Dose-dependent prolongations in PR interval with lacosamide have been observed in clinical studies in adult patients and in healthy volunteers [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. In adjunctive clinical trials in adult patients with partial-onset seizures, asymptomatic first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block was observed as an adverse reaction in 0.4% (4/944) of patients randomized to receive lacosamide and 0% (0/364) of patients randomized to receive placebo. One case of profound bradycardia was observed in a patient during a 15-minute infusion of 150 mg Lacosamide. When Lacosamide is given with other drugs that prolong the PR interval, further PR prolongation is possible.
In the postmarketing setting, there have been reports of cardiac arrhythmias in patients treated with Lacosamide, including bradycardia, AV block, and ventricular tachyarrhythmia, which have rarely resulted in asystole, cardiac arrest, and death. Most, although not all, cases have occurred in patients with underlying proarrhythmic conditions, or in those taking concomitant medications that affect cardiac conduction or prolong the PR interval. These events have occurred with both oral and intravenous routes of administration and at prescribed doses as well as in the setting of overdose [see Overdosage (10)].
Lacosamide should be used with caution in patients with underlying proarrhythmic conditions such as known cardiac conduction problems (e.g., marked first-degree AV block, second-degree or higher AV block and sick sinus syndrome without pacemaker), severe cardiac disease (such as myocardial ischemia or heart failure, or structural heart disease), and cardiac sodium channelopathies (e.g., Brugada Syndrome). Lacosamide should also be used with caution in patients on concomitant medications that affect cardiac conduction, including sodium channel blockers, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, potassium channel blockers, and medications that prolong the PR interval [see Drug Interactions (7.2)]. In such patients, obtaining an ECG before beginning Lacosamide, and after Lacosamide is titrated to steady-state maintenance dose, is recommended. In addition, these patients should be closely monitored if they are administered Lacosamide through the intravenous route [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Drug Interactions (7.2)].
In the short-term investigational trials of Lacosamide in adult patients with partial-onset seizures there were no cases of atrial fibrillation or flutter. Both atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter have been reported in open label partial-onset seizure trials and in postmarketing experience. In adult patients with diabetic neuropathy, for which Lacosamide is not indicated, 0.5% of patients treated with Lacosamide experienced an adverse reaction of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, compared to 0% of placebo-treated patients. Lacosamide administration may predispose to atrial arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation or flutter), especially in patients with diabetic neuropathy and/or cardiovascular disease.
The following is a list of adverse reactions reported by patients treated with Lacosamide in all clinical trials in adult patients, including controlled trials and long-term open-label extension trials. Adverse reactions addressed in other tables or sections are not listed here.
Gastrointestinal disorders: constipation, dyspepsia, dry mouth, oral hypoaesthesia
General disorders and administration site conditions: irritability, pyrexia, feeling drunk
Nervous system disorders: paresthesia, cognitive disorder, hypoaesthesia, dysarthria, disturbance in attention, cerebellar syndrome
Adverse reactions with intravenous administration to adult patients with partial-onset seizures generally were similar to those that occurred with the oral formulation, although intravenous administration was associated with local adverse reactions such as injection site pain or discomfort (2.5%), irritation (1%), and erythema (0.5%). One case of profound bradycardia (26 bpm: BP 100/60 mmHg) occurred in a patient during a 15-minute infusion of 150 mg Lacosamide. This patient was on a beta-blocker. Infusion was discontinued and the patient experienced a rapid recovery.
The safety of a 15-minute loading dose administration of Lacosamide injection 200 mg to 400 mg followed by oral administration of Lacosamide given twice daily at the same total daily dose as the initial intravenous infusion was assessed in an open-label study in adult patients with partial-onset seizures. Patients had to have been maintained on a stable dose regimen of 1 to 2 marketed antiepileptics for at least 28 days prior to treatment assignment. Treatment groups were as follows:
- Single dose of intravenous Lacosamide Injection 200 mg followed by oral lacosamide 200 mg/day (100 mg every 12 hours)
- Single dose of intravenous Lacosamide Injection 300 mg followed by oral lacosamide 300 mg/day (150 mg every 12 hours)
- Single dose of intravenous Lacosamide Injection 400 mg followed by oral lacosamide 400 mg/day (200 mg every 12 hours).
Table 4 gives the incidence of adverse reactions that occurred in ≥5% of adult patients in any Lacosamide dosing group.
Table 4: Adverse Reactions in a 15-minute Infusion Study in Adult Patients with Partial-Onset Seizures
| Adverse Reaction | Lacosamide 200 mg N=25 % | Lacosamide 300 mg N=50 % | Lacosamide 400 mg N=25 % | Lacosamide Total N=100 % |
| Eye disorders | | | | |
| Diplopia
| 4
| 6
| 20
| 9
|
| Blurred Vision
| 0
| 4
| 12
| 5
|
| Gastrointestinal disorders | | | | |
| Nausea
| 0
| 16
| 24
| 14
|
| Dry mouth
| 0
| 6
| 12
| 6
|
| Vomiting
| 0
| 4
| 12
| 5
|
| Oral Paresthesia
| 4
| 4
| 8
| 5
|
| Oral Hypoesthesia
| 0
| 6
| 8
| 5
|
| Diarrhea
| 0
| 8
| 0
| 4
|
| General disorders/administration site conditions | | | | |
| Fatigue
| 0
| 18
| 12
| 12
|
| Gait disturbance
| 8
| 2
| 0
| 3
|
| Chest pain
| 0
| 0
| 12
| 3
|
Table 4: Adverse Reactions in a 15-minute Infusion Study in Adult Patients with Partial-Onset Seizures (Continued)
| Adverse Reaction | Lacosamide 200 mg N=25 % | Lacosamide 300 mg N=50 % | Lacosamide 400 mg N=25 % | Lacosamide Total N=100 % |
| Nervous system disorders | | | | |
| Dizziness
| 20
| 46
| 60
| 43
|
| Somnolence
| 0
| 34
| 36
| 26
|
| Headache
| 8
| 4
| 16
| 8
|
| Paresthesia
| 8
| 6
| 4
| 6
|
| Tremor
| 0
| 6
| 4
| 4
|
| Abnormal Coordination
| 0
| 6
| 0
| 3
|
| Skin & subcutaneous tissue disorders | | | | |
| Pruritus
| 0
| 6
| 4
| 4
|
| Hyperhidrosis
| 0
| 0
| 8
| 2
|
Adverse reactions that occurred with infusion of Lacosamide 200 mg over 15-minutes followed by Lacosamide 100 mg administered orally twice per day were similar in frequency to those that occurred in 3-month adjunctive therapy controlled trials. Considering the difference in period of observations (1 week vs. 3 months), the incidence of CNS adverse reactions, such as dizziness, somnolence, and paresthesia may be higher with 15-minute administration of Lacosamide injection than with administration over a 30-to 60-minute period.
Pediatric use information is approved for UCB, Inc.'s VIMPAT®
(lacosamide) injection. However, due to UCB, Inc.'s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information.
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), such as Lacosamide, during pregnancy. Encourage women who are taking Lacosamide 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 risks associated with the use of Lacosamide in pregnant women.
Lacosamide produced developmental toxicity (increased embryofetal and perinatal mortality, growth deficit) in rats following administration during pregnancy. Developmental neurotoxicity was observed in rats following administration during a period of postnatal development corresponding to the third trimester of human pregnancy. These effects were observed at doses associated with clinically relevant plasma exposures (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 lacosamide to pregnant rats (20, 75, or 200 mg/kg/day) and rabbits (6.25, 12.5, or 25 mg/kg/day) during the period of organogenesis did not produce any effects on the incidences of fetal structural abnormalities. However, the maximum doses evaluated were limited by maternal toxicity in both species and embryofetal death in rats. These doses were associated with maternal plasma lacosamide exposures (AUC) approximately 2 and 1 times (rat and rabbit, respectively) that in humans at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 400 mg/day.
In two studies in which lacosamide (25, 70, or 200 mg/kg/day and 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to rats throughout pregnancy and lactation, increased perinatal mortality and decreased body weights in the offspring were observed at the highest dose tested. The no-effect dose for pre- and postnatal developmental toxicity in rats (70 mg/kg/day) was associated with a maternal plasma lacosamide AUC similar to that in humans at the MRHD.
Oral administration of lacosamide (30, 90, or 180 mg/kg/day) to rats during the neonatal and juvenile periods of development resulted in decreased brain weights and long-term neurobehavioral changes (altered open field performance, deficits in learning and memory). The early postnatal period in rats is generally thought to correspond to late pregnancy in humans in terms of brain development. The no-effect dose for developmental neurotoxicity in rats was associated with a plasma lacosamide AUC less than that in humans at the MRHD.
In Vitro Data
Lacosamide has been shown in vitro to interfere with the activity of collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP-2), a protein involved in neuronal differentiation and control of axonal outgrowth. Potential adverse effects on CNS development related to this activity cannot be ruled out.
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of lacosamide in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Studies in lactating rats have shown excretion of lacosamide and/or its metabolites in milk.
The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for Lacosamide and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Lacosamide or from the underlying maternal condition.
Animal Data
Lacosamide has been shown in vitro to interfere with the activity of collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP-2), a protein involved in neuronal differentiation and control of axonal outgrowth. Potential related adverse effects on CNS development cannot be ruled out. Administration of lacosamide to rats during the neonatal and juvenile periods of postnatal development (approximately equivalent to neonatal through adolescent development in humans) resulted in decreased brain weights and long-term neurobehavioral changes (altered open field performance, deficits in learning and memory). The no-effect dose for developmental neurotoxicity in rats was associated with a plasma lacosamide exposure (AUC) less than that in humans at the maximum recommended human dose of 400 mg/day.
Pediatric use information is approved for UCB, Inc.'s VIMPAT®
(lacosamide) injection. However, due to UCB, Inc.'s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information.
Cardiac Electrophysiology
Electrocardiographic effects of Lacosamide were determined in a double-blind, randomized clinical pharmacology trial of 247 healthy subjects. Chronic oral doses of 400 and 800 mg/day were compared with placebo and a positive control (400 mg moxifloxacin). Lacosamide did not prolong QTc interval and did not have a dose-related or clinically important effect on QRS duration. Lacosamide produced a small, dose-related increase in mean PR interval. At steady-state, the time of the maximum observed mean PR interval corresponded with tmax. The placebo-subtracted maximum increase in PR interval (at tmax) was 7.3 ms for the 400 mg/day group and 11.9 ms for the 800 mg/day group. For patients who participated in the controlled trials, the placebo-subtracted mean maximum increase in PR interval for a 400 mg/day Lacosamide dose was 3.1 ms in patients with partialonset seizures and 9.4 ms for patients with diabetic neuropathy.
Absorption and Bioavailability
Lacosamide is completely absorbed after oral administration. The oral bioavailability of Lacosamide tablets is approximately 100%. Food does not affect the rate and extent of absorption.
After intravenous administration, Cmax is reached at the end of infusion. The 30- and 60-minute intravenous infusions are bioequivalent to the oral tablet. For the 15-minute intravenous infusion, bioequivalence was met for AUC(0-tz) but not for Cmax. The point estimate of Cmax was 20% higher than Cmax for oral tablet and the 90% CI for Cmax exceeded the upper boundary of the bioequivalence range.
In a trial comparing the oral tablet with an oral solution containing 10 mg/mL lacosamide, bioequivalence between both formulations was shown.
A single loading dose of 200 mg approximates steady-state concentrations comparable to the 100 mg twice daily oral administration.
Distribution
The volume of distribution is approximately 0.6 L/kg and thus close to the volume of total body water. Lacosamide is less than 15% bound to plasma proteins.
Metabolism and Elimination
Lacosamide is primarily eliminated from the systemic circulation by renal excretion and biotransformation.
After intravenous administration of 100 mg [14C]-lacosamide approximately 95% of radioactivity administered was recovered in the urine and less than 0.5% in the feces. The major compounds excreted were unchanged lacosamide (approximately 40% of the dose), its O-desmethyl metabolite (approximately 30%), and a structurally unknown polar fraction (~20%). The plasma exposure of the major human metabolite, O- desmethyl-lacosamide, is approximately 10% of that of lacosamide. This metabolite has no known pharmacological activity.
The CYP isoforms mainly responsible for the formation of the major metabolite (O-desmethyl) are CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19. The elimination half-life of the unchanged drug is approximately 13 hours and is not altered by different doses, multiple dosing or intravenous administration.
There is no enantiomeric interconversion of lacosamide.
Specific Populations
Renal Impairment
Lacosamide and its major metabolite are eliminated from the systemic circulation primarily by renal excretion.
The AUC of Lacosamide was increased approximately 25% in mildly (CLCR 50 to 80 mL/min) and moderately (CLCR 30 to 50 mL/min) and 60% in severely (CLCR≤30 mL/min) renally impaired patients compared to subjects with normal renal function (CLCR>80 mL/min), whereas Cmax was unaffected. Lacosamide is effectively removed from plasma by hemodialysis. Following a 4-hour hemodialysis treatment, AUC of Lacosamide is reduced by approximately 50% [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Hepatic Impairment
Lacosamide undergoes metabolism. Subjects with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B) showed higher plasma concentrations of lacosamide (approximately 50 to 60% higher AUC compared to healthy subjects). The pharmacokinetics of lacosamide have not been evaluated in severe hepatic impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].
|Pediatric Patients
Pediatric use information is approved for UCB, Inc.'s VIMPAT®
(lacosamide) injection. However, due to UCB, Inc.'s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information.
Geriatric Patients
In the elderly (>65 years), dose and body-weight normalized AUC and Cmax is about 20% increased compared to young subjects (18-64 years). This may be related to body weight and decreased renal function in elderly subjects.
Gender
Lacosamide clinical trials indicate that gender does not have a clinically relevant influence on the pharmacokinetics of Lacosamide
Race
There are no clinically relevant differences in the pharmacokinetics of Lacosamide between Asian, Black, and Caucasian subjects.
CYP2C19 Polymorphism
There are no clinically relevant differences in the pharmacokinetics of Lacosamide between CYP2C19 poor metabolizers and extensive metabolizers. Results from a trial in poor metabolizers (PM) (N=4) and extensive metabolizers (EM) (N=8) of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 showed that lacosamide plasma concentrations were similar in PMs and EMs, but plasma concentrations and the amount excreted into urine of the O-desmethyl metabolite were about 70% reduced in PMs compared to EMs.
Drug Interactions
In Vitro Assessment of Drug Interactions
In vitro metabolism studies indicate that lacosamide does not induce the enzyme activity of drug metabolizing cytochrome P450 isoforms CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C9, 2C19 and 3A4. Lacosamide did not inhibit CYP 1A1, 1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2D6, 2E1, 3A4/5 at plasma concentrations observed in clinical studies.
In vitro data suggest that lacosamide has the potential to inhibit CYP2C19 at therapeutic concentrations. However, an in vivo study with omeprazole did not show an inhibitory effect on omeprazole pharmacokinetics.
Lacosamide was not a substrate or inhibitor for P-glycoprotein.
Lacosamide is a substrate of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19. Patients with renal or hepatic impairment who are taking strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 may have increased exposure to lacosamide.
Since <15% of lacosamide is bound to plasma proteins, a clinically relevant interaction with other drugs through competition for protein binding sites is unlikely.
In Vivo Assessment of Drug Interactions
- Drug interaction studies with AEDs
- Effect of lacosamide on concomitant AEDs
Lacosamide 400 mg/day had no influence on the pharmacokinetics of 600 mg/day valproic acid and 400 mg/day carbamazepine in healthy subjects.
The placebo-controlled clinical studies in patients with partialonset seizures showed that steady-state plasma concentrations of levetiracetam, carbamazepine, carbamazepine epoxide, lamotrigine, topiramate, oxcarbazepine monohydroxy derivative (MHD), phenytoin, valproic acid, phenobarbital, gabapentin, clonazepam, and zonisamide were not affected by concomitant intake of lacosamide at any dose.
- Effect of concomitant AEDs on lacosamide
Drug-drug interaction studies in healthy subjects showed that 600 mg/day valproic acid had no influence on the pharmacokinetics of 400 mg/day lacosamide. Likewise, 400 mg/day carbamazepine had no influence on the pharmacokinetics of lacosamide in a healthy subject study. Population pharmacokinetics results in patients with partial-onset seizures showed small reductions (15% to 20% lower) in lacosamide plasma concentrations when lacosamide was coadministered with carbamazepine, phenobarbital or phenytoin.
- Drug-drug interaction studies with other drugs
- Digoxin
There was no effect of lacosamide (400 mg/day) on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin (0.5 mg once daily) in a study in healthy subjects.
- Metformin
There were no clinically relevant changes in metformin levels following coadministration of lacosamide (400 mg/day). Metformin (500 mg three times a day) had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of lacosamide (400 mg/day).
- Omeprazole
Omeprazole is a CYP2C19 substrate and inhibitor.
There was no effect of lacosamide (600 mg/day) on the pharmacokinetics of omeprazole (40 mg single dose) in healthy subjects. The data indicated that lacosamide had little in vivo inhibitory or inducing effect on CYP2C19.
Omeprazole at a dose of 40 mg once daily had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of lacosamide (300 mg single dose). However, plasma levels of the O-desmethyl metabolite were reduced about 60% in the presence of omeprazole.
- Midazolam
Midazolam is a 3A4 substrate.
There was no effect of lacosamide (200 mg single dose or repeat doses of 400 mg/day given as 200 mg BID) on the pharmacokinetics of midazolam (single dose, 7.5 mg), indicating no inhibitory or inducing effects on CYP3A4.
- Oral Contraceptives
There was no influence of lacosamide (400 mg/day) on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of an oral contraceptive containing 0.03 mg ethinylestradiol and 0.15 mg levonorgestrel in healthy subjects, except that a 20% increase in ethinylestradiol Cmax was observed.
- Warfarin
Co-administration of lacosamide (400 mg/day) with warfarin (25 mg single dose) did not result in a clinically relevant change in the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of warfarin in a study in healthy male subjects.
Fertility
No adverse effects on male or female fertility or reproduction were observed in rats at doses producing plasma exposures (AUC) up to approximately 2 times the plasma AUC in humans at the MRHD.
Suicidal Thinking and Behavior
Patients, their caregivers, and families should be counseled that AEDs, including Lacosamide, 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 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Dizziness and Ataxia
Patients should be counseled that Lacosamide use may cause dizziness, double vision, abnormal coordination and balance, and somnolence. Patients taking Lacosamide should be advised not to drive, operate complex machinery, or engage in other hazardous activities until they have become accustomed to any such effects associated with Lacosamide [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Cardiac Rhythm and Conduction Abnormalities
Patients should be counseled that Lacosamide is associated with electrocardiographic changes that may predispose to irregular heart beat and syncope. Cardiac arrest has been reported. This risk is increased in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease, with heart conduction problems, or who are taking other medications that affect the heart. Patients should be made aware of and report cardiac signs or symptoms to their healthcare provider right away. Patients who develop syncope should lay down with raised legs and contact their health care provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/ Multi-Organ Hypersensitivity
Patients should be aware that Lacosamide may cause serious hypersensitivity reactions affecting multiple organs such as the liver and kidney. Lacosamide should be discontinued if a serious hypersensitivity reaction is suspected. Patients should also be instructed to report promptly to their physicians any symptoms of liver toxicity (e.g., fatigue, jaundice, dark urine) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
Pregnancy Registry
Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during Lacosamide therapy. Encourage patients to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) pregnancy registry if they become pregnant. This registry is collecting information about the safety of AEDs during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Dispense with Medication Guide available at: www.Fresenius-kabi.com/us/documents/Lacosamide_Inj_MedGuide.pdf
Manufactured for:
Fresenius Kabi Logo (Lac07 0000 04)
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
www.fresenius-kabi.com/us
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