FDA Label for Brivaracetam

View Indications, Usage & Precautions

Brivaracetam Product Label

The following document was submitted to the FDA by the labeler of this product Solaris�pharma�corporation. The document includes published materials associated whith this product with the essential scientific information about this product as well as other prescribing information. Product labels may durg indications and usage, generic names, contraindications, active ingredients, strength dosage, routes of administration, appearance, warnings, inactive ingredients, etc.

1 Indications And Usage



Brivaracetam tablets are indicated for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients 1 month of age and older.


2 Dosage And Administration




2.1 Dosage Information




2.2 Administration Instructions For Brivaracetam Tablets



Brivaracetam can be initiated with oral administration.

Brivaracetam tablets may be taken with or without food.


2.4 Discontinuation Of Brivaracetam Tablets



Avoid abrupt withdrawal from brivaracetam tablets in order to minimize the risk of increased seizure frequency and status epilepticus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) and Clinical Studies (14)].


2.5 Patients With Hepatic Impairment



The recommended dosage for patients with hepatic impairment is included in Table 2 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .

Table 2: Recommended Dosage for Patients with Hepatic Impairment
Age and Body WeightInitial DosageMaximum Maintenance Dosage
Adults (16 years and older)25 mg twice daily
(50 mg per day)
75 mg twice daily
(150 mg per day)
Pediatric patients weighing
50 kg or more
Pediatric patients weighing 20 kg to less than 50 kg0.5 mg/kg twice daily
(1 mg/kg per day)
1.5 mg/kg twice daily
(3 mg/kg per day)
Pediatric patients weighing 11 kg to less than 20 kg0.5 mg/kg twice daily
(1 mg/kg per day)
2 mg/kg twice daily
(4 mg/kg per day)
Pediatric patients weighing less than 11 kg0.75 mg/kg twice daily
(1.5 mg/kg per day)
2.25 mg/kg twice daily
(4.5 mg/kg per day)


2.6 Co-Administration With Rifampin



Increase the brivaracetam dosage in patients on concomitant rifampin by up to 100% (i.e., double the dosage) [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .


4 Contraindications



Hypersensitivity to brivaracetam or any of the inactive ingredients in brivaracetam tablets (bronchospasm and angioedema have occurred) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] .


5.1 Suicidal Behavior And Ideation



Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including brivaracetam, 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 to 100 years) in the clinical trials analyzed. Table 3 shows absolute and relative risk by indication for all evaluated AEDs.

Table 3: Risk of Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors by Indication for Antiepileptic Drugs in the Pooled Analysis
IndicationPlacebo Patients with Events Per 1000 PatientsDrug Patients with Events Per 1000 PatientsRelative Risk: Incidence of Events in Drug Patients/Incidence in Placebo PatientsRisk Difference: Additional Drug Patients with Events Per 1000 Patients
Epilepsy1.03.43.52.4
Psychiatric5.78.51.52.9
Other1.01.81.90.9
Total2.44.31.81.9

The relative risk for suicidal thoughts or behavior was higher in clinical trials in patients with epilepsy than in clinical trials in patients with psychiatric or other conditions, but the absolute risk differences were similar for the epilepsy and psychiatric indications.

Anyone considering prescribing brivaracetam 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, consider whether the emergence of these symptoms in any given patient may be related to the illness being treated.


5.2 Neurological Adverse Reactions



Brivaracetam causes somnolence, fatigue, dizziness, and disturbance in coordination. Patients should be monitored for these signs and symptoms and advised not to drive or operate machinery until they have gained sufficient experience on brivaracetam to gauge whether it adversely affects their ability to drive or operate machinery.


5.3 Psychiatric Adverse Reactions



Brivaracetam causes psychiatric adverse reactions. In the Phase 3 controlled adjunctive epilepsy trials, psychiatric adverse reactions were reported in approximately 13% of patients who received brivaracetam (at least 50 mg/day) compared to 8% of patients who received placebo. Psychiatric events included both non-psychotic symptoms (irritability, anxiety, nervousness, aggression, belligerence, anger, agitation, restlessness, depression, depressed mood, tearfulness, apathy, altered mood, mood swings, affect lability, psychomotor hyperactivity, abnormal behavior, and adjustment disorder) and psychotic symptoms (psychotic disorder along with hallucination, paranoia, acute psychosis, and psychotic behavior). A total of 1.7% of adult patients treated with brivaracetam discontinued treatment because of psychiatric reactions compared to 1.3% of patients who received placebo.

Psychiatric adverse reactions were also observed in open-label pediatric trials and were generally similar to those observed in adults [ see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].


5.4 Hypersensitivity: Bronchospasm And Angioedema



Brivaracetam can cause hypersensitivity reactions. Bronchospasm and angioedema have been reported in patients taking brivaracetam. If a patient develops hypersensitivity reactions after treatment with brivaracetam, the drug should be discontinued. Brivaracetam is contraindicated in patients with a prior hypersensitivity reaction to brivaracetam or any of the inactive ingredients [see Contraindications (4)] .


5.6 Withdrawal Of Antiepileptic Drugs



As with most antiepileptic drugs, brivaracetam should generally be withdrawn gradually because of the risk of increased seizure frequency and status epilepticus [ see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Clinical Studies (14)]. But if withdrawal is needed because of a serious adverse event, rapid discontinuation can be considered.


6 Adverse Reactions



The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in labeling:

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience



Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

In all controlled and uncontrolled trials performed in adult epilepsy patients, brivaracetam was administered as adjunctive therapy to 2437 patients. Of these patients, 1929 were treated for at least 6 months, 1500 for at least 12 months, 1056 for at least 24 months, and 758 for at least 36 months. A total of 1558 patients (1099 patients treated with brivaracetam and 459 patients treated with placebo) constituted the safety population in the pooled analysis of Phase 3 placebo-controlled studies in patients with partial-onset seizures (Studies 1, 2, and 3) [see Clinical Studies (14)] . The adverse reactions presented in Table 4 are based on this safety population; the median length of treatment in these studies was 12 weeks. Of the patients in those studies, approximately 51% were male, 74% were Caucasian, and the mean age was 38 years.

In the Phase 3 controlled epilepsy studies, adverse events occurred in 68% of patients treated with brivaracetam and 62% treated with placebo. The most common adverse reactions occurring at a frequency of at least 5% in patients treated with brivaracetam doses of at least 50 mg/day and greater than placebo were somnolence and sedation (16%), dizziness (12%), fatigue (9%), and nausea and vomiting symptoms (5%).

The discontinuation rates due to adverse events were 5%, 8%, and 7% for patients randomized to receive brivaracetam at the recommended doses of 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg/day, respectively, compared to 4% in patients randomized to receive placebo.

Table 4 lists adverse reactions for brivaracetam that occurred at least 2% more frequently for brivaracetam doses of at least 50 mg/day than placebo.

Table 4: Adverse Reactions in Pooled Placebo-Controlled Adjunctive Therapy Studies in Adult Patients with Partial-Onset Seizures (Brivaracetam 50 mg/day, 100 mg/day, and 200 mg/day)
Adverse ReactionsBrivaracetam

(N = 803)

%
Placebo

(N = 459)

%
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea/vomiting symptoms53
Constipation20
Nervous system disorders
Somnolence and sedation168
Dizziness127
Fatigue94
Cerebellar coordination and balance disturbances

Cerebellar coordination and balance disturbances includes ataxia, balance disorder, coordination abnormal, and nystagmus.

31
Psychiatric disorders
Irritability31

There was no apparent dose-dependent increase in adverse reactions listed in Table 4 with the exception of somnolence and sedation.


7.1 Rifampin



Co-administration with rifampin decreases brivaracetam plasma concentrations likely because of CYP2C19 induction [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Prescribers should increase the brivaracetam dose by up to 100% (i.e., double the dosage) in patients while receiving concomitant treatment with rifampin [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)] .


7.2 Carbamazepine



Co-administration with carbamazepine may increase exposure to carbamazepine-epoxide, the active metabolite of carbamazepine. Though available data did not reveal any safety concerns, if tolerability issues arise when co-administered, carbamazepine dose reduction should be considered [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .


7.3 Phenytoin



Because brivaracetam can increase plasma concentrations of phenytoin, phenytoin levels should be monitored in patients when concomitant brivaracetam is added to or discontinued from ongoing phenytoin therapy [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .


7.4 Levetiracetam



Brivaracetam provided no added therapeutic benefit to levetiracetam when the two drugs were co-administered [see Clinical Studies (14)].


8 Use In Specific Populations




8.4 Pediatric Use



Safety and effectiveness of brivaracetam have been established in pediatric patients 1 month to less than 16 years of age. Use of brivaracetam in these age groups is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of brivaracetam in adults with partial-onset seizures, pharmacokinetic data from adult and pediatric patients, and safety data in pediatric patients 2 months to less than 16 years of age [see Dosage and Administration (2.1), Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Adverse Reactions (6.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), and Clinical Studies (14.1)] .

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 1 month have not been established.


8.5 Geriatric Use



There were insufficient numbers of patients 65 years of age and older in the double-blind, placebo-controlled epilepsy trials (n=38) to allow adequate assessment of the effectiveness of brivaracetam in this population. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be judicious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .


8.6 Renal Impairment



Dose adjustments are not required for patients with impaired renal function. There are no data in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing dialysis, and use of brivaracetam is not recommended in this patient population [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .


8.7 Hepatic Impairment



Because of increases in brivaracetam exposure, dosage adjustment is recommended for all stages of hepatic impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .


9.1 Controlled Substance



Brivaracetam tablets contain brivaracetam and is listed as a Schedule V controlled substance.


9.2 Abuse



In a human abuse potential study, single doses of brivaracetam at therapeutic and supratherapeutic doses were compared to alprazolam (C-IV) (1.5 mg and 3 mg). Brivaracetam at the recommended single dose (50 mg) caused fewer sedative and euphoric effects than alprazolam; however, brivaracetam at supratherapeutic single doses (200 mg and 1000 mg) was similar to alprazolam on other measures of abuse.


9.3 Dependence



There was no evidence of physical dependence potential or a withdrawal syndrome with brivaracetam in a pooled review of placebo-controlled adjunctive therapy studies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].


10 Overdosage



There is limited clinical experience with brivaracetam overdose in humans. Somnolence and dizziness were reported in a patient taking a single dose of 1400 mg (14 times the highest recommended single dose) of brivaracetam. The following adverse reactions were reported with brivaracetam overdose: vertigo, balance disorder, fatigue, nausea, diplopia, anxiety, and bradycardia. In general, the adverse reactions associated with brivaracetam overdose were consistent with the known adverse reactions.

There is no specific antidote for overdose with brivaracetam. In the event of overdose, standard medical practice for the management of any overdose should be used. An adequate airway, oxygenation, and ventilation should be ensured; monitoring of cardiac rate and rhythm and vital signs is recommended. A certified poison control center should be contacted for updated information on the management of overdose with brivaracetam. There are no data on the removal of brivaracetam using hemodialysis, but because less than 10% of brivaracetam is excreted in urine, hemodialysis is not expected to enhance brivaracetam clearance.


11 Description



The chemical name of brivaracetam is (2S)-2-[(4R)-2-oxo-4-propyltetrahydro-1 H-pyrrol-1-yl] butanamide. Its molecular formula is C 11H 20N 2O 2 and its molecular weight is 212.29. The chemical structure is:

Brivaracetam is a white to off-white crystalline powder. It is very soluble in water, buffer (pH 1.2, 4.5, and 7.4), ethanol, methanol, and glacial acetic acid. It is freely soluble in acetonitrile and acetone and soluble in toluene. It is very slightly soluble in n-hexane.


12.1 Mechanism Of Action



The precise mechanism by which brivaracetam exerts its anticonvulsant activity is not known. Brivaracetam displays a high and selective affinity for synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) in the brain, which may contribute to the anticonvulsant effect.


12.3 Pharmacokinetics



Brivaracetam tablets, oral solution and injection can be used interchangeably. Brivaracetam exhibits linear and time-independent pharmacokinetics at the approved doses.

The pharmacokinetics of brivaracetam are similar when used as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of partial-onset seizures.


Carcinogenesis & Mutagenesis & Impairment Of Fertility



Carcinogenesis

In a carcinogenicity study in mice, oral administration of brivaracetam (0, 400, 550, or 700 mg/kg/day) for 104 weeks increased the incidence of liver tumors (hepatocellular adenoma and carcinoma) in male mice at the two highest doses tested. At the dose (400 mg/kg) not associated with an increase in liver tumors, plasma exposures (AUC) were approximately equal to those in humans at the maximum recommended dose (MRD) of 200 mg/day. Oral administration (0, 150, 230, 450, or 700 mg/kg/day) to rats for 104 weeks resulted in an increased incidence of thymus tumors (benign thymoma) in female rats at the highest dose tested. At the highest dose not associated with an increase in thymus tumors, plasma exposures were approximately 9 times those in humans at the MRD.

Mutagenesis

Brivaracetam was negative for genotoxicity in in vitro (Ames, mouse lymphoma, and CHO chromosomal aberration) and in vivo (rat bone marrow micronucleus) assays.

Impairment of Fertility

Oral administration of brivaracetam (0, 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg/day) to male and female rats prior to and throughout mating and early gestation produced no adverse effects on fertility. The highest dose tested was associated with plasma exposures approximately 6 (males) and 13 (females) times those in humans at the MRD.


14 Clinical Studies



The effectiveness of brivaracetam in partial-onset seizures with or without secondary generalization was established in 3 fixed-dose, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter studies (Studies 1, 2, and 3), which included 1550 patients. Patients enrolled had partial-onset seizures that were not adequately controlled with 1 to 2 concomitant antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). In each of these studies, 72% to 86% of patients were taking 2 or more concomitant AEDs with or without vagal nerve stimulation. The median baseline seizure frequency across the 3 studies was 9 seizures per 28 days. Patients had a mean duration of epilepsy of approximately 23 years.

All trials had an 8-week baseline period, during which patients were required to have at least 8 partial-onset seizures. The baseline period was followed by a 12-week treatment period. There was no titration period in these studies. Study 1 compared doses of brivaracetam 50 mg/day and 100 mg/day with placebo. Study 2 compared a dose of brivaracetam 50 mg/day with placebo. Study 3 compared doses of brivaracetam 100 mg/day and 200 mg/day with placebo. Brivaracetam was administered in equally divided twice daily doses. Upon termination of brivaracetam treatment, patients were down-titrated over a 1-, 2-, and 4-week duration for patients receiving 25, 50, and 100 mg twice daily brivaracetam, respectively.

The primary efficacy outcome in Study 1 and Study 2 was the percent reduction in 7-day partial-onset seizure frequency over placebo, while the primary outcome for Study 3 was the percent reduction in 28-day partial-onset seizure frequency over placebo. The criteria for statistical significance for all 3 studies was p < 0.05. Table 6 presents the primary efficacy outcome of the percent change in seizure frequency over placebo, based upon each study's protocol-defined 7- and 28-day seizure frequency efficacy outcome.

Table 6: Percent Reduction in Partial-Onset Seizure Frequency over Placebo (Studies 1, 2, and 3)
Percent Reduction Over Placebo

(%)
STUDY 1

Based upon 7-day seizure frequency

Placebo

(n=100)
-------
50 mg/day

(n=99)
9.5
100 mg/day

(n=100)
17.0
STUDY 2
Placebo

(n=96)
-------
50 mg/day

(n=101)
16.9

Statistically significant based on testing procedure with alpha = 0.05

STUDY 3

Based upon 28-day seizure frequency

Placebo

(n=259)
------
100 mg/day

(n=252)
25.2
200 mg/day

(n= 249)
25.7

Figure 1 presents the percentage of patients by category of reduction from baseline in partial-onset seizure frequency per 28 days for all pooled patients in the 3 pivotal studies. Patients in whom the seizure frequency increased are shown at left as "worse." Patients with an improvement in percent reduction from baseline partial-onset seizure frequency are shown in the 4 right-most categories.

Figure 1: Proportion of Patients by Category of Seizure Response for Brivaracetam and Placebo Across all Three Double-Blind Trials


17 Patient Counseling Information



Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide). The Medication Guide accompanies the product and can also be accessed by calling 1-833-919-0527.


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