was recovered in the urine and 48% in the feces. In urine and feces, recovered radioactivity was primarily composed of a mixture of oxidative and conjugated metabolites. Population pharmacokinetic analysis of pooled data from 19 Phase 1 studies reported that t
½of perampanel was 105 hours on average. Apparent clearance of perampanel in healthy subjects and patients was approximately 12 mL/min.
Specific Populations
Hepatic Impairment
The pharmacokinetics of perampanel following a single 1 mg tablet dose were evaluated in 12 subjects with mild and moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A and B, respectively) compared with 12 demographically matched healthy subjects. The total (free and protein bound) exposure (AUC
0-inf) of perampanel was 50% greater in subjects with mild hepatic impairment and more than doubled (2.55-fold) in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment compared to their healthy controls. The AUC
0-infof free perampanel in subjects with mild and moderate hepatic impairment was 1.8-fold and 3.3-fold, respectively, of those in matched healthy controls. The t
½was prolonged in subjects with mild impairment (306 vs. 125 hours) and moderate impairment (295 vs. 139 hours). Perampanel has not been studied in subjects with severe hepatic impairment
[see
Dosage and Administration (2.4),
Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
Renal Impairment
A dedicated study has not been conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of perampanel in patients with renal impairment. Population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on pooled data from patients with partial-onset seizures and receiving perampanel tablets up to 12 mg/day in placebo-controlled clinical trials. Results showed that perampanel apparent clearance was decreased by 27% in patients with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance 50 to 80 mL/min) compared to patients with normal renal function (creatinine clearance >80 mL/min), with a corresponding 37% increase in AUC. Considering the substantial overlap in the exposure between normal and mildly impaired patients, no dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with mild renal impairment. Perampanel has not been studied in patients with severe renal impairment and patients undergoing hemodialysis
[see
Dosage and Administration (2.5),
Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].
Sex
In a population pharmacokinetic analysis of patients with partial-onset and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures receiving perampanel tablets in placebo-controlled clinical trials, perampanel apparent clearance in females (0.54 L/hr) was 18% lower than in males (0.66 L/hr).
No dosage adjustment is necessary based on sex.
Pediatrics
In a population pharmacokinetic analysis of healthy subjects and pediatric and adult patients with partial-onset seizures, including 123 children 4 years to less than 12 years of age, 226 adolescents 12 years to less than 18 years of age, and 1912 adults 18 years of age and older, no significant effect of age or body weight on perampanel clearance was found.
Geriatrics
In a population pharmacokinetic analysis of patients with partial-onset seizures and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures ranging in age from 12 to 74 years receiving perampanel tablets in placebo-controlled trials, no significant effect of age on perampanel apparent clearance was found
[see
Dosage and Administration (2.6),
Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].
Race
In a population pharmacokinetic analysis of patients with partial-onset seizures and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, which included 614 Caucasians, 15 Blacks, 4 Japanese, 4 American Indians/Alaska Natives, 79 Chinese and 108 other Asians receiving perampanel tablets in placebo-controlled trials, no significant effect of race on perampanel apparent clearance was found. No dosage adjustment is necessary.
Drug Interaction Studies
In VitroAssessment of Drug Interactions
Drug Metabolizing Enzymes
In human liver microsomes, perampanel at a concentration of 30 μmol/L, about 10 fold the steady state C
maxat a 12 mg dose, had a weak inhibitory effect on CYP2C8, CYP3A4, UGT1A9, and UGT2B7. Perampanel did not inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, UGT1A1, UGT1A4, and UGT1A6 up to a concentration of 30 μmol/L.
Compared with positive controls (including phenobarbital and rifampin), perampanel was found to weakly induce CYP2B6 (30 μmol/L) and CYP3A4/5 (≥3 μmol/L) in cultured human hepatocytes. Perampanel also induced UGT1A1 (≥3 μmol/L) and UGT1A4 (30 μmol/L). Perampanel did not induce CYP1A2 at concentrations up to 30 μmol/L.
Transporters
In vitrostudies showed that perampanel is not a substrate or significant inhibitor of the following: organic anion transporting polypeptides 1B1 and 1B3; organic anion transporters 1, 2, 3, and 4; organic cation transporters 1, 2, and 3; efflux transporters P-glycoprotein and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein.
In VivoAssessment of Drug Interactions
Drug Interactions with AEDs
Effect of Concomitant AEDs on Perampanel:
Carbamazepine.As an inducer of CYP enzymes, carbamazepine increases perampanel clearance. Steady state administration of carbamazepine at 300 mg BID in healthy subjects reduced the C
maxand AUC
0-infof a single 2 mg tablet dose of perampanel by 26% and 67%, respectively. The t
½of perampanel was shortened from 56.8 hours to 25 hours. In clinical studies examining partial-onset and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, a population pharmacokinetic analysis showed that perampanel AUC was reduced by 64% in patients on carbamazepine compared to the AUC in patients not on enzyme-inducing AEDs
[see
Dosage and Administration (2.3),
Drug Interactions (7.2)].
Oxcarbazepine.In clinical studies examining partial-onset and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, a population pharmacokinetic analysis showed that perampanel AUC was reduced by 48% in patients on oxcarbazepine compared to patients not on enzyme-inducing AEDs
[see
Dosage and Administration (2.3),
Drug Interactions (7.2)].
Eslicarbazepine.Eslicarbazepine is structurally similar to oxcarbazepine and thus may also reduce perampanel plasma concentrations when used concomitantly.
Phenytoin.In clinical studies examining partial-onset and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, a population pharmacokinetic analysis showed that perampanel AUC was reduced by 43% in patients on phenytoin compared to patients not on enzyme-inducing AEDs
[see
Dosage and Administration (2.3),
Drug Interactions (7.2)].
Phenobarbital and Primidone.In a population pharmacokinetic analysis of patients with partial-onset and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in clinical trials (40 patients co-administered phenobarbital and 9 patients co-administered primidone), no significant effect on perampanel AUC was found. A modest effect of phenobarbital and primidone on perampanel concentrations cannot be excluded.
Topiramate.Population pharmacokinetic analysis of patients with partial-onset and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in clinical trials showed that perampanel AUC was reduced by approximately 19% in patients on topiramate compared to patients not on enzyme-inducing AEDs.
Other AEDs.Population pharmacokinetic analysis of patients with partial-onset and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in clinical trials showed that clobazam, clonazepam, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, valproate, and zonisamide did not have an effect on perampanel clearance.
Other strong CYP3A inducers (e.g., rifampin, St. John's wort) may also greatly increase clearance of perampanel and reduce perampanel plasma concentrations
[see
Drug Interactions (7.2)].
Effect of Perampanel on Concomitant AEDs:
Perampanel tablets up to 12 mg/day did not significantly affect the clearance of clonazepam, levetiracetam, phenobarbital, phenytoin, topiramate, or zonisamide based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis of patients with partial-onset seizures in clinical trials. Perampanel had a statistically significant effect on the clearance of carbamazepine, clobazam, lamotrigine, and valproic acid, but the increases in clearance of these drugs were each less than 10% at the highest perampanel dose evaluated (12 mg/day). Perampanel co-administration resulted in a 26% decrease in oxcarbazepine clearance and increased its concentrations. The concentrations of 10-monohydroxy metabolite (MHD), the active metabolite of oxcarbazepine, were not measured.
Drug-drug Interaction Studies with Other Drugs
Effect of Other Drugs on Perampanel
Ketoconazole.Co-administration of single 1-mg dose of perampanel tablet with 400 mg once daily doses of ketoconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, for 8 days in healthy subjects prolonged perampanel t
½by 15% (67.8 vs. 58.4 hours) and increased AUC
0-infby 20%.
Contraceptives.Perampanel C
maxand AUC
0-72hwere not altered when a single 6-mg dose of perampanel tablet was administered to healthy female subjects following a 21-day course of oral contraceptives containing ethinylestradiol 30 μg and levonorgestrel 150 μg.
Effect of Perampanel on Other Drugs
Midazolam.Perampanel administered as 6 mg tablet once daily doses for 20 days decreased AUC
0-infand C
maxof midazolam (a CYP3A4 substrate) by 13% and 15%, respectively, in healthy subjects.
Contraceptives.Co-administration of perampanel 4 mg tablet once daily with an oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol 30 µg and levonorgestrel 150 µg for 21 days did not alter C
maxor AUC
0-24hof either ethinylestradiol or levonorgestrel in healthy female subjects. In another study, a single dose of the oral contraceptive was administered following 21-day once daily dosing of perampanel 12 mg or 8 mg tablets in healthy females. Perampanel at 12 mg did not alter AUC
0-24hof ethinylestradiol but decreased its C
maxby 18%, and also decreased C
maxand AUC
0-24hof levonorgestrel by 42% and 40%, respectively. Perampanel at 8 mg did not have significant effect on C
maxor AUC
0-24hof either ethinylestradiol or levonorgestrel, with a decrease in AUC
0-24hof levonorgestrel (9% on average)
[see
Drug Interactions (7.1),
Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].
Levodopa.Perampanel tablets administered as 4 mg once daily doses for 19 days had no effect on C
maxand AUC
0-infof levodopa in healthy subjects.
Carcinogenesis
Perampanel was administered orally to mice (1 mg/kg/day, 3 mg/kg/day, 10 mg/kg/day, or 30 mg/kg/day) and rats (10 mg/kg/day, 30 mg/ kg/day, or 100 mg/kg/day in males; 3 mg/kg/day, 10 mg/kg/day, or 30 mg/kg/day in females) for up to 104 weeks. There was no evidence of drug-related tumors in either species. Plasma perampanel exposures (AUC) at the highest doses tested were less than that in humans dosed at 8 mg/day.
Mutagenesis
Perampanel was negative in the
in vitroAmes and mouse lymphoma
tkassays, and in the
in vivorat micronucleus assay.
Impairment of Fertility
In male and female rats administered perampanel (oral doses of 1 mg/kg/day, 10 mg/kg/day, or 30 mg/kg/day) prior to and throughout mating and continuing in females to gestation day 6, there were no clear effects on fertility. Prolonged and/or irregular estrus cycles were observed at all doses but particularly at the highest dose tested. Plasma perampanel exposures (AUC) at all doses were lower than that in humans dosed at 8 mg/day.
Serious Psychiatric and Behavioral Reactions
Counsel patients, families, and caregivers of patients of the need to monitor for the emergence of anger, aggression, hostility, hallucinations, delusions, confusion, unusual changes in mood, personality, or behavior, and other behavioral symptoms. Advise them to report any such symptoms immediately to their healthcare providers
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
.
Suicidal Thinking and Behavior
Counsel patients, their caregivers, and families that AEDs, including perampanel, may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior and advise them 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. Instruct patients, caregivers, and families to report behaviors of concern immediately to healthcare providers
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
.
Neurologic Effects: Dizziness, Gait Disturbance, Somnolence, and Fatigue
Counsel patients that perampanel may cause dizziness, gait disturbance, somnolence, and fatigue. Advise patients taking perampanel not to drive, operate complex machinery, or engage in other hazardous activities until they have become accustomed to any such effects associated with perampanel
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
.
Falls
Counsel patients that perampanel may cause falls and injuries
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
.
DRESS/Multi-organ Hypersensitivity
Instruct patients that a fever associated with signs of other organ system involvement (e.g., rash, lymphadenopathy, hepatic dysfunction) may be drug-related and should be reported to their healthcare provider immediately
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
.
Withdrawal of Antiepileptic Drugs
Counsel patients that abrupt discontinuation of perampanel may increase seizure frequency
[see
Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
.
Contraceptives
Counsel females of reproductive potential that perampanel may decrease efficacy of contraceptives containing levonorgestrel, and advise them to use an additional non-hormonal form of contraception while using perampanel and for a month after discontinuation
[see
Drug Interactions (7.1),
Use in Specific Populations (8.3)]
.
Alcohol and Other CNS Depressants
Counsel patients that perampanel may enhance the impairment effects of alcohol. These effects may also be seen if perampanel is taken with other CNS depressants
[see
Drug Interactions (7.3)]
.
Missed Doses
Counsel patients that if they miss a dose, they should resume dosing the following day at their prescribed daily dose. Instruct patients to contact their physician if more than one day of dosing is missed.
Controlled Substance
Counsel patients that perampanel is a controlled substance that can be misused and abused
[see
Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.1)]
.
Pregnancy Registry
Advise women who are exposed to perampanel during pregnancy that there is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes. Encourage these patients to enroll in the NAAED Pregnancy Registry
[see
Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]
.
Mfd. by: Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
Haifa Bay, Israel 2624761
Dist. by:
Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.
Hawthorne, NY 10532
Issued: October 2019
21029-1019-0