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SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

▼ This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new safety information. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions. See section 4.8 for how to report adverse reactions.

1    NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Epilim Chronosphere MR 750mg modified release granules

2    QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Each sachet of 2273mg modified-release granules contains:

Sodium valproate    5 00.06mg

V alproic acid    217.75mg

Equivalent to 750mg sodium valproate

For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3    PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Modified-release granules

Sachets containing small, off-white to slightly yellow, waxy microgranules.

4    CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1    Therapeutic indications

Treatment of generalised, partial or other epilepsy.

4.2    Posology and method of administration

Epilim Chronosphere is a pharmaceutical form for oral administration, particularly suitable for children (when they are able to swallow soft food) and adults with swallowing difficulties.

Epilim Chronosphere is a controlled release formulation of Epilim, which reduces peak concentration and ensures more even plasma concentration throughout the day.

Epilim Chronosphere may be given once or twice daily.

In patients where adequate control has been achieved, Epilim Chronosphere formulations are interchangeable with other conventional or prolonged release formulations of Epilim on an equivalent daily dosage basis.

Daily dosage should be established according to age and body weight and should be given to the nearest whole 50mg sachet. Partial sachets should not be used. However, the wide individual sensitivity to valproate should also be considered.

Dosage

Usual requirements are as follows:

Adults

Dosage should start at 600mg daily increasing by 200mg at three-day intervals until control is achieved. This is generally within the dosage range 1000mg to 2000mg per day, ie 20-30mg/kg/day body weight (to the nearest whole 50mg sachet). Where adequate control is not achieved within this range the dose may be further increased to 2500mg per day.

Children over 20kg

Initial dosage should be 400mg/day (irrespective of weight) with spaced increases until control is achieved; this is usually within the range 20-30mg/kg body weight per day (to the nearest whole 50mg sachet. Where adequate control is not achieved within this range the dose may be increased to 35mg/kg body weight per day. Above 40mg/kg/day, clinical chemistry and haematological parameters should be monitored.

Children under 20kg

20mg/kg of body weight per day (to the nearest whole 50mg sachet); in severe cases this may be increased but only in patients in whom plasma valproic acid levels can be monitored. Above 40mg/kg/day, clinical chemistry and haemotological parameters should be monitored.

Elderly

Although the pharmacokinetics of Epilim are modified in the elderly, they have limited clinical significance and dosage should be determined by seizure control. The volume of distribution is increased in the elderly and because of decreased binding to serum albumin, the proportion of free drug is increased. This will affect the clinical interpretation of plasma valproic acid levels.

In patients with renal insufficiency

It may be necessary to decrease the dosage. Dosage should be adjusted according to clinical monitoring since monitoring of plasma concentrations may be misleading (see section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties).

In patients with hepatic insufficiency

Salicylates should not be used concomitantly with Epilim since they employ the same metabolic pathway (see also sections 4.4 Special warnings and Precautions for Use and 4.8 Undesirable Effects).

Liver dysfunction, including hepatic failures resulting in fatalities, has occurred in patients whose treatment included valproic acid (see Sections 4.3 Contraindications and 4.4. Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Salicylates should not be used in children under 16 years (see aspirin/salicylate product information on Reye’s syndrome). In addition in conjunction with Epilim, concomitant use in children under 3 years can increase the risk of liver toxicity (see section 4.4.1 Special Warnings).

Female children, female adolescents, women of childbearing potential and pregnant women

Epilim Chronosphere should be initiated and supervised by a specialist experienced in the management of epilepsy. Treatment should only be initiated if other treatments are ineffective or not tolerated (see section 4.4 and 4.6) and the benefit and risk should be carefully reconsidered at regular treatment reviews. Preferably Epilim Chronosphere should be prescribed as monotherapy and at the lowest effective dose, if possible as a prolonged release formulation to avoid high peak plasma concentrations. The daily dose should be divided into at least two single doses.

Combined Therapy

When starting Epilim Chronosphere in patients already on other anticonvulsants, these should be tapered slowly; initiation of Epilim therapy should then be gradual, with target dose being reached after about 2 weeks. In certain cases it may be necessary to raise the dose by 5 to 10mg/kg/day when used in combination with anticonvulsants which induce liver enzyme activity, e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital and carbamazepine. Once known enzyme inducers have been withdrawn it may be possible to maintain seizure control on a reduced dose of Epilim Chronosphere. When barbiturates are being administered concomitantly and particularly if sedation is observed (particularly in children) the dosage of barbiturate should be reduced.

Optimum dosage is mainly determined by seizure control and routine measurement of plasma levels is unnecessary. However, a method for measurement of plasma levels is available and may be helpful where there is poor control or side effects are suspected (see section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties).

Administration

Epilim Chronosphere modified release granules should be sprinkled on a small amount of soft food or in drinks, which should be cold or at room temperature, for example yoghurt, mousse, jam, ice-cream, milk shake, orange juice or something similar.

If the granules are taken in a drink, after the drink has been finished the glass should be rinsed with a small amount of water and this water should be taken as well, as some granules may stick to the glass.

The mixture of food or drink and granules should be swallowed immediately; the granules should not be crushed or chewed.

A mixture of the granules with liquid or soft food should not be stored for future use.

Epilim Chronosphere modified release granules should not be sprinkled on warm or hot foods and drinks, for example soup, coffee, tea, or something similar.

If preferred the granules can be poured directly into the mouth and washed down with a cold drink.

Epilim Chronosphere modified release granules should not be given in babies’ bottles as they can block the nipple.

In view of the sustained release process and the nature of the excipients in the formula, the inert matrix of the granules is not absorbed by the digestive tract; it is eliminated in the stools after the active substances have been released.

4.3    Contraindications

•    Active liver disease

•    Personal or family history of severe hepatitis, especially drug related

•    Patients with known urea cycle disorders (see section 4.4)

•    Hypersensitivity to sodium valproate

•    Porphyria

•    Valproate is contraindicated in patients known to have mitochondrial disorders caused by mutations in the nuclear gene encoding the mitochondrial enzyme polymerase y (POLG), e.g. Alpers-Huttenlocher Syndrome, and in children under two years of age who are suspected of having a POLG-related disorder (see section 4.4).

4.4    Special warnings and precautions for use

Although there is no specific evidence of sudden recurrence of underlying symptoms following withdrawal of valproate, discontinuation should normally only be done under the supervision of a specialist in a gradual manner. This is due to the possibility of sudden alterations in plasma concentrations giving rise to a recurrence of symptoms. NICE has advised that generic switching of valproate preparations is not normally recommended due to the clinical implications of possible variations in plasma concentrations.

Liver dysfunction:

Conditions of occurrence:

Severe liver damage, including hepatic failure sometimes resulting in fatalities, has been very rarely reported.

Experience in epilepsy has indicated that patients most at risk, especially in cases of multiple anticonvulsant therapy, are infants and in particular young children under the age of 3 years and those with severe seizure disorders, organic brain disease, and (or) congenital metabolic or degenerative disease associated with mental retardation.

After the age of 3 years, the incidence of occurrence is significantly reduced and progressively decreases with age.

The concomitant use of salicylates should be avoided in children under 3 years due to the risk of liver toxicity. Additionally, salicylates should not be used in children under 16 years (see aspirin/salicylate product information on Reye’s syndrome).

Monotherapy is recommended in children under the age of 3 years when prescribing Epilim, but the potential benefit of Epilim should be weighed against the risk of liver damage or pancreatitis in such patients prior to initiation of therapy

In most cases, such liver damage occurred during the first 6 months of therapy, the period of maximum risk being 2-12 weeks.

Suggestive signs:

Clinical symptoms are essential for early diagnosis. In particular the following conditions, which may precede jaundice, should be taken into consideration, especially in patients at risk (see above: ‘Conditions of occurrence’):

-    non specific symptoms, usually of sudden onset, such as asthenia, malaise, anorexia, lethargy, oedema and drowsiness, which are sometimes associated with repeated vomiting and abdominal pain.

-    in patients with epilepsy, recurrence of seizures.

These are an indication for immediate withdrawal of the drug.

Patients (or their family for children) should be instructed to report immediately any such signs to a physician should they occur. Investigations including clinical examination and biological assessment of liver function should be undertaken immediately.

Detection:

Liver function should be measured before therapy and then periodically monitored during the first 6 months of therapy, especially in those who seem most at risk, and those with a prior history of liver disease.

Amongst usual investigations, tests which reflect protein synthesis, particularly prothrombin rate, are most relevant.

Confirmation of an abnormally low prothrombin rate, particularly in association with other biological abnormalities (significant decrease in

fibrinogen and coagulation factors; increased bilirubin level and raised transaminases) requires cessation of Epilim therapy.

As a matter of precaution and in case they are taken concomitantly salicylates should also be discontinued since they employ the same metabolic pathway.

As with most antiepileptic drugs, increased liver enzymes are common, particularly at the beginning of therapy; they are also transient.

More extensive biological investigations (including prothrombin rate) are recommended in these patients; a reduction in dosage may be considered when appropriate and tests should be repeated as necessary.

Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis, which may be severe and result in fatalities, has been very rarely reported. Patients experiencing nausea, vomiting or acute abdominal pain should have a prompt medical evaluation (including measurement of serum amylase).Young children are at particular risk; this risk decreases with increasing age. Severe seizures and severe neurological impairment with combination anticonvulsant therapy may be risk factors. Hepatic failure with pancreatitis increases the risk of fatal outcome. In case of pancreatitis, Epilim should be discontinued.

Aggravated convulsions

As with other antiepileptic drugs, some patients may experience, instead of an improvement, a reversible worsening of convulsion frequency and severity (including status epilepticus), or the onset of new types of convulsions with valproate. In case of aggravated convulsions, the patients should be advised to consult their physician immediately (see section 4.8).

Suicidal ideation and behaviour:

Suicidal ideation and behaviour have been reported in patients treated with anti-epileptic agents in several indications. A meta-analysis of randomised placebo controlled trials of anti-epileptic drugs has also shown a small increased risk of suicidal ideation and behaviour. The mechanism of this risk is not known and the available data do not exclude the possibility of an increased risk for sodium valproate.

Therefore patients should be monitored for signs of suicidal ideation and behaviours and appropriate treatment should be considered. Patients (and caregivers of patients) should be advised to seek medical advice should signs of suicidal ideation or behaviour emerge.

Carbapenem agents:

The concomitant use of valproate and carbapenem agents is not recommended.

Patients with known or suspected mitochondrial disease

Valproate may trigger or worsen clinical signs of underlying mitochondrial diseases caused by mutations of mitochondrial DNA as well as the nuclear encoded POLG gene. In particular, valproate-induced acute liver failure and liver-related deaths have been reported at a higher rate in patients with hereditary neurometabolic syndromes caused by mutations in the gene for the mitochondrial enzyme polymerase y (POLG), e.g. Alpers-Huttenlocher Syndrome.

POLG-related disorders should be suspected in patients with a family history or suggestive symptoms of a POLG-related disorder, including but not limited to unexplained encephalopathy, refractory epilepsy (focal, myoclonic), status epilepticus at presentation, developmental delays, psychomotor regression, axonal sensorimotor neuropathy, myopathy cerebellar ataxia, opthalmoplegia, or complicated migraine with occipital aura. POLG mutation testing should be performed in accordance with current clinical practice for the diagnostic evaluation of such disorders (see section 4.3).

Haematological: Blood tests (blood cell count, including platelet count, bleeding time and coagulation tests) are recommended prior to initiation of therapy or before surgery, and in case of spontaneous bruising or bleeding (see section 4.8 Undesirable Effects).

Renal insufficiency:

In patients with renal insufficiency, it may be necessary to decrease dosage. As monitoring of plasma concentrations may be misleading, dosage should be adjusted according to clinical monitoring (see sections 4.2 Posology and Method of Administration and 5.2. Pharmacokinetic Properties).

Systemic lupus erythematosus: Although immune disorders have only rarely been noted during the use of Epilim, the potential benefit of Epilim should be weighed against its potential risk in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (see also section 4.8 Undesirable Effects).

Hyperammonaemia: When a urea cycle enzymatic deficiency is suspected, metabolic investigations should be performed prior to treatment because of the risk of hyperammonaemia with Epilim (see section 4.3).

Weight gain: Epilim very commonly causes weight gain, which may be marked and progressive. Patients should be warned of the risk at the initiation of therapy and appropriate strategies should be adopted to minimise it (see section 4.8 Undesirable Effects).

Pregnancy: Women of childbearing potential should not be started on Epilim without specialist neurological advice. Adequate counselling should be made available to all pregnant women with epilepsy of childbearing potential regarding the risks associated with pregnancy because of the potential teratogenic risk to the foetus (see also section 4.6 Pregnancy and Lactation).

Diabetic patients: Epilim is eliminated mainly through the kidneys, partly in the form of ketone bodies; this may give false positives in the urine testing of possible diabetics.

Patients with an underlying carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) type II deficiency should be warned of the greater risk of rhabdomyolysis when taking Epilim.

Alcohol: Alcohol intake is not recommended during treatment with valproate

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

4.5.1 Effects of Epilim on other drugs

- Antipsychotics, MAO inhibitors, antidepressants and benzodiazepines

Epilim may potentiate the effect of other psychotropics such as antipsychotics, MAO inhibitors, antidepressants and benzodiazepines; therefore, clinical

monitoring is advised and the dosage of the other psychotropics should be adjusted when appropriate.

In particular, a clinical study has suggested that adding olanzapine to valproate or lithium therapy may significantly increase the risk of certain adverse events associated with olanzapine e.g. neutropenia, tremor, dry mouth, increased appetite and weight gain, speech disorder and somnolence.

-    Lithium

Epilim has no effect on serum lithium levels.

-    Phenobarbital

Epilim increases phenobarbital plasma concentrations (due to inhibition of hepatic catabolism) and sedation may occur, particularly in children. Therefore, clinical monitoring is recommended throughout the first 15 days of combined treatment with immediate reduction of phenobarbital doses if sedation occurs and determination of phenobarbital plasma levels when appropriate.

-    Primidone

Epilim increases primidone plasma levels with exacerbation of its adverse effects (such as sedation); these signs cease with long term treatment. Clinical monitoring is recommended especially at the beginning of combined therapy with dosage adjustment when appropriate.

-    Phenytoin

Epilim decreases phenytoin total plasma concentration. Moreover Epilim increases phenytoin free form with possible overdosage symptoms (valproic acid displaces phenytoin from its plasma protein binding sites and reduces its hepatic catabolism). Therefore clinical monitoring is recommended; when phenytoin plasma levels are determined, the free form should be evaluated.

-    Carbamazepine

Clinical toxicity has been reported when Epilim was administered with carbamazepine as Epilim may potentiate toxic effects of carbamazepine. Clinical monitoring is recommended especially at the beginning of combined therapy with dosage adjustment when appropriate.

-    Lamotrigine

Epilim reduces the metabolism of lamotrigine and increases the lamotrigine mean half-life by nearly two-fold. This interaction may lead to increased lamotrigine toxicity, in particular serious skin rashes. Therefore clinical monitoring is recommended and dosages should be adjusted (lamotrigine dosage decreased) when appropriate.

-    Felbamate

Valproic acid may decrease the felbamate mean clearance by up to 16%.

-    Zidovudine

Epilim may raise zidovudine plasma concentration leading to increased zidovudine toxicity.

-    Vitamin K-dependent anticoagulants

The anticoagulant effect of warfarin and other coumarin anticoagulants may be increased following displacement from plasma protein binding sites by valproic acid. The prothrombin time should be closely monitored.

- Temozolomide

Co-administration of temozolomide and Epilim may cause a small decrease in the clearance of temozolomide that is not thought to be clinically relevant.

4.5.2 Effects of other drugs on Epilim

Antiepileptics with enzyme inducing effect (including phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine) decrease valproic acid plasma concentrations. Dosages should be adjusted according to clinical response and blood levels in case of combined therapy.

On the other hand, combination of felbamate and Epilim decreases valproic acid clearance by 22% to 50% and consequently increase the valproic acid plasma concentrations. Epilim dosage should be monitored.

Mefloquine and chloroquine increase valproic acid metabolism and may lower the seizure threshold; therefore epileptic seizures may occur in cases of combined therapy. Accordingly, the dosage of Epilim may need adjustment.

In case of concomitant use of Epilim and highly protein bound agents (e.g. aspirin), free valproic acid plasma levels may be increased.

Valproic acid plasma levels may be increased (as a result of reduced hepatic metabolism) in case of concomitant use with cimetidine or erythromycin.

Carbapenem antibiotics such as panipenem, imipenem and meropenem:

Decreases in blood levels of valproic acid have been reported when it is coadministered with carbapenem agents resulting in a 60%-100% decrease in valproic acid levels within two days, sometimes associated with convulsions. Due to the rapid onset and the extent of the decrease, co-administration of carbapenem agents in patients stabilised on valproic acid should be avoided (see section 4.4). If treatment with these antibiotics cannot be avoided, close monitoring of valproic acid blood levels should be performed.

Colestyramine may decrease the absorption of Epilim.

Rifampicin may decrease the valproic acid blood levels resulting in a lack of therapeutic effect. Therefore, valproate dosage adjustment may be necessary when it is co-administered with rifampicin.

4.5.3 Other Interactions

Caution is advised when using Epilim in combination with newer antiepileptics whose pharmacodynamics may not be well established.

Concomitant administration of valproate and topiramate has been associated with encephalopathy and/or hyperammonaemia. In patients taking these two drugs, careful monitoring for signs and symptoms is advised in particularly at-risk patients such as those with pre-existing encephalopathy.

- Quetiapine

Co-administration of Epilim and quetiapine may increase the risk of neutropenia/leucopenia.

Epilim usually has no enzyme-inducing effect; as a consequence, Epilim does not reduce efficacy of oestroprogestative agents in women receiving hormonal contraception, including the oral contraceptive pill.

Concomitant food intake does not significantly influence the bioavailability of sodium valproate when administered as the Chronosphere formulation.

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Epilim should not be used in female children, in female adolescents, in women of childbearing potential and in pregnant women unless other treatments are ineffective or not tolerated. Women of childbearing potential have to use effective contraception during treatment. In women planning to become pregnant all efforts should be made to switch to appropriate alternative treatment prior to conception, if possible.

Pregnancy Exposure Risk related to valproate

Both valproate monotherapy and valproate polytherapy are associated with abnormal pregnancy outcomes. Available data suggest that antiepileptic polytherapy including valproate is associated with a greater risk of congenital malformations than valproate monotherapy.

Congenital malformations

Data derived from a meta-analysis (including registries and cohort studies) has shown that 10.73% of children of epileptic women exposed to valproate monotherapy during pregnancy suffer from congenital malformations (95% CI: 8.16 -13.29). This is a greater risk of major malformations than for the general population, for whom the risk is about 2-3%. The risk is dose dependent but a threshold dose below which no risk exists cannot be established.

Available data show an increased incidence of minor and major malformations. The most common types of malformations include neural tube defects, facial dysmorphism, cleft lip and palate, craniostenosis, cardiac, renal and urogenital defects, limb defects (including bilateral aplasia of the radius), and multiple anomalies involving various body systems.

Developmental disorders

Data have shown that exposure to valproate in utero can have adverse effects on mental and physical development of the exposed children. The risk seems to be dose-dependent but a threshold dose below which no risk exists, cannot be established based on available data. The exact gestational period of risk for these effects is uncertain and the possibility of a risk throughout the entire pregnancy cannot be excluded.

Studies in preschool children exposed in utero to valproate show that up to 3040% experience delays in their early development such as talking and walking later, lower intellectual abilities, poor language skills (speaking and understanding) and memory problems.

Intelligence quotient (IQ) measured in school aged children (age 6) with a history of valproate exposure in utero was on average 7-10 points lower than those children exposed to other antiepileptics.

Although the role of confounding factors cannot be excluded, there is evidence in children exposed to valproate that the risk of intellectual impairment may be independent from maternal IQ.

There are limited data on the long term outcomes.

Available data show that children exposed to valproate in utero are at increased risk of autistic spectrum disorder (approximately three-fold) and childhood autism (approximately five-fold) compared with the general study population.

Limited data suggests that children exposed to valproate in utero may be more likely to develop symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Female children, female adolescents and woman of childbearing potential (see above and section 4.4)

If a Woman wants to plan a Pregnancy

•    During pregnancy, maternal tonic clonic seizures and status epilepticus with hypoxia may carry a particular risk of death for the mother and the unborn child.

•    In women planning to become pregnant or who are pregnant, valproate therapy should be reassessed

•    In women planning to become pregnant all efforts should be made to switch to appropriate alternative treatment prior to conception, if possible.

Valproate therapy should not be discontinued without a reassessment of the benefits and risks of the treatment with valproate for the patient by a physician experienced in the management of epilepsy. If based on a careful evaluation of the risks and the benefits valproate treatment is continued during the pregnancy, it is recommended to:

- Use the lowest effective dose and divide the daily dose valproate into several small doses to be taken throughout the day. The use of a prolonged release formulation may be preferable to other treatment formulations in order to avoid high peak plasma concentrations.

- Folate supplementation before the pregnancy may decrease the risk of neural tube defects common to all pregnancies. However the available evidence does not suggest it prevents the birth defects or malformations due to valproate exposure.

- To institute specialized prenatal monitoring in order to detect the possible occurrence of neural tube defects or other malformations.

Risk in the neonate

-    Cases of haemorrhagic syndrome have been reported very rarely in neonates whose mothers have taken valproate during pregnancy. This haemorrhagic syndrome is related to thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinogenemia and/or to a decrease in other coagulation factors. Afibrinogenemia has also been reported and may be fatal. However, this syndrome must be distinguished from the decrease of the vitamin-K factors induced by phenobarbital and enzymatic inducers. Therefore, platelet count, fibrinogen plasma level, coagulation tests and coagulation factors should be investigated in neonates.

-    Cases of hypoglycaemia have been reported in neonates whose mothers have taken valproate during the third trimester of their pregnancy.

-    Cases of hypothyroidism have been reported in neonates whose mothers

have taken valproate during pregnancy.

-    Withdrawal syndrome (such as, in particular, agitation, irritability, hyper-excitability, jitteriness, hyperkinesia, tonicity disorders, tremor, convulsions and feeding disorders) may occur in neonates whose mothers have taken valproate during the last trimester of their pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Valproate is excreted in human milk with a concentration ranging from 1% to 10% of maternal serum levels. Haematological disorders have been shown in breastfed newborns/infants of treated women (see section 4.8).

A decision must be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from Epilim therapy taking into account the benefit of breast feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.

Fertility

Amenorrhoea, polycystic ovaries and increased testosterone levels have been reported in women using valproate (see section 4.8). Valproate administration may also impair fertility in men (see section 4.8). Case reports indicate that fertility dysfunctions are reversible after treatment discontinuation.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Use of Epilim may provide seizure control such that the patient may be eligible to hold a driving licence.

However, patients should be warned of the risk of transient drowsiness, especially in cases of anticonvulsant polytherapy or association with benzodiazepines (see section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicaments and Other Forms of Interaction).

4.8 Undesirable effects

The following CIOMS frequency rating is used, when applicable:

Very common (>1/10); common (>1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (>1/1000 to <1/100); rare (>1/10 000 to <1/1000); very rare (<1/10 000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Congenital malformations and developmental disorders: (see section 4.4 and section 4.6).

Hepato-biliary disorders:

Common: liver injury (see section 4.4.1 Special Warnings)

Severe liver damage, including hepatic failure sometimes resulting in death, has been reported (see also sections 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4.1). Increased liver enzymes are common, particularly early in treatment, and may be transient (see section 4.4.1 Special Warnings).

Gastrointestinal disorders:

Very common: nausea,

Common:    vomiting, gingival disorder, (mainly gingival hyperplasia),

stomatitis, gastralgia, diarrhoea

The above three adverse events frequently occur_at the start of treatment, but they usually disappear after a few days without discontinuing treatment. These problems can usually be overcome by taking Epilim with or after food, or by using Enteric Coated Epilim tablets (Epilim Gastro-resistant tablets).

Uncommon: pancreatitis, sometimes lethal, (see section 4.4 Special Warnings and Special Precautions for Use).

Nervous system disorders:

Very common: tremor

Common: extrapyramidal disorder, stupor*, somnolence, convulsion*, memory impairment, headache, nystagmus,

Uncommon: coma*, encephalopathy, lethargy* (see below), reversible Parkinsonism, ataxia, paresthesia, aggravated convulsions (see section 4.4).

Rare: reversible dementia associated with reversible cerebral atrophy, cognitive disorder.

Sedation has been reported occasionally, usually when in combination with other anticonvulsants. In monotherapy it occurred early in treatment on rare occasions, and is usually transient.

*Rare cases of lethargy, occasionally progressing to stupor, sometimes with associated hallucinations or convulsions, have been reported. Encephalopathy and coma have very rarely been observed. These cases have often been associated with too high a starting dose or too rapid a dose escalation, or concomitant use of other anticonvulsants, notably phenobarbital or topiramate. They have usually been reversible on withdrawal of treatment or reduction of dosage.

An increase in alertness may occur; this is generally beneficial, but occasionally aggression, hyperactivity and behavioural deterioration have been reported.

Psychiatric disorders:

Common: confusional state, hallucinations, aggression*, agitation*, disturbance in attention*

Rare: abnormal behaviour*, psychomotor hyperactivity*, learning disorder*

*These ADRs are principally observed in the paediatric population.

Metabolic and nutrition disorders:

Common: hyponatraemia, weight increased*.

*Weight increase should be carefully monitored since it is a factor for polycystic ovary syndrome ( see section 4.4).

Rare: hyperammonaemia* (see section 4.4.2 Precautions) , obesity

*Cases of isolated and moderate hyperammonaemia without change in liver function tests may occur, are usually transient and should not cause treatment discontinuation. However, they may present clinically as vomiting, ataxia, and increasing clouding of consciousness. Should these symptoms occur Epilim should be discontinued.

Hyperammonaemia associated with neurological symptoms has also been reported (see section 4.4.2 Precautions). In such cases further investigations should be considered.

Endocrine Disorders:

Uncommon:    Syndrome of Inappropriate Secretion of ADH (SIADH),

hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, virilism, acne, male pattern alopecia, and/or androgen increased).

Rare: hypothyroidism (see section 4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation)

Blood and lymphatic system disorders:

Common: anaemia, thrombocytopenia, (see section 4.4.2 Precautions) Uncommon: pancytopenia, leucopenia.

The blood picture returned to normal when the drug was discontinued.

Rare: bone marrow failure, including pure red cell aplasia, agranulocytosis, anaemia macrocytic, macrocytosis

Investigations:

Common: Weight increased*.

Rare: Coagulation factors decreased (at least one), abnormal coagulation tests (such as prothrombin time prolonged, activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged, thrombin time prolonged, INR prolonged), biotin deficiency/biotinidase deficiency.

*Weight increase should be carefully monitored since it is a factor for polycystic ovary syndrome (see section 4.4.2 Precautions).

Isolated findings of a reduction in blood fibrinogen and/or an increase in prothrombin time have been reported, usually without associated clinical signs and particularly with high doses (Epilim has an inhibitory effect on the second phase of platelet aggregation). Spontaneous bruising or bleeding is an indication for withdrawal of medication pending investigations (see also section 4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation).

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:

Common: hypersensitivity, transient and/or dose related alopecia (hair loss), nail and nail bed disorders. Regrowth normally begins within six months, although the hair may become more curly than previously.

Uncommon: angioedema, rash, hair disorder (such as hair texture abnormal, hair colour changes, hair growth abnormal).

Rare: toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome.

Reproductive system and breast disorders:

Common: dysmenorrhea Uncommon: amenorrhea

Very rarely gynaecomastia has occurred.

Vascular disorders:

Common: haemorrhage (see section 4.4.2 Precautions and 4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation).

Uncommon: vasculitis

Ear and labyrinth disorders:

Common: Deafness, a cause and effect relationship has not been established.

Renal and urinary disorders:

Uncommon: renal failure.

Rare: enuresis, tubulointerstitial nephritis, reversible Falconi syndrome (a defect in proximal renal tubular function giving rise to glycosuria, amino aciduria, phosphaturia, and uricosuria) associated with Epilim therapy, but the mode of action is as yet unclear.

General disorders and administration site conditions:

Uncommon: hypothermia, non-severe oedema peripheral have been reported. Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders:

Uncommon: There have been reports of bone mineral density decreased, osteopenia, osteoporosis and fractures in patients on long-term therapy with Epilim. The mechanism by which Epilim affects bone metabolism has not been identified.

Rare:    systemic lupus erythematosus, rhabdomyolysis (see section 4.4.2

Precautions)

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders:

Uncommon: pleural effusion

Investigations:

Rare: Coagulation factors decreased (at least one), abnormal coagulation tests (such as prothrombin time prolonged, activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged, thrombin time prolonged, INR prolonged).

Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps): Rare: myelodysplastic syndrome

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard

4.9 Overdose

Cases of accidental and deliberate Epilim overdosage have been reported. At plasma concentrations of up to 5 to 6 times the maximum therapeutic levels, there are unlikely to be any symptoms other than nausea, vomiting and dizziness.

Signs of acute massive overdose, i.e. plasma concentration 10 to 20 times maximum therapeutic levels, usually include CNS depression or coma with muscular hypotonia, miosis, impaired respiratory function, metabolic acidosis, hypotension and circulatory collapse/shock. A favourable outcome is usual, however some deaths have occurred following massive overdose.

Symptoms may however be variable and seizures have been reported in the presence of very high plasma levels (see also section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties). Cases of intracranial hypertension related to cerebral oedema have been reported.

The presence of sodium content in the Epilim formulations may lead to hypernatraemia when taken in overdose.

Hospital management of overdose should be symptomatic including cardiorespiratory monitoring. Gastric lavage may be useful up to 10 to 12 hours following ingestion.

Haemodialysis and haemoperfusion have been used successfully.

Naloxone has been successfully used in a few isolated cases, sometimes in association with activated charcoal given orally. In case of overdose, haemodialysis and haemoperfusion have been used successfully.

5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Valproic acid pharmacotherapeutic group: Antiepileptics, Fatty acid derivatives.

ATC code N03A G01.

Sodium valproate is an anticonvulsant.

The most likely mode of action for Epilim is potentiation of the inhibitory action of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) through an action on the further synthesis or further metabolism of GABA.

In certain in-vitro studies it was reported that Epilim could stimulate HIV replication but studies on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HIV-infected subjects show that Epilim does not have a mitogen-like effect on inducing HIV replication. Indeed the effect of Epilim on HIV replication ex-vivo is highly variable, modest in quantity, appears to be unrelated to the dose and has not been documented in man.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

The half-life of Epilim is usually reported to be within the range of 8-20 hours. It is usually shorter in children.

In patients with severe renal insufficiency it may be necessary to alter dosage in accordance with free plasma valproic acid levels (see also section 4.2 Posology and Method of Administration).

The reported effective therapeutic range for plasma valproic acid levels is 40-100mg/litre (278-694 micromol/litre). This reported range may depend on time of sampling and presence of co-medication. The percentage of free (unbound) drug is usually between 6% and 15% of total plasma levels. An increased incidence of adverse effects may occur with plasma levels above the effective therapeutic range.

The pharmacological (or therapeutic) effects of Epilim Chronosphere may not be clearly correlated with the total or free (unbound) plasma valproic acid levels.

Epilim Chronosphere is a prolonged (or modified) release formulation of Epilim which reduces peak concentration and ensures more even plasma concentrations throughout the day, comparable with other modified release Epilim formulations.

Epilim Chronosphere has been shown to be bioequivalent to Epilim Chrono tablets. Compared with immediate release forms of Epilim, Epilim Chrono is characterized at an equivalent dose by:

-    a similar bioavailability,

-    a lower Cmax (decrease of approximately 25%),

a relatively stable plateau between 4 and 14 hours after administration. Following twice daily administration, the range of plasma fluctuations is approximately reduced by half.

Steady-state pharmacokinetic data indicate that the peak concentration (Cmax) and trough concentration (Cmin) of Epilim Chronosphere lie within the effective therapeutic range of plasma levels found in pharmacokinetic studies with Epilim Enteric Coated tablets.

In cases where measurement of plasma levels is considered necessary, the pharmacokinetics of Epilim Chronosphere make the measurement of plasma levels less dependent upon time of sampling.

The peak plasma level is achieved approximately 7 hours after administration, with an elimination half life of approximately 16 hours.

This pharmacokinetic profile is not affected by taking the drug with food.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

There are no preclinical data of relevance to the prescriber which are additional to that already included in other sections of the SPC.

6.1    List of excipients

Paraffin hard Glycerol dibehenate Silica colloidal hydrated

6.2    Incompatibilities

This medicinal product must not be administered with hot meals or drinks.

6.3    Shelf life

24 months

6.4    Special precautions for storage

Do not store above 25° C. Store in the original packaging. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

6.5    Nature and contents of container

Epilim Chronosphere MR 750 mg modified release granules are filled into sachets of a paper/aluminium/ionomer resin complex.

Epilim Chronosphere sachets are available in cartons of 30 and 50 sachets.

6.6    Special precautions for disposal

See 4.2 Posology and Method of Administration.

This medicinal product must not be administered with hot meals or drinks.

MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Aventis Pharma Limited

One Onslow Street

Guildford

Surrey

GU1 4YS

UK

or trading as:

Sanofi-aventis or Sanofi

One Onslow Street

Guildford

Surrey

GU1 4YS

UK

8    MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

PL 04425/0315

9    DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION

11/07/2006

10    DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

01/12/2016