Lamotrigine Tablets

Name: Lamotrigine Tablets

How is this medicine (Lamotrigine Tablets) best taken?

Use this medicine (lamotrigine tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

  • Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Do not change the dose or stop this medicine. This could cause seizures. Talk with your doctor.
  • Keep taking this medicine (lamotrigine tablets) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
  • If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
  • Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some other side effects of Lamotrigine Tablets?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

  • Dizziness.
  • Feeling sleepy.
  • Upset stomach or throwing up.
  • Feeling tired or weak.
  • Shakiness.
  • Not able to sleep.
  • Runny nose.
  • Loose stools (diarrhea).

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Tablets

25 mg, white to off-white, round, flat, beveled-edged tablets with bisect on one side; one side of bisect is debossed with logo of "ZC" and other side is debossed with "79" and other side is plain.

50 mg, white to off-white, round, flat, beveled-edged tablets with bisect on one side; one side of bisect is debossed with logo of "ZC" and other side is debossed with "90" and other side is plain.

100 mg, white to off-white, round, flat, beveled-edged tablets with bisect on one side; one side of bisect is debossed with logo of "ZC" and other side is debossed with "80"and other side is plain.

150 mg, white to off-white, round, flat, beveled-edged tablets with bisect on one side; one side of bisect is debossed with logo of "ZC" and other side is debossed with "81" and other side is plain.

200 mg, white to off-white, round, flat, beveled-edged tablets with bisect on one side; one side of bisect is debossed with logo of "ZC" and other side is debossed with "82" and other side is plain.

250 mg, white to off-white, round, flat, beveled-edged tablets with bisect on one side; one side of bisect is debossed with logo of "ZC" and other side is debossed with "91"and other side is plain.

Tablets (Chewable, Dispersible)

5 mg, white to off-white, round, flat- faced, radial-edged tablets with bisect on one side and plain on other side; one side of the bisect is debossed with "Z" and other side is debossed with "13".

25 mg, white to off-white, round, flat- faced, radial-edged tablets debossed with logo of "Z" and "12" on one side and plain on the other side.

Contraindications

Lamotrigine is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated hypersensitivity (e.g., rash, angioedema, acute urticaria, extensive pruritus, mucosal ulceration) to the drug or its ingredients [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.1), (5.2)].

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse reactions are described in more detail in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section of the label:

  • Serious skin rashes [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1) ]
  • Multiorgan hypersensitivity reactions and organ failure [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2)]
  • Blood dyscrasias [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.3)]
  • Suicidal behavior and ideation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.4)]
  • Aseptic meningitis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.5)]
  • Withdrawal seizures [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.8)]
  • Status epilepticus [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.9)]
  • Sudden unexplained death in epilepsy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.10)]

Clinical Trial 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 with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Epilepsy

Most Common Adverse Reactions in All Clinical Trials

Adjunctive Therapy in Adults with Epilepsy

The most commonly observed (≥5% for lamotrigine and more common on drug than placebo) adverse reactions seen in association with lamotrigine during adjunctive therapy in adults and not seen at an equivalent frequency among placebo-treated patients were: dizziness, ataxia, somnolence, headache, diplopia, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and rash. Dizziness, diplopia, ataxia, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting were dose related. Dizziness, diplopia, ataxia, and blurred vision occurred more commonly in patients receiving carbamazepine with lamotrigine than in patients receiving other AEDs with lamotrigine. Clinical data suggest a higher incidence of rash, including serious rash, in patients receiving concomitant valproate than in patients not receiving valproate [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)].

Approximately 11% of the 3,378 adult patients who received lamotrigine as adjunctive therapy in premarketing clinical trials discontinued treatment because of an adverse reaction. The adverse reactions most commonly associated with discontinuation were rash (3%), dizziness (2.8%), and headache (2.5%).

In a dose-response trial in adults, the rate of discontinuation of lamotrigine for dizziness, ataxia, diplopia, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting was dose related.

Monotherapy in Adults with Epilepsy

The most commonly observed (≥5% for lamotrigine and more common on drug than placebo) adverse reactions seen in association with the use of lamotrigine during the monotherapy phase of the controlled trial in adults not seen at an equivalent rate in the control group were vomiting, coordination abnormality, dyspepsia, nausea, dizziness, rhinitis, anxiety, insomnia, infection, pain, weight decrease, chest pain, and dysmenorrhea. The most commonly observed (≥5% for lamotrigine and more common on drug than placebo) adverse reactions associated with the use of lamotrigine during the conversion to monotherapy (add-on) period, not seen at an equivalent frequency among low-dose valproate-treated patients, were dizziness, headache, nausea, asthenia, coordination abnormality, vomiting, rash, somnolence, diplopia, ataxia, accidental injury, tremor, blurred vision, insomnia, nystagmus, diarrhea, lymphadenopathy, pruritus, and sinusitis.

Approximately 10% of the 420 adult patients who received lamotrigine as monotherapy in premarketing clinical trials discontinued treatment because of an adverse reaction. The adverse reactions most commonly associated with discontinuation were rash (4.5%), headache (3.1%), and asthenia (2.4%).

Adjunctive Therapy in Pediatric Patients with Epilepsy

The most commonly observed (≥5% for lamotrigine and more common on drug than placebo) adverse reactions seen in association with the use of lamotrigine as adjunctive treatment in pediatric patients aged 2 to 16 years and not seen at an equivalent rate in the control group were infection, vomiting, rash, fever, somnolence, accidental injury, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, ataxia, tremor, asthenia, bronchitis, flu syndrome, and diplopia.

In 339 patients aged 2 to 16 years with partial-onset seizures or generalized seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, 4.2% of patients on lamotrigine and 2.9% of patients on placebo discontinued due to adverse reactions. The most commonly reported adverse reaction that led to discontinuation of lamotrigine was rash.

Approximately 11.5% of the 1,081 pediatric patients aged 2 to 16 years who received lamotrigine as adjunctive therapy in premarketing clinical trials discontinued treatment because of an adverse reaction. The adverse reactions most commonly associated with discontinuation were rash (4.4%), reaction aggravated (1.7%), and ataxia (0.6%).

Controlled Adjunctive Clinical Trials in Adults with Epilepsy

Table 8 lists adverse reactions that occurred in adult patients with epilepsy treated with lamotrigine in placebo-controlled trials. In these trials, either lamotrigine or placebo was added to the patient's current AED therapy.

Table 8Adverse Reactions in Pooled, Placebo-Controlled Adjunctive Trials in Adult Patients with Epilepsy*,†
Body System/
Adverse Reaction
Percent of Patients
Receiving Adjunctive Lamotrigine(n = 711)
Percent of Patients
Receiving Adjunctive Placebo(n = 419)
* Adverse reactions that occurred in at least 2% of patients treated with lamotrigine and at a greater incidence than placebo. † Patients in these adjunctive trials were receiving 1 to 3 of the concomitant antiepileptic drugs carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, or primidone in addition to lamotrigine or placebo. Patients may have reported multiple adverse reactions during the trial or at discontinuation; thus, patients may be included in more than 1 category.
Body as a whole


Headache
29
19
Flu syndrome
7
6
Fever
6
4
Abdominal pain
5
4
Neck pain
2
1
Reaction aggravated 
(seizure exacerbation)
2
1
Digestive


Nausea
19
10
Vomiting
9
4
Diarrhea
6
4
Dyspepsia
5
2
Constipation
4
3
Anorexia
2
1
Musculoskeletal


Arthralgia
2
0
Nervous


Dizziness
38
13
Ataxia
22
6
Somnolence
14
7
Incoordination
6
2
Insomnia
6
2
Tremor
4
1
Depression
4
3
Anxiety
4
3
Convulsion
3
1
Irritability
3
2
Speech disorder
3
0
Concentration disturbance
2
1
Respiratory


Rhinitis
14
9
Pharyngitis
10
9
Cough increased
8
6
Skin and appendages


Rash
10
5
Pruritus
3
2
Special senses


Diplopia
28
7
Blurred vision
16
5
Vision abnormality
3
1
Urogenital


Female patients only
(n=365)
(n=207)
Dysmenorrhea
7
6
Vaginitis
4
1
Amenorrhea
2
1

In a randomized, parallel trial comparing placebo with 300 and 500 mg/day of lamotrigine, some of the more common drug-related adverse reactions were dose related (see Table 9).

Table 9 Dose-Related Adverse Reactions from a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Adjunctive Trial in Adults with Epilepsy
* Significantly greater than placebo group (p<0.05). † Significantly greater than group receiving lamotrigine 300 mg (p<0.05).

Percent of Patients Experiencing Adverse Reactions
Adverse Reaction 
Placebo
(n = 73)
Lamotrigine
300 mg
(n = 71)
Lamotrigine
500 mg
(n = 72)
Ataxia 
10
10
28*,†
Blurred vision 
10
11
25*,†
Diplopia 
8
24*
49*,†
Dizziness 
27
31
54*,†
Nausea 
11
18
25*
Vomiting 
4
11
18*

The overall adverse reaction profile for lamotrigine was similar between females and males and was independent of age. Because the largest non-Caucasian racial subgroup was only 6% of patients exposed to lamotrigine in placebo-controlled trials, there are insufficient data to support a statement regarding the distribution of adverse reaction reports by race. Generally, females receiving either lamotrigine as adjunctive therapy or placebo were more likely to report adverse reactions than males. The only adverse reaction for which the reports on lamotrigine were greater than 10% more frequent in females than males (without a corresponding difference by gender on placebo) was dizziness (difference = 16.5%). There was little difference between females and males in the rates of discontinuation of lamotrigine for individual adverse reactions.

Controlled Monotherapy Trial in Adults with Partial-Onset Seizures

Table 10 lists adverse reactions that occurred in patients with epilepsy treated with monotherapy with lamotrigine in a double-blind trial following discontinuation of either concomitant carbamazepine or phenytoin not seen at an equivalent frequency in the control group.

Table 10Adverse Reactions in a Controlled Monotherapy Trial in Adult Patients with Partial-Onset Seizures*,†
* Adverse reactions that occurred in at least 5% of patients treated with lamotrigine and at a greater incidence than valproate-treated patients. † Patients in this trial were converted to lamotrigine or valproate monotherapy from adjunctive therapy with carbamazepine or phenytoin. Patients may have reported multiple adverse reactions during the trial; thus, patients may be included in more than 1 category. ‡ Up to 500 mg/day. § 1,000 mg/day.
Body System/ 
Adverse Reaction 
Percent of Patients Receiving Lamotrigine‡ as Monotherapy
(n = 43)
Percent of Patients Receiving Low-Dose Valproate§ Monotherapy
(n = 44)
Body as a whole


Pain
5
0
Infection
5
2
Chest pain
5
2
Digestive


Vomiting
9
0
Dyspepsia
7
2
Nausea
7
2
Metabolic and nutritional


Weight decrease
5
2
Nervous


Coordination abnormality
7
0
Dizziness
7
0
Anxiety
5
0
Insomnia
5
2
Respiratory


Rhinitis
7
2
Urogenital (female patients only)
(n=21)
(n=28)
Dysmenorrhea
5
0

Adverse reactions that occurred with a frequency of less than 5% and greater than 2% of patients receiving lamotrigine and numerically more frequent than placebo were:

Body as a Whole: Asthenia, fever.

Digestive: Anorexia, dry mouth, rectal hemorrhage, peptic ulcer.

Metabolic and Nutritional: Peripheral edema.

Nervous System: Amnesia, ataxia, depression, hypesthesia, libido increase, decreased reflexes, increased reflexes, nystagmus, irritability, suicidal ideation.

Respiratory: Epistaxis, bronchitis, dyspnea.

Skin and Appendages: Contact dermatitis, dry skin, sweating.

Special Senses: Vision abnormality.

Incidence in Controlled Adjunctive Trials in Pediatric Patients with Epilepsy:

Table 11 lists adverse reactions that occurred in 339 pediatric patients with partial-onset seizures or generalized seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome who received lamotrigine up to 15 mg/kg/day or a maximum of 750 mg/day.

Table 11Adverse Reactions in Pooled, Placebo-Controlled Adjunctive Trials in Pediatric Patients with Epilepsy*
* Adverse reactions that occurred in at least 2% of patients treated with lamotrigine and at a greater incidence than placebo.
Body System/Adverse Reaction
Percent of Patients Receiving Lamotrigine(n=168)
Percent of Patients Receiving Placebo (n=171)
Body as whole


Infection
20
17
Fever
15
14
Accidental injury
14
12
Abdominal pain
10
5
Asthenia
8
4
Flu syndrome
7
6
Pain
5
4
Facial edema
2
1
Photosensitivity
2
0
Cardiovascular


Hemorrhage
2
1
Digestive


Vomiting
20
16
Diarrhea
11
9
Nausea
10
2
Constipation
4
2
Dyspepsia
2
1
Hemic and lymphatic


Lymphadenopathy
2
1
Metabolic and nutritional


Edema
2
0
Nervous system


Somnolence
17
15
Dizziness
14
4
Ataxia
11
3
Tremor
10
1
Emotional lability
4
2
Gait abnormality
4
2
Thinking abnormality
3
2
Convulsions
2
1
Nervousness
2
1
Vertigo
2
1
Respiratory


Pharyngitis
14
11
Bronchitis
7
5
Increased cough
7
6
Sinusitis
2
1
Bronchospasm
2
1
Skin


Rash
14
12
Eczema
2
1
Pruritus
2
1
Special senses


Diplopia
5
1
Blurred vision
4
1
Visual abnormality
2
0
Urogenital


Male and female patients


Urinary tract infection
3
0

Bipolar Disorder in Adults

The most common adverse reactions seen in association with the use of lamotrigine as monotherapy (100 to 400 mg/day) in adult patients (aged 18 to 82 years) with bipolar disorder in the 2 double-blind placebo-controlled trials of 18 months' duration are included in Table 12. Adverse reactions that occurred in at least 5% of patients and were numerically more frequent during the dose-escalation phase of lamotrigine in these trials (when patients may have been receiving concomitant medications) compared with the monotherapy phase were: headache (25%), rash (11%), dizziness (10%), diarrhea (8%), dream abnormality (6%), and pruritus (6%).

During the monotherapy phase of the double-blind placebo-controlled trials of 18 months' duration, 13% of 227 patients who received lamotrigine (100 to 400 mg/day), 16% of 190 patients who received placebo, and 23% of 166 patients who received lithium discontinued therapy because of an adverse reaction. The adverse reactions that most commonly led to discontinuation of lamotrigine were rash (3%) and mania/hypomania/mixed mood adverse reactions (2%). Approximately 16% of 2,401 patients who received lamotrigine (50 to 500 mg/day) for bipolar disorder in premarketing trials discontinued therapy because of an adverse reaction, most commonly due to rash (5%) and mania/hypomania/mixed mood adverse reactions (2%).

The overall adverse reaction profile for lamotrigine was similar between females and males, between elderly and nonelderly patients, and among racial groups.

Table 12Adverse Reactions in 2 Placebo-Controlled Trials in Adult Patients with Bipolar I Disorder*,†
Body System/
Adverse Reaction
Percent of Patients Receiving Lamotrigine
(n=227)
Percent of Patients Receiving Placebo
(n=190)
* Adverse reactions that occurred in at least 5% of patients treated with lamotrigine and at a greater incidence than placebo. † Patients in these trials were converted to lamotrigine (100 to 400 mg/day) or placebo monotherapy from add-on therapy with other psychotropic medications. Patients may have reported multiple adverse reactions during the trial; thus, patients may be included in more ‡ In the overall bipolar and other mood disorders clinical trials, the rate of serious rash was
General


Back pain
8
6
Fatigue
8
5
Abdominal pain
6
3
Digestive


 Nausea
14
11
Constipation
5
2
Vomiting
5
2
Nervous System


Insomnia
10
6
Somnolence
9
7
Xerostomia (dry mouth)
6
4
Respiratory


Rhinitis
7
4
Exacerbation of cough
5
3
Pharyngitis
5
4
Skin


Rash (nonserious)‡
7
5

Other reactions that occurred in 5% or more patients but equally or more frequently in the placebo group included: dizziness, mania, headache, infection, influenza, pain, accidental injury, diarrhea, and dyspepsia.

Adverse reactions that occurred with a frequency of less than 5% and greater than 1% of patients receiving lamotrigine and numerically more frequent than placebo were:

General: Fever, neck pain.

Cardiovascular: Migraine.

Digestive: Flatulence.

Metabolic and Nutritional: Weight gain, edema.

Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia, myalgia.

Nervous System: Amnesia, depression, agitation, emotional lability, dyspraxia, abnormal thoughts, dream abnormality, hypoesthesia.

Respiratory: Sinusitis.

Urogenital: Urinary frequency.

Adverse Reactions following Abrupt Discontinuation

In the 2 controlled clinical trials, there was no increase in the incidence, severity, or type of adverse reactions in patients with bipolar disorder after abruptly terminating therapy with lamotrigine. In the clinical development program in adults with bipolar disorder, 2 patients experienced seizures shortly after abrupt withdrawal of lamotrigine [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.8)].

Mania/Hypomania/Mixed Episodes

During the double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials in bipolar I disorder in which adults were converted to monotherapy with lamotrigine (100 to 400 mg/day) from other psychotropic medications and followed for up to 18 months, the rates of manic or hypomanic or mixed mood episodes reported as adverse reactions were 5% for patients treated with lamotrigine (n = 227), 4% for patients treated with lithium (n = 166), and 7% for patients treated with placebo (n = 190). In all bipolar controlled trials combined, adverse reactions of mania (including hypomania and mixed mood episodes) were reported in 5% of patients treated with lamotrigine (n = 956), 3% of patients treated with lithium (n = 280), and 4% of patients treated with placebo (n = 803).

Other Adverse Reactions Observed in All Clinical Trials

Lamotrigine has been administered to 6,694 individuals for whom complete adverse reaction data was captured during all clinical trials, only some of which were placebo controlled. During these trials, all adverse reactions were recorded by the clinical investigators using terminology of their own choosing. To provide a meaningful estimate of the proportion of individuals having adverse reactions, similar types of adverse reactions were grouped into a smaller number of standardized categories using modified COSTART dictionary terminology. The frequencies presented represent the proportion of the 6,694 individuals exposed to lamotrigine who experienced an event of the type cited on at least 1 occasion while receiving lamotrigine. All reported adverse reactions are included except those already listed in the previous tables or elsewhere in the labeling, those too general to be informative, and those not reasonably associated with the use of the drug.

Adverse reactions are further classified within body system categories and enumerated in order of decreasing frequency using the following definitions: frequent adverse reactions are defined as those occurring in at least 1/100 patients; infrequent adverse reactions are those occurring in 1/100 to 1/1,000 patients; rare adverse reactions are those occurring in fewer than 1/1,000 patients.

Body as a Whole

Infrequent: Allergic reaction, chills, malaise.

Cardiovascular System

Infrequent: Flushing, hot flashes, hypertension, palpitations, postural hypotension, syncope, tachycardia, vasodilation.

Dermatological

Infrequent: Acne, alopecia, hirsutism, maculopapular rash, skin discoloration, urticaria.

Rare: Angioedema, erythema, exfoliative dermatitis, fungal dermatitis, herpes zoster, leukoderma, multiforme erythema, petechial rash, pustular rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, vesiculobullous rash.

Digestive System

Infrequent: Dysphagia, eructation, gastritis, gingivitis, increased appetite, increased salivation, liver function tests abnormal, mouth ulceration.

Rare: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, glossitis, gum hemorrhage, gum hyperplasia, hematemesis, hemorrhagic colitis, hepatitis, melena, stomach ulcer, stomatitis, tongue edema.

Endocrine System

Rare: Goiter, hypothyroidism.

Hematologic and Lymphatic System

Infrequent: Ecchymosis, leukopenia.

Rare: Anemia, eosinophilia, fibrin decrease, fibrinogen decrease, iron deficiency anemia, leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, macrocytic anemia, petechia, thrombocytopenia.

Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders

Infrequent: Aspartate transaminase increased.

Rare: Alcohol intolerance, alkaline phosphatase increase, alanine transaminase increase, bilirubinemia, general edema, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase increase, hyperglycemia.

Musculoskeletal System

Infrequent: Arthritis, leg cramps, myasthenia, twitching.

Rare: Bursitis, muscle atrophy, pathological fracture, tendinous contracture.

Nervous System

Frequent: Confusion, paresthesia.

Infrequent: Akathisia, apathy, aphasia, central nervous system depression, depersonalization, dysarthria, dyskinesia, euphoria, hallucinations, hostility, hyperkinesia, hypertonia, libido decreased, memory decrease, mind racing, movement disorder, myoclonus, panic attack, paranoid reaction, personality disorder, psychosis, sleep disorder, stupor, suicidal ideation.

Rare: Choreoathetosis, delirium, delusions, dysphoria, dystonia, extrapyramidal syndrome, faintness, grand mal convulsions, hemiplegia, hyperalgesia, hyperesthesia, hypokinesia, hypotonia, manic depression reaction, muscle spasm, neuralgia, neurosis, paralysis, peripheral neuritis.

Respiratory System

Infrequent: Yawn.

Rare: Hiccup, hyperventilation.

Special Senses

Frequent: Amblyopia.

Infrequent: Abnormality of accommodation, conjunctivitis, dry eyes, ear pain, photophobia, taste perversion, tinnitus.

Rare: Deafness, lacrimation disorder, oscillopsia, parosmia, ptosis, strabismus, taste loss, uveitis, visual field defect.

Urogenital System

Infrequent: Abnormal ejaculation, hematuria, impotence, menorrhagia, polyuria, urinary incontinence.

Rare: Acute kidney failure, anorgasmia, breast abscess, breast neoplasm, creatinine increase, cystitis, dysuria, epididymitis, female lactation, kidney failure, kidney pain, nocturia, urinary retention, urinary urgency.

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of lamotrigine. Because these reactions 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.

Blood and Lymphatic: Agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia, lymphadenopathy not associated with hypersensitivity disorder.

Gastrointestinal: Esophagitis.

Hepatobiliary Tract and Pancreas: Pancreatitis.

Immunologic: Lupus-like reaction, vasculitis.

Lower Respiratory: Apnea.

Musculoskeletal: Rhabdomyolysis has been observed in patients experiencing hypersensitivity reactions.

Nervous System: Aggression, exacerbation of Parkinsonian symptoms in patients with pre-existing Parkinson's disease, tics.

Non-site Specific: Progressive immunosuppression.

Overdosage

Human Overdose Experience

Overdoses involving quantities up to 15 g have been reported for lamotrigine, some of which have been fatal. Overdose has resulted in ataxia, nystagmus, seizures (including tonic-clonic seizures), decreased level of consciousness, coma, and intraventricular conduction delay.

Management of Overdose

There are no specific antidotes for lamotrigine. Following a suspected overdose, hospitalization of the patient is advised. General supportive care is indicated, including frequent monitoring of vital signs and close observation of the patient. If indicated, emesis should be induced; usual precautions should be taken to protect the airway. It should be kept in mind that immediate-release lamotrigine is rapidly absorbed [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)]. It is uncertain whether hemodialysis is an effective means of removing lamotrigine from the blood. In 6 renal failure patients, about 20% of the amount of lamotrigine in the body was removed by hemodialysis during a 4-hour session. A Poison Control Center should be contacted for information on the management of overdosage of lamotrigine.

Patient Counseling Information

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).

 Rash

Prior to initiation of treatment with lamotrigine, inform patients that a rash or other signs or symptoms of hypersensitivity (e.g., fever, lymphadenopathy) may herald a serious medical event and instruct them to report any such occurrence to their healthcare providers immediately.

Multiorgan Hypersensitivity Reactions, Blood Dyscrasias, and Organ Failure

Inform patients that multiorgan hypersensitivity reactions and acute multiorgan failure may occur with lamotrigine. Isolated organ failure or isolated blood dyscrasias without evidence of multiorgan hypersensitivity may also occur.  Instruct patients to contact their healthcare providers immediately if they experience any signs or symptoms of these conditions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2, 5.3)].

Suicidal Thinking and Behavior

Inform patients, their caregivers, and families that AEDs, including lamotrigine, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Instruct them 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 or behavior or thoughts about self-harm. Instruct them to immediately report behaviors of concern to their healthcare providers.

Worsening of Seizures

Instruct patients to notify their healthcare providers if worsening of seizure control occurs.

Central Nervous System Adverse Effects

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

Pregnancy and Nursing

Instruct patients to notify their healthcare providers if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during therapy and if they intend to breastfeed or are breast-feeding an infant.

Encourage patients to enroll in the NAAED Pregnancy Registry if they become pregnant. This registry is collecting information about the safety of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy. To enroll, patients can call the toll-free number 1-888-233-2334 [see USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS (8.1)].

Inform patients who intend to breastfeed that lamotrigine is present in breast milk and advise them to monitor their child for potential adverse effects of this drug. Discuss the benefits and risks of continuing breast-feeding.

Oral Contraceptive Use

Instruct women to notify their healthcare providers if they plan to start or stop use of oral contraceptives or other female hormonal preparations. Starting estrogen-containing oral contraceptives may significantly decrease lamotrigine plasma levels and stopping estrogen-containing oral contraceptives (including the pill-free week) may significantly increase lamotrigine plasma levels [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.7), CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)]. Also instruct women to promptly notify their healthcare providers if they experience adverse reactions or changes in menstrual pattern (e.g., break-through bleeding) while receiving lamotrigine in combination with these medications.

Discontinuing Lamotrigine

Instruct patients to notify their healthcare providers if they stop taking lamotrigine for any reason and not to resume lamotrigine without consulting their healthcare providers.

Aseptic Meningitis 

Inform patients that lamotrigine may cause aseptic meningitis. Instruct them to notify their healthcare providers immediately if they develop signs and symptoms of meningitis such as headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, rash, abnormal sensitivity to light, myalgia, chills, confusion, or drowsiness while taking lamotrigine.

Potential Medication Errors

To avoid a medication error of using the wrong drug or formulation, strongly advise patients to visually inspect their tablets to verify that they are lamotrigine, as well as the correct formulation of lamotrigine, each time they fill their prescription [see Dosage Forms and Strengths (3.1, 3.2), How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16)]. Refer the patient to the Medication Guide that provides depictions of the Lamotrigine Tablets, chewable dispersible tablets, and orally disintegrating tablets.    

Phenylketonurics:

Phenylalanine is a component of aspartame. Each lamotrigine tablet (chewable, dispersible) 5 mg and 25 mg contains 0.7 mg of phenylalanine.

Manufactured by:

Cadila Healthcare Ltd.

India

Distributed by:

Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.

Pennington, NJ 08534

Rev.: 02/16

Medication Guide

Lamotrigine

(la-MOE-tri-jeen)

Tablets, USP

Lamotrigine

(la-MOE-tri-jeen)

Tablets

(Chewable, Dispersible)

Phenylketonurics:

Phenylalanine is a component of aspartame. Each lamotrigine tablet (chewable, dispersible), 5 mg and 25 mg contains 0.7 mg of phenylalanine.

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

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

There is no way to tell if a mild rash will become more serious. A serious skin rash can happen at any time during your treatment with lamotrigine, but is more likely to happen within the first 2 to 8 weeks of treatment. Children and teenagers aged between 2 and 17 years have a higher chance of getting this serious skin rash while taking lamotrigine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How can I watch for early symptoms of suicidal thoughts and actions in myself or a family member?

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

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

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

  •   Headache
  •   Fever
  •   Nausea
  •   Vomiting
  •   Stiff neck
  •   Rash
  •   Unusual sensitivity to light
  •   Muscle pains
  •   Chills
  •   Confusion
  •   Drowsiness

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lamotrigine Tablets

Lamotrigine Tablets (Chewable, Dispersible)

What is lamotrigine?

Lamotrigine is a prescription medicine used:

  • together with other medicines to treat certain types of seizures (partial-onset seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, generalized seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome) in people aged 2 years and older.
  • alone when changing from 1 other medicine used to treat partial-onset seizures in people aged 16 years and older.
  • for the long-term treatment of bipolar I disorder to lengthen the time between mood episodes in people who have been treated for mood episodes with other medicine.

It is not known if lamotrigine is safe or effective in people younger than 18 years with mood episodes such as bipolar disorder or depression.

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

It is not known if lamotrigine is safe or effective for people with mood episodes who have not already been treated with other medicines.

 

Lamotrigine should not be used for acute treatment of manic or mixed mood episodes.

Who should not take lamotrigine?

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

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking lamotrigine?

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

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

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

How should I take lamotrigine?

  • Take lamotrigine exactly as prescribed.
  • Your healthcare provider may change your dose. Do not change your dose without talking to your healthcare provider.
  • Do not stop taking lamotrigine without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping lamotrigine suddenly may cause serious problems. For example, if you have epilepsy and you stop taking lamotrigine suddenly, you may have seizures that do not stop. Talk with your healthcare provider about how to stop lamotrigine slowly.
  • If you miss a dose of lamotrigine, 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 2 doses at the same time.
  • If you take too much lamotrigine, call your healthcare provider or your local Poison Control Center or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.
  • You may not feel the full effect of lamotrigine for several weeks.
  • If you have epilepsy, tell your healthcare provider if your seizures get worse or if you have any new types of seizures.
  • Swallow Lamotrigine Tablets whole.
  • If you have trouble swallowing Lamotrigine Tablets, tell your healthcare provider because there may be another form of lamotrigine you can take.
  • Lamotrigine Tablets (Chewable, Dispersible) may be swallowed whole, chewed, or mixed in water or fruit juice mixed with water. If the tablets are chewed, drink a small amount of water or fruit juice mixed with water to help in swallowing. To break up Lamotrigine Tablets (Chewable, Dispersible) add the tablets to a small amount of liquid (1 teaspoon, or enough to cover the medicine) in a glass or spoon. Wait at least 1 minute or until the tablets are completely broken up, mix the solution together, and take the whole amount right away.

What should I avoid while taking lamotrigine?

Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how lamotrigine affects you.

What are the possible side effects of lamotrigine?

Lamotrigine can cause serious side effects.

See "What is the most important information I should know about lamotrigine?"

Common side effects of lamotrigine include:

  • dizziness
  • tremor
  • headache
  • rash
  • blurred or double vision
  • fever
  • lack of coordination
  • abdominal pain
  • infections, including seasonal flu
  • sleepiness
  • back pain
  • nausea, vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • tiredness
  • insomnia
  • dry mouth
  • stuffy nose
  • sore throat

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

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

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

How should I store lamotrigine?

  • Store lamotrigine at room temperature between 68oF and 77oF (20oC and 25oC).
  • Keep lamotrigine and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about the safe and effective use of lamotrigine

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

 

If you take a urine drug screening test, lamotrigine may make the test result positive for another drug. If you require a urine drug screening test, tell the healthcare professional administering the test that you are taking lamotrigine.

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

 

Please address medical inquiries to, (MedicalAffairs@zydususa.com) Tel.: 1-877-993-8779.

What are the ingredients in Lamotrigine?

Lamotrigine Tablets

Active ingredient: lamotrigine, USP

Inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone and sodium starch glycolate.

Lamotrigine Tablets (Chewable, Dispersible)

Active ingredient: lamotrigine, USP

Inactive ingredients: aspartame, croscarmellose sodium, flavour black currant, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide and tribasic calcium phosphate.

This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

DEPAKENE and DEPAKOTE are registered trademarks of Abbott Laboratories.

This product's label may have been updated. For current full prescribing information, please visit www.zydususa.com

Manufactured by:

Cadila Healthcare Ltd.

India

Distributed by:

Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.

Pennington, NJ 08534

Rev.: 02/16

(web3)