TOPIRAMATE

ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION The following adverse reactionsare discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Acute Myopia and Secondary Angle Closure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1)] Visual Field Defects [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2)] Oligohidrosis and Hyperthermia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3)] Metabolic Acidosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4)] Suicidal Behavior and Ideation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5)] Cognitive/Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6)] Fetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1)] Withdrawal of Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8)] Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9)] Hyperammonemia and Encephalopathy (Without and With Concomitant Valproic Acid [VPA] Use [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10)] Kidney Stones [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11)] Hypothermia with Concomitant Valproic Acid (VPA) Use [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12)] Paresthesia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13)] The data described in thefollowing sections were obtained using topiramate tablets. 6.1Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, the incidence of adverse reactions observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to the incidence of adverse reactions in the clinical trials of another drug, and may not reflect the incidence of adverse reactions observed in practice. Monotherapy Epilepsy Adults ≥16 Years The adverse reactions in the controlled trial that occurred most commonly in adults in the 400 mg/day topiramate group and at an incidence higher (> 5 %) than in the 50 mg/day group were: paresthesia, weight decrease, anorexia, somnolence, and difficulty with memory (see Table 4). Approximately 21% of the 159 adult patients in the 400 mg/day group who received topiramate as monotherapy in the controlled clinical trial discontinued therapy due to adverse reactions. The most common (> 2% more frequent than low-dose 50 mg/day topiramate) adverse reactions causing discontinuation in this trial were difficulty with memory, fatigue, asthenia, insomnia, somnolence, and paresthesia. Pediatric Patients 6 to <16 Years of Age The adverse reactions in the controlled trial that occurred most commonly in pediatric patients in the 400 mg/day topiramante group and at an incidence higher (> 5%) than in the 50 mg/day group were fever, weight decrease, mood problems, cognitive problems, infection, flushing, and paresthesia (see Table 4). Table 4 also presents the incidence of adverse reactions occurring in at least 2% of adult and pediatric patients treated with 400 mg/day topiramate and occurring with greater incidence than 50 mg/day topiramate. Approximately 14 % of the 77 pediatric patients in the 400 mg/day group who received topiramate as monotherapy in the controlled clinical trial discontinued therapy due to adverse reactions. The most common (> 2% more frequent than low-dose 50 mg/day topiramate) adverse reactions resulting in discontinuation in this trial were difficulty with concentration/attention, fever, flushing, and confusion. Table 4: Incidence (%) of Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions in Monotherapy Epilepsy Where the Incidence Was at Least 2% in Any Topiramate Group and the Incidence in the 400 mg/day Topiramate Group Was Greater Than the Incidence in the 50 mg/day Topiramate Group for Adults (≥16 Years) and Pediatric (6 to <16 Years) Patients in Study Topiramate-EPMN-106 Age Group Pediatric (6 to <16 Years) Adult (Age ≥16 Years) Topiramate Daily Dosage Group (mg/day) 50 400 50 400 Body System Adverse Reaction (N=74) % * (N=77) % * (N=160) % * (N=159) % * *Percentages calculated with the number of subjects in each group as denominator †N with Female Reproductive Disorders – Incidence calculated relative to the number of females; Pediatric TPM 50 mg n=40; Pediatric TPM 400 mg n=33; Adult TPM 50 mg n=84; TPM 400 mg n=80 Body as a Whole - General Disorders Asthenia 0 3 4 6 Chest pain 1 2 Fever 1 12 Leg pain 2 3 Central & Peripheral Nervous System Disorders Ataxia 3 4 Dizziness 13 14 Hypertonia 0 3 Hypoesthesia 4 5 Muscle contractions involuntary 0 3 Paresthesia 3 12 21 40 Vertigo 0 3 Gastro-Intestinal System Disorders Constipation 1 4 Diarrhea 8 9 Gastritis 0 3 Gastroesophageal reflux 1 2 Dry mouth 1 3 Liver and Biliary System Disorders Gamma-GT increased 1 3 Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders Weight decrease 7 17 6 17 Platelet, Bleeding & Clotting Disorders Epistaxis 0 4 Psychiatric Disorders Anorexia 4 14 Anxiety 4 6 Cognitive problems 1 6 1 4 Confusion 0 3 Depression 0 3 7 9 Difficulty with concentration/attention 7 10 7 8 Difficulty with memory 1 3 6 11 Insomnia 8 9 Libido decreased 0 3 Mood problems 1 8 2 5 Personality disorder (behavior problems) 0 3 Psychomotor slowing 3 5 Somnolence 10 15 Red Blood Cell Disorders Anemia 1 3 Reproductive Disorders, Female † Intermenstrual Bleeding 0 3 Vaginal Hemorrhage 0 3 Resistance Mechanism Disorders Infection 3 8 2 3 Infection viral 3 6 6 8 Respiratory System Disorders Bronchitis 1 5 3 4 Dyspnea 1 2 Rhinitis 5 6 2 4 Sinusitis 1 4 Upper respiratory tract infection 16 18 Skin and Appendages Disorders Acne 2 3 Alopecia 1 4 3 4 Pruritus 1 4 Rash 3 4 1 4 Special Senses Other, Disorders Taste perversion 3 5 Urinary System Disorders Cystitis 1 3 Dysuria 0 2 Micturition frequency 0 3 0 2 Renal calculus 0 3 Urinary incontinence 1 3 Urinary tract infection 1 2 Vascular (Extracardiac) Disorders Flushing 0 5 Adjunctive Therapy Epilepsy The most commonly observed adverse reactions associated with the use of topiramate at dosages of 200 to 400 mg/day (recommended dose range) in controlled trials in adults with partial onset seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, that were seen at an incidence higher (≥ 5%) than in the placebo group were : somnolence, weight decrease, anorexia, dizziness, ataxia, speech disorders and related speech problems, language problems, psychomotor slowing, confusion, abnormal vision, difficulty with memory, paresthesia, diplopia, nervousness, and asthenia (see Table 5). Dose-related adverse reactions at dosages of 200 to 1,000 mg/day are shown in Table 7. The most commonly observed adverse reactions associated with the use of topiramate at dosages of 5 to 9 mg/kg/day in controlled trials in pediatric patients with partial onset seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, that were seen at an incidence higher (≥ 5%) than in the placebo group were : fatigue, somnolence, anorexia, nervousness, difficulty with concentration/attention, difficulty with memory, aggressive reaction, and weight decrease (see Table 8). Table 8 also presents the incidence of adverse reactions occurring in at least 1% of pediatric patients treated with topiramate and occurring with greater incidence than placebo. In controlled clinical trials in adults, 11% of patients receiving topiramate 200 to 400 mg/day as adjunctive therapy discontinued due to adverse reactions. This rate appeared to increase at dosages above 400 mg/day. Adverse reactions associated with discontinuing therapy included somnolence, dizziness, anxiety, difficulty with concentration or attention, fatigue, and paresthesia and increased at dosages above 400 mg/day. None of the pediatric patients who received topiramate adjunctive therapy at 5 to 9 mg/kg/day in controlled clinical trials discontinued due to adverse reactions. Approximately 28% of the 1757 adults with epilepsy who received topiramate at dosages of 200 to 1,600 mg/day in clinical studies discontinued treatment because of adverse reactions; an individual patient could have reported more than one adverse reaction. These adverse reactions were psychomotor slowing (4%), difficulty with memory (3.2%), fatigue (3.2%), confusion (3.1%), somnolence (3.2%), difficulty with concentration/attention (2.9%), anorexia (2.7%), depression (2.6%), dizziness (2.5%), weight decrease (2.5%), nervousness (2.3%), ataxia (2.1%), and paresthesia (2%). Approximately 11% of the 310 pediatric patients who received topiramate at dosages up to 30 mg/kg/day discontinued due to adverse reactions. Adverse reactions associated with discontinuing therapy included aggravated convulsions (2.3%), difficulty with concentration/attention (1.6%), language problems (1.3%), personality disorder (1.3%), and somnolence (1.3%). Incidence in Epilepsy Controlled Clinical Trials – Adjunctive Therapy – Partial Onset Seizures, Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures, and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome Table 5 lists the incidence of adverse reactions that occurred in at least 1% of adults treated with 200 to 400 mg/day topiramate (and also higher daily dosing of 600 mg to 1,000 mg) in controlled trials and that was numerically greater with topiramate than with placebo. In general, most patients who experienced adverse reactions during the first eight weeks of these trials no longer experienced them by their last visit. Table 8 lists the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse reactions that occurred in at least 1% of pediatric patients treated with 5 to 9 mg/kg topiramate in controlled trials and that was numerically greater than the incidence in patients treated with placebo. The prescriber should be aware that these data were obtained when topiramate was added to concurrent antiepileptic drug therapy and cannot be used to predict the frequency of adverse reactions in the course of usual medical practice where patient characteristics and other factors may differ from those prevailing during clinical studies. Similarly, the cited frequencies cannot be directly compared with data obtained from other clinical investigations involving different treatments, uses, or investigators. Inspection of these frequencies, however, does provide the prescribing physician with a basis to estimate the relative contribution of drug and non-drug factors to the adverse reaction incidences in the population studied. Other Adverse Reactions Observed During Double-Blind Epilepsy Adjunctive Therapy Trials Other adverse reactions that occurred in more than 1% of adults treated with 200 mg to 400 mg of topiramate in placebo-controlled epilepsy trials but with equal or greater frequency in the placebo group were headache, injury, anxiety, rash, pain, convulsions aggravated, coughing, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle weakness, insomnia, personality disorder, dysmenorrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and eye pain. Table 5: Incidence of Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions in Placebo-Controlled, Add-On Epilepsy Trials in Adults * † Where Incidence Was > 1% in Any Topiramate Group and Greater Than the Incidence in Placebo-Treated Patients *Patients in these add-on/ adjunctive trials were receiving 1 to 2 concomitant antiepileptic drugs in addition to topiramate or placebo. †Values represent the percentage of patients reporting a given adverse reaction. Patients may have reported more than one adverse reaction during the study and can be included in more than one adverse reaction category. ‡Adverse reactions reported by at least 1% of patients in the topiramate 200 to 400 mg/day group and more common than in the placebo group are listed in this table. TopiramateDosage (mg/day) Body System/ Adverse Reaction ‡ Placebo (N=291) 200 to 400 (N=183) 600 to 1,000 (N=414) Body as a Whole-General Disorders Fatigue 13 15 30 Asthenia 1 6 3 Back pain 4 5 3 Chest pain 3 4 2 Influenza-like symptoms 2 3 4 Leg pain 2 2 4 Hot flushes 1 2 1 Allergy 1 2 3 Edema 1 2 1 Body odor 0 1 0 Rigors 0 1 <1 Central & Peripheral Nervous System Disorders Dizziness 15 25 32 Ataxia 7 16 14 Speech disorders/Related speech problems 2 13 11 Paresthesia 4 11 19 Nystagmus 7 10 11 Tremor 6 9 9 Language problems 1 6 10 Coordination abnormal 2 4 4 Hypoesthesia 1 2 1 Gait abnormal 1 3 2 Muscle contractions involuntary 1 2 2 Stupor 0 2 1 Vertigo 1 1 2 Gastro-Intestinal System Disorders Nausea 8 10 12 Dyspepsia 6 7 6 Abdominal pain 4 6 7 Constipation 2 4 3 Gastroenteritis 1 2 1 Dry mouth 1 2 4 Gingivitis <1 1 1 GI disorder <1 1 0 Hearing and Vestibular Disorders Hearing decreased 1 2 1 Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders Weight decrease 3 9 13 Muscle-Skeletal System Disorders Myalgia 1 2 2 Skeletal pain 0 1 0 Platelet, Bleeding, & Clotting Disorders Epistaxis 1 2 1 Psychiatric Disorders Somnolence 12 29 28 Nervousness 6 16 19 Psychomotor slowing 2 13 21 Difficulty with memory 3 12 14 Anorexia 4 10 12 Confusion 5 11 14 Depression 5 5 13 Difficulty with concentration/attention 2 6 14 Mood problems 2 4 9 Agitation 2 3 3 Aggressive reaction 2 3 3 Emotional lability 1 3 3 Cognitive problems 1 3 3 Libido decreased 1 2 <1 Apathy 1 1 3 Depersonalization 1 1 2 Reproductive Disorders, Female Breast pain 2 4 0 Amenorrhea 1 2 2 Menorrhagia 0 2 1 Menstrual disorder 1 2 1 Reproductive Disorders, Male Prostatic disorder <1 2 0 Resistance Mechanism Disorders Infection 1 2 1 Infection viral 1 2 <1 Moniliasis <1 1 0 Respiratory System Disorders Pharyngitis 2 6 3 Rhinitis 6 7 6 Sinusitis 4 5 6 Dyspnea 1 1 2 Skin and Appendages Disorders Skin disorder <1 2 1 Sweating increased <1 1 <1 Rash erythematous <1 1 <1 Special Sense Other, Disorders Taste perversion 0 2 4 Urinary System Disorders Hematuria 1 2 <1 Urinary tract infection 1 2 3 Micturition frequency 1 1 2 Urinary incontinence <1 2 1 Urine abnormal 0 1 <1 Vision Disorders Vision abnormal 2 13 10 Diplopia 5 10 10 White Cell and RES Disorders Leukopenia 1 2 1 Incidence in Study 119 – Add-On Therapy– Adults with Partial Onset Seizures Study 119 was a randomized, double-blind, add-on/adjunctive, placebo-controlled, parallel group study with 3 treatment arms: 1) placebo; 2) topiramate 200 mg/day with a 25 mg/day starting dose, increased by 25 mg/day each week for 8 weeks until the 200 mg/day maintenance dose was reached; and 3) topiramate 200 mg/day with a 50 mg/day starting dose, increased by 50 mg/day each week for 4 weeks until the 200 mg/day maintenance dose was reached. All patients were maintained on concomitant carbamazepine with or without another concomitant antiepileptic drug. The most commonly observed adverse reactions associated with the use of topiramate that were seen at an incidence higher (≥ 5%) than in the placebo group were: paresthesia, nervousness, somnolence, difficulty with concentration/attention, and fatigue (see Table 6). Because these topiramate treatment difference incidence (topiramate % - Placebo %) of many adverse reactions reported in this study were markedly lower than those reported in the previous epilepsy studies, they cannot be directly compared with data obtained in other studies. Table 6: Incidence of Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions in Study 119 * † Where Incidence Was ≥ 2% in the Topiramate Group and Greater Than the Rate in Placebo-Treated Patients *Patients in these add-on/adjunctive trials were receiving 1 to 2 concomitant antiepileptic drugs in addition to topiramate or placebo. †Values represent the percentage of patients reporting a given adverse reaction. Patients may have reported more than one adverse reaction during the study and can be included in more than one adverse reaction category. ‡Adverse reactions reported by at least 2% of patients in the topiramate 200 mg/day group and more common than in the placebo group are listed in this table. Topiramate Dosage (mg/day) Body System/ Adverse Reaction ‡ Placebo (N=92) 200 (N=171) Body as a Whole-General Disorders Fatigue 4 9 Chest pain 1 2 Cardiovascular Disorders, General Hypertension 0 2 Central & Peripheral Nervous System Disorders Paresthesia 2 9 Dizziness 4 7 Tremor 2 3 Hypoesthesia 0 2 Leg cramps 0 2 Language problems 0 2 Gastro-Intestinal System Disorders Abdominal pain 3 5 Constipation 0 4 Diarrhea 1 2 Dyspepsia 0 2 Dry mouth 0 2 Hearing and Vestibular Disorders Tinnitus 0 2 Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders Weight decrease 4 8 Psychiatric Disorders Somnolence 9 15 Anorexia 7 9 Nervousness 2 9 Difficulty with concentration/attention 0 5 Insomnia 3 4 Difficulty with memory 1 2 Aggressive reaction 0 2 Respiratory System Disorders Rhinitis 0 4 Urinary System Disorders Cystitis 0 2 Vision Disorders Diplopia 0 2 Vision abnormal 0 2 Table 7: Incidence (%) of Dose-Related Adverse Reactions From Placebo-Controlled, Add-On Trials in Adults With Partial Onset Seizures * *Dose-response studies were not conducted for other adult indications or for pediatric indications. Topiramate Dosage (mg/day) Adverse Reaction Placebo (N = 216) % 200 (N = 45) % 400 (N = 68) % 600 to 1,000 (N = 414) % Fatigue 13 11 12 30 Nervousness 7 13 18 19 Difficulty with concentration/attention 1 7 9 14 Confusion 4 9 10 14 Depression 6 9 7 13 Anorexia 4 4 6 12 Language problems <1 2 9 10 Anxiety 6 2 3 10 Mood problems 2 0 6 9 Weight decrease 3 4 9 13 Table 8: Incidence (%) of Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions in Placebo-Controlled, Add-On Epilepsy Trials in Pediatric Patients (Ages 2 to 16 Years) *, † (Reactions That Occurred in at Least 1% of Topiramate-Treated Patients and Occurred More Frequently in Topiramate-Treated Than Placebo-Treated Patients) *Patients in these add-on/ adjunctive trials were receiving 1 to 2 concomitant antiepileptic drugs in addition to topiramate or placebo. †Values represent the percentage of patients reporting a given adverse reaction. Patients may have reported more than one adverse reaction during the study and can be included in more than one adverse reaction category. Body System/ Adverse Reaction Placebo (N=101) % Topiramate (N=98) % Body as a Whole - General Disorders Fatigue 5 16 Injury 13 14 Allergic reaction 1 2 Back pain 0 1 Pallor 0 1 Cardiovascular Disorders, General Hypertension 0 1 Central & Peripheral Nervous System Disorders Gait abnormal 5 8 Ataxia 2 6 Hyperkinesia 4 5 Dizziness 2 4 Speech disorders/Related speech problems 2 4 Hyporeflexia 0 2 Convulsions grand mal 0 1 Fecal incontinence 0 1 Paresthesia 0 1 Gastro-Intestinal System Disorders Nausea 5 6 Saliva increased 4 6 Constipation 4 5 Gastroenteritis 2 3 Dysphagia 0 1 Flatulence 0 1 Gastroesophageal reflux 0 1 Glossitis 0 1 Gum hyperplasia 0 1 Heart Rate and Rhythm Disorders Bradycardia 0 1 Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders Weight decrease 1 9 Thirst 1 2 Hypoglycemia 0 1 Weight increase 0 1 Platelet, Bleeding, & Clotting Disorders Purpura 4 8 Epistaxis 1 4 Hematoma 0 1 Prothrombin increased 0 1 Thrombocytopenia 0 1 Psychiatric Disorders Somnolence 16 26 Anorexia 15 24 Nervousness 7 14 Personality disorder (behavior problems) 9 11 Difficulty with concentration/attention 2 10 Aggressive reaction 4 9 Insomnia 7 8 Difficulty with memory 0 5 Confusion 3 4 Psychomotor slowing 2 3 Appetite increased 0 1 Neurosis 0 1 Reproductive Disorders, Female Leukorrhea 0 2 Resistance Mechanism Disorders Infection viral 3 7 Respiratory System Disorders Pneumonia 1 5 Respiratory disorder 0 1 Skin and Appendages Disorders Skin disorder 2 3 Alopecia 1 2 Dermatitis 0 2 Hypertrichosis 1 2 Rash erythematous 0 2 Eczema 0 1 Seborrhea 0 1 Skin discoloration 0 1 Urinary System Disorders Urinary incontinence 2 4 Nocturia 0 1 Vision Disorders Eye abnormality 1 2 Vision abnormal 1 2 Diplopia 0 1 Lacrimation abnormal 0 1 Myopia 0 1 White Cell and RES Disorders Leukopenia 0 2 Other Adverse Reactions Observed During All Epilepsy Clinical Trials Topiramate has been administered to 2246 adults and 427 pediatric patients with epilepsy during all clinical studies, only some of which were placebo-controlled. During these studies, 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 reactions were grouped into a smaller number of standardized categories using modified WHOART dictionary terminology. The frequencies presented represent the proportion of patients who experienced a reaction of the type cited on at least one occasion while receiving topiramate. Reported reactions are included except those already listed in the previous tables or text, those too general to be informative, and those not reasonably associated with the use of the drug. Reactions are classified within body system categories and enumerated in order of decreasing frequency using the following definitions: frequent occurring in at least 1/100 patients; infrequent occurring in 1/100 to 1/1,000 patients; rare occurring in fewer than 1/1,000 patients. Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: Infrequent: vasodilation. Body as a Whole: Frequent: syncope. Infrequent: abdomen enlarged. Rare: alcohol intolerance. Cardiovascular Disorders, General: Infrequent: hypotension, postural hypotension, angina pectoris. Central & Peripheral Nervous System Disorders: Infrequent: neuropathy, apraxia, hyperesthesia, dyskinesia, dysphonia, scotoma, ptosis, dystonia, visual field defect, encephalopathy, EEG abnormal. Rare: upper motor neuron lesion, cerebellar syndrome, tongue paralysis. Gastrointestinal System Disorders: Infrequent: hemorrhoids, stomatitis, melena, gastritis, esophagitis. Rare: tongue edema. Heart Rate and Rhythm Disorders: Infrequent: AV block. Liver and Biliary System Disorders: Infrequent: SGPT increased, SGOT increased. Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders: Infrequent: dehydration, hypocalcemia, hyperlipemia, hyperglycemia, xerophthalmia, diabetes mellitus. Rare: hypernatremia, hyponatremia, hypocholesterolemia, creatinine increased. Musculoskeletal System Disorders: Frequent: arthralgia. Infrequent: arthrosis. Neoplasms: Infrequent: thrombocythemia. Rare: polycythemia. Platelet, Bleeding, and Clotting Disorders: Infrequent: gingival bleeding, pulmonary embolism. Psychiatric Disorders: Frequent: impotence, hallucination, psychosis, suicide attempt. Infrequent: euphoria, paranoid reaction, delusion, paranoia, delirium, abnormal dreaming. Rare: libido increased, manic reaction. Red Blood Cell Disorders: Frequent: anemia. Rare: marrow depression, pancytopenia. Reproductive Disorders, Male: Infrequent: ejaculation disorder, breast discharge. Skin and Appendages Disorders: Infrequent: urticaria, photosensitivity reaction, abnormal hair texture. Rare: chloasma. Special Senses Other, Disorders: Infrequent: taste loss, parosmia. Urinary System Disorders: Infrequent: urinary retention, face edema, renal pain, albuminuria, polyuria, oliguria. Vascular (Extracardiac) Disorders: Infrequent: flushing, deep vein thrombosis, phlebitis. Rare: vasospasm. Vision Disorders: Frequent: conjunctivitis. Infrequent: abnormal accommodation, photophobia, strabismus. Rare: mydriasis, iritis. White Cell and Reticuloendothelial System Disorders: Infrequent: lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia, lymphopenia, granulocytopenia. Rare: lymphocytosis. 6.2 Postmarketing and Other Experience In addition to the adverse experiences reported during clinical testing of topiramate, the following adverse experiences have been reported worldwide in patients receiving topiramate post-approval. These adverse experiences have not been listed above and data are insufficient to support an estimate of their incidence or to establish causation. The listing is alphabetized: bullous skin reactions (including erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis), hepatic failure (including fatalities), hepatitis, maculopathy, pancreatitis, and pemphigus.

DESCRIPTION SECTION Topiramate is a sulfamate-substituted monosaccharide. Topiramate tablets are available as 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg round tablets for oral administration. Topiramate is a white crystalline powder with a bitter taste. Topiramate USP is most soluble in alkaline solutions containing sodium hydroxide or sodium phosphate and having a pH of 9 to 10. It is freely soluble in acetone, chloroform, dimethylsulfoxide, and ethanol. The solubility in water is 9.8 mg/mL. Its saturated solution has a pH of 6.3. Topiramate has the molecular formula C12H21NO8S and a molecular weight of 339.37. Topiramate is designated chemically as 2,3:4,5-­Di-O-isopropylidene-β-D-fructopyranose sulfamate and has the following structural formula: chemical-structure Topiramate tablets, USP contain the following inactive ingredients: anhydrous lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized maize starch, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol and talc. In addition, individual tablets contain: 50 mg tablets: iron oxide yellow 100 mg tablets: iron oxide yellow, and D&C Yellow # 10 Aluminum Lake 200 mg tablets: iron oxide red, lecithin (soya), and iron oxide black

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION 2.1 Epilepsy It is not necessary to monitor topiramate plasma concentrations to optimize topiramate therapy. On occasion, the addition of topiramate tablets to phenytoin may require an adjustment of the dose of phenytoin to achieve optimal clinical outcome. Addition or withdrawal of phenytoin and/or carbamazepine during adjunctive therapy with topiramate tablets may require adjustment of the dose of topiramate tablets. Because of the bitter taste, tablets should not be broken. Topiramate tablets can be taken without regard to meals. Monotherapy Use Adults and Pediatric Patients 10 Years and Older The recommended dose for topiramate tablets monotherapy in adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older is 400 mg/day in two divided doses. Approximately 58% of patients randomized to 400 mg/day achieved this maximal dose in the monotherapy controlled trial; the mean dose achieved in the trial was 275 mg/day. The dose should be achieved by titration according to the following schedule (Table 1): Table 1: Monotherapy Titration Schedule for Adults and Pediatric Patients 10 years and older Morning Dose Evening Dose Week 1 25 mg 25 mg Week 2 50 mg 50 mg Week 3 75 mg 75 mg Week 4 100 mg 100 mg Week 5 150 mg 150 mg Week 6 200 mg 200 mg Children Ages 2 to <10 Years Dosing of topiramate as initial monotherapy in children 2 to < 10 years of age with partial onset or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures was based on a pharmacometric bridging approach [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )]. Dosing in patients 2 to <10 years is based on weight. During the titration period, the initial dose of topiramate tablets should be 25 mg/day administered nightly for the first week. Based upon tolerability, the dosage can be increased to 50 mg/day (25 mg twice daily) in the second week. Dosage can be increased by 25 to 50 mg/day each subsequent week as tolerated. Titration to the minimum maintenance dose should be attempted over 5 to 7 weeks of the total titration period. Based upon tolerability and clinical response, additional titration to a higher dose (up to the maximum maintenance dose) can be attempted at 25 to 50 mg/day weekly increments. The total daily dose should not exceed the maximum maintenance dose for each range of body weight (Table 2). Table 2: Monotherapy Target Total Daily Maintenance Dosing for Patients 2 to <10 Years Weight (kg) Total Daily Dose (mg/day) * Minimum Maintenance Dose Total Daily Dose (mg/day) * Maximum Maintenance Dose * Administered in two equally divided doses Up to 11 150 250 12 to 22 200 300 23 to 31 200 350 32 to 38 250 350 Greater than 38 250 400 Adjunctive Therapy Use Adults 17 Years of Age and Over - Partial Onset Seizures, Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures, or Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome The recommended total daily dose of topiramate tablets as adjunctive therapy in adults with partial onset seizures is 200 to 400 mg/day in two divided doses, and 400 mg/day in two divided doses as adjunctive treatment in adults with primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It is recommended that therapy be initiated at 25 to 50 mg/day followed by titration to an effective dose in increments of 25 to 50 mg/day every week. Titrating in increments of 25 mg/day every week may delay the time to reach an effective dose. Doses above 400 mg/day (600, 800 or 1,000 mg/day) have not been shown to improve responses in dose-response studies in adults with partial onset seizures. Daily doses above 1,600 mg have not been studied. In the study of primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, the initial titration rate was slower than in previous studies; the assigned dose was reached at the end of 8 weeks [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )]. Pediatric Patients Ages 2 to 16 Years – Partial Onset Seizures, Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures, or Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome The recommended total daily dose of topiramate tablets as adjunctive therapy for pediatric patients with partial onset seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, or seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is approximately 5 to 9 mg/kg/day in two divided doses. Titration should begin at 25 mg/day (or less, based on a range of 1 to 3 mg/kg/day) nightly for the first week. The dosage should then be increased at 1- or 2-week intervals by increments of 1 to 3 mg/kg/day (administered in two divided doses), to achieve optimal clinical response. Dose titration should be guided by clinical outcome. In the study of primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, the initial titration rate was slower than in previous studies; the assigned dose of 6 mg/kg/day was reached at the end of 8 weeks [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )]. 2.4 Patients with Renal Impairment In renally impaired subjects (creatinine clearance less than 70 mL/min/1.73 m2), one-half of the usual adult dose is recommended. Such patients will require a longer time to reach steady-state at each dose. 2.5 Geriatric Patients (Ages 65 Years and Over) Dosage adjustment may be indicated in the elderly patient when impaired renal function (creatinine clearance rate <70 mL/min/1.73 m2) is evident [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 2.6 Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis Topiramate is cleared by hemodialysis at a rate that is 4 to 6 times greater than a normal individual. Accordingly, a prolonged period of dialysis may cause topiramate concentration to fall below that required to maintain an anti-seizure effect. To avoid rapid drops in topiramate plasma concentration during hemodialysis, a supplemental dose of topiramate may be required. The actual adjustment should take into account 1) the duration of dialysis period, 2) the clearance rate of the dialysis system being used, and 3) the effective renal clearance of topiramate in the patient being dialyzed. 2.7 Patients with Hepatic Disease In hepatically impaired patients, topiramate plasma concentrations may be increased. The mechanism is not well understood.

INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION 1.1 Monotherapy Epilepsy Topiramate tablets, USP are indicated as initial monotherapy in patients 2 years of age and older with partial onset or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Safety and effectiveness in patients who were converted to monotherapy from a previous regimen of other anticonvulsant drugs have not been established in controlled trials [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )]. 1.2 Adjunctive Therapy Epilepsy Topiramate tablets, USP are indicated as adjunctive therapy for adults and pediatric patients ages 2 to 16 years with partial onset seizures or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and in patients 2 years of age and older with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )].

DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE SECTION 9.1 Controlled Substance Topiramate is not a controlled substance. 9.2 Abuse The abuse and dependence potential of topiramate has not been evaluated in human studies. 9.3 Dependence Topiramate has not been systematically studied in animals or humans for its potential for tolerance or physical dependence.

OVERDOSAGE SECTION Overdoses of topiramate have been reported. Signs and symptoms included convulsions, drowsiness, speech disturbance, blurred vision, diplopia, mentation impaired, lethargy, abnormal coordination, stupor, hypotension, abdominal pain, agitation, dizziness and depression. The clinical consequences were not severe in most cases, but deaths have been reported after poly-drug overdoses involving topiramate. Topiramate overdose has resulted in severe metabolic acidosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. A patient who ingested a dose between 96 g and 110 g topiramate was admitted to a hospital with a coma lasting 20 to 24 hours followed by full recovery after 3 to 4 days. In acute topiramate overdose, if the ingestion is recent, the stomach should be emptied immediately by lavage or by induction of emesis. Activated charcoal has been shown to adsorb topiramate in vitro. Treatment should be appropriately supportive. Hemodialysis is an effective means of removing topiramate from the body.

DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION In vitro studies indicate that topiramate does not inhibit enzyme activity for CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4/5 isozymes. In vitro studies indicate that topiramate is a mild inhibitor of CYP2C19 and a mild inducer of CYP3A4. Drug interactions with some antiepileptic drugs, CNS depressants and oral contraceptives are described here. For other drug interactions, please refer to Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ). 7.1 Antiepileptic Drugs Potential interactions between topiramate and standard AEDs were assessed in controlled clinical pharmacokinetic studies in patients with epilepsy. Concomitant administration of phenytoin or carbamazepine with topiramate decreased plasma concentrations of topiramate by 48% and 40%, respectively when compared to topiramate given alone [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Concomitant administration of valproic acid and topiramate has been associated with hyperammonemia with and without encephalopathy. Concomitant administration of topiramate with valproic acid has also been associated with hypothermia (with and without hyperammonemia) in patients who have tolerated either drug alone. It may be prudent to examine blood ammonia levels in patients in whom the onset of hypothermia has been reported [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 ), ( 5.12 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 7.2 CNS Depressants Concomitant administration of topiramate and alcohol or other CNS depressant drugs has not been evaluated in clinical studies. Because of the potential of topiramate to cause CNS depression, as well as other cognitive and/or neuropsychiatric adverse reactions, topiramate should be used with extreme caution if used in combination with alcohol and other CNS depressants. 7.3 Oral Contraceptives Exposure to ethinyl estradiol was statistically significantly decreased at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/day (18%, 21%, and 30%, respectively) when topiramate was given as adjunctive therapy in patients taking valproic acid. However, norethindrone exposure was not significantly affected. In another pharmacokinetic interaction study in healthy volunteers with a concomitantly administered combination oral contraceptive product containing 1 mg norethindrone (NET) plus 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol (EE), topiramate, given in the absence of other medications at doses of 50 to 200 mg/day, was not associated with statistically significant changes in mean exposure (AUC) to either component of the oral contraceptive. The possibility of decreased contraceptive efficacy and increased breakthrough bleeding should be considered in patients taking combination oral contraceptive products with topiramate. Patients taking estrogen-containing contraceptives should be asked to report any change in their bleeding patterns. Contraceptive efficacy can be decreased even in the absence of breakthrough bleeding [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 7.4 Metformin Topiramate treatment can frequently cause metabolic acidosis, a condition for which the use of metformin is contraindicated [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 7.5 Lithium In patients, lithium levels were unaffected during treatment with topiramate at doses of 200 mg/day; however, there was an observed increase in systemic exposure of lithium (27% for Cmax and 26% for AUC) following topiramate doses of up to 600 mg/day. Lithium levels should be monitored when coadministered with high-dose topiramate [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 7.6 Other Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors Concomitant use of topiramate, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, with any other carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (e.g., zonisamide, acetazolamide, or dichlorphenamide) may increase the severity of metabolic acidosis and may also increase the risk of kidney stone formation. Therefore, if topiramate is given concomitantly with another carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, the patient should be monitored for the appearance or worsening of metabolic acidosis [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION 12.1 Mechanism of Action The precise mechanisms by which topiramate exerts its anticonvulsant effect is unknown; however, preclinical studies have revealed four properties that may contribute to topiramate's efficacy for epilepsy. Electrophysiological and biochemical evidence suggests that topiramate, at pharmacologically relevant concentrations, blocks voltage-dependent sodium channels, augments the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyrate at some subtypes of the GABA-A receptor, antagonizes the AMPA/kainate subtype of the glutamate receptor, and inhibits the carbonic anhydrase enzyme, particularly isozymes II and IV. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Topiramate has anticonvulsant activity in rat and mouse maximal electroshock seizure (MES) tests. Topiramate is only weakly effective in blocking clonic seizures induced by the GABAA receptor antagonist, pentylenetetrazole. Topiramate is also effective in rodent models of epilepsy, which include tonic and absence-like seizures in the spontaneous epileptic rat (SER) and tonic and clonic seizures induced in rats by kindling of the amygdala or by global ischemia. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Absorption of topiramate is rapid, with peak plasma concentrations occurring at approximately 2 hours following a 400 mg oral dose. The relative bioavailability of topiramate from the tablet formulation is about 80% compared to a solution. The bioavailability of topiramate is not affected by food. The pharmacokinetics of topiramate are linear with dose proportional increases in plasma concentration over the dose range studied (200 to 800 mg/day). The mean plasma elimination half-life is 21 hours after single or multiple doses. Steady-state is thus reached in about 4 days in patients with normal renal function. Topiramate is 15% to 41% bound to human plasma proteins over the blood concentration range of 0.5 to 250 mcg/mL. The fraction bound decreased as blood concentration increased. Carbamazepine and phenytoin do not alter the binding of topiramate. Sodium valproate, at 500 mcg/mL (a concentration 5 to 10 times higher than considered therapeutic for valproate) decreased the protein binding of topiramate from 23% to 13%. Topiramate does not influence the binding of sodium valproate. Metabolism and Excretion Topiramate is not extensively metabolized and is primarily eliminated unchanged in the urine (approximately 70% of an administered dose). Six metabolites have been identified in humans, none of which constitutes more than 5% of an administered dose. The metabolites are formed via hydroxylation, hydrolysis, and glucuronidation. There is evidence of renal tubular reabsorption of topiramate. In rats, given probenecid to inhibit tubular reabsorption, along with topiramate, a significant increase in renal clearance of topiramate was observed. This interaction has not been evaluated in humans. Overall, oral plasma clearance (CL/F) is approximately 20 to 30 mL/min in adults following oral administration. Specific Populations Renal Impairment The clearance of topiramate was reduced by 42% in moderately renally impaired (creatinine clearance 30 to 69 mL/min/1.73 m2) and by 54% in severely renally impaired subjects (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min/1.73 m2) compared to normal renal function subjects (creatinine clearance >70 mL/min/1.73 m2). Since topiramate is presumed to undergo significant tubular reabsorption, it is uncertain whether this experience can be generalized to all situations of renal impairment. It is conceivable that some forms of renal disease could differentially affect glomerular filtration rate and tubular reabsorption resulting in a clearance of topiramate not predicted by creatinine clearance. In general, however, use of one-half the usual starting and maintenance dose is recommended in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ) and ( 2.5 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.14 )]. Hemodialysis Topiramate is cleared by hemodialysis. Using a high-efficiency, counterflow, single pass-dialysate hemodialysis procedure, topiramate dialysis clearance was 120 mL/min with blood flow through the dialyzer at 400 mL/min. This high clearance (compared to 20 to 30 mL/min total oral clearance in healthy adults) will remove a clinically significant amount of topiramate from the patient over the hemodialysis treatment period. Therefore, a supplemental dose may be required [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.6 )]. Hepatic Impairment In hepatically impaired subjects, the clearance of topiramate may be decreased; the mechanism underlying the decrease is not well understood [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.7 )]. Age, Gender, and Race The pharmacokinetics of topiramate in elderly subjects (65 to 85 years of age, N=16) were evaluated in a controlled clinical study. The elderly subject population had reduced renal function (creatinine clearance [-20%]) compared to young adults. Following a single oral 100 mg dose, maximum plasma concentration for elderly and young adults was achieved at approximately 1 to 2 hours. Reflecting the primary renal elimination of topiramate, topiramate plasma and renal clearance were reduced 21% and 19%, respectively, in elderly subjects, compared to young adults. Similarly, topiramate half-life was longer (13%) in the elderly. Reduced topiramate clearance resulted in slightly higher maximum plasma concentration (23%) and AUC (25%) in elderly subjects than observed in young adults. Topiramate clearance is decreased in the elderly only to the extent that renal function is reduced. As recommended for all patients, dosage adjustment may be indicated in the elderly patient when impaired renal function (creatinine clearance rate ≤70 mL/min/1.73 m2) is evident. It may be useful to monitor renal function in the elderly patient [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.14 )]. Clearance of topiramate in adults was not affected by gender or race. Pediatric Pharmacokinetics Pharmacokinetics of topiramate were evaluated in patients age 2 to <16 years. Patients received either no or a combination of other antiepileptic drugs. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed on the basis of pharmacokinetic data from relevant topiramate clinical studies. This dataset contained data from 1217 subjects including 258 pediatric patients age 2 to <16 years (95 pediatric patients <10 years of age). Pediatric patients on adjunctive treatment exhibited a higher oral clearance (L/h) of topiramate compared to patients on monotherapy, presumably because of increased clearance from concomitant enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs. In comparison, topiramate clearance per kg is greater in pediatric patients than in adults and in young pediatric patients (down to 2 years) than in older pediatric patients. Consequently, the plasma drug concentration for the same mg/kg/day dose would be lower in pediatric patients compared to adults and also in younger pediatric patients compared to older pediatric patients. Clearance was independent of dose. As in adults, hepatic enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs decrease the steady state plasma concentrations of topiramate. Drug-Drug Interactions Antiepileptic Drugs Potential interactions between topiramate and standard AEDs were assessed in controlled clinical pharmacokinetic studies in patients with epilepsy. The effects of these interactions on mean plasma AUCs are summarized in Table 9. In Table 9, the second column (AED concentration) describes what happens to the concentration of the AED listed in the first column when topiramate is added. The third column (topiramate concentration) describes how the coadministration of a drug listed in the first column modifies the concentration of topiramate in experimental settings when topiramate was given alone. Table 9: Summary of AED Interactions with Topiramate AED Coadministered AED Concentration Topiramate Concentration NC = Less than 10% change in plasma concentration. AED = Antiepileptic drug. NE = Not Evaluated. TPM = Topiramate * Plasma concentration increased 25% in some patients, generally those on a twice a day dosing regimen of phenytoin. † Is not administered but is an active metabolite of carbamazepine. Phenytoin NC or 25% increase * 48% decrease Carbamazepine (CBZ) NC 40% decrease CBZ epoxide † NC NE Valproic acid 11% decrease 14% decrease Phenobarbital NC NE Primidone NC NE Lamotrigine NC at TPM doses up to 400 mg/day 13% decrease In addition to the pharmacokinetic interaction described in the above table, concomitant administration of valproic acid and topiramate has been associated with hyperammonemia with and without encephalopathy and hypothermia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 ), ( 5.12 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )]. CNS Depressants Concomitant administration of topiramate and alcohol or other CNS depressant drugs has not been evaluated in clinical studies. Because of the potential of topiramate to cause CNS depression, as well as other cognitive and/or neuropsychiatric adverse reactions, topiramate should be used with extreme caution if used in combination with alcohol and other CNS depressants [see Drug Interactions ( 7.2 )]. Oral Contraceptives In a pharmacokinetic interaction study in healthy volunteers with a concomitantly administered combination oral contraceptive product containing 1 mg norethindrone (NET) plus 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol (EE), topiramate, given in the absence of other medications at doses of 50 to 200 mg/day, was not associated with statistically significant changes in mean exposure (AUC) to either component of the oral contraceptive. In another study, exposure to EE was statistically significantly decreased at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/day (18%, 21%, and 30%, respectively) when given as adjunctive therapy in patients taking valproic acid. In both studies, topiramate (50 mg/day to 800 mg/day) did not significantly affect exposure to NET. Although there was a dose-dependent decrease in EE exposure for doses between 200 and 800 mg/day, there was no significant dose-dependent change in EE exposure for doses of 50 to 200 mg/day. The clinical significance of the changes observed is not known. The possibility of decreased contraceptive efficacy and increased breakthrough bleeding should be considered in patients taking combination oral contraceptive products with topiramate. Patients taking estrogen-containing contraceptives should be asked to report any change in their bleeding patterns. Contraceptive efficacy can be decreased even in the absence of breakthrough bleeding [see Drug Interactions ( 7.3 )]. Digoxin In a single-dose study, serum digoxin AUC was decreased by 12% with concomitant topiramate administration. The clinical relevance of this observation has not been established. Hydrochlorothiazide A drug-drug interaction study conducted in healthy volunteers evaluated the steady-state pharmacokinetics of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) (25 mg q24h) and topiramate (96 mg q12h) when administered alone and concomitantly. The results of this study indicate that topiramate Cmax increased by 27% and AUC increased by 29% when HCTZ was added to topiramate. The clinical significance of this change is unknown. The addition of HCTZ to topiramate therapy may require an adjustment of the topiramate dose. The steady-state pharmacokinetics of HCTZ were not significantly influenced by the concomitant administration of topiramate. Clinical laboratory results indicated decreases in serum potassium after topiramate or HCTZ administration, which were greater when HCTZ and topiramate were administered in combination. Metformin Topiramate treatment can frequently cause metabolic acidosis, a condition for which the use of metformin is contraindicated. A drug-drug interaction study conducted in healthy volunteers evaluated the steady-state pharmacokinetics of metformin (500 mg every 12 hr) and topiramate in plasma when metformin was given alone and when metformin and topiramate (100 mg every 12 hr) were given simultaneously. The results of this study indicated that the mean metformin Cmax and AUC0-12h increased by 17% and 25%, respectively, when topiramate was added. Topiramate did not affect metformin tmax. The clinical significance of the effect of topiramate on metformin pharmacokinetics is not known. Oral plasma clearance of topiramate appears to be reduced when administered with metformin. The clinical significance of the effect of metformin on topiramate pharmacokinetics is unclear [see Drug Interactions ( 7.4 )]. Pioglitazone A drug-drug interaction study conducted in healthy volunteers evaluated the steady-state pharmacokinetics of topiramate and pioglitazone when administered alone and concomitantly. A 15% decrease in the AUCτ,ss of pioglitazone with no alteration in Cmax,ss was observed. This finding was not statistically significant. In addition, a 13% and 16% decrease in Cmax,ss and AUCτ,ss respectively, of the active hydroxy-metabolite was noted as well as a 60% decrease in Cmax,ss and AUCτ,ss of the active keto-metabolite. The clinical significance of these findings is not known. When topiramate is added to pioglitazone therapy or pioglitazone is added to topiramate therapy, careful attention should be given to the routine monitoring of patients for adequate control of their diabetic disease state. Glyburide A drug-drug interaction study conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes evaluated the steady-state pharmacokinetics of glyburide (5 mg/day) alone and concomitantly with topiramate (150 mg/day). There was a 22% decrease in Cmax and a 25% reduction in AUC24 for glyburide during topiramate administration. Systemic exposure (AUC) of the active metabolites, 4-trans-hydroxy-­glyburide (M1) and 3-cis-hydroxyglyburide (M2), was also reduced by 13% and 15%, and Cmax was reduced by 18% and 25%, respectively. The steady-state pharmacokinetics of topiramate were unaffected by concomitant administration of glyburide. Lithium In patients, the pharmacokinetics of lithium were unaffected during treatment with topiramate at doses of 200 mg/day; however, there was an observed increase in systemic exposure of lithium (27% for Cmax and 26% for AUC) following topiramate doses up to 600 mg/day. Lithium levels should be monitored when coadministered with high-dose topiramate [see Drug Interactions ( 7.5 )]. Haloperidol The pharmacokinetics of a single dose of haloperidol (5 mg) were not affected following multiple dosing of topiramate (100 mg every 12 hr) in 13 healthy adults (6 males, 7 females). Amitriptyline There was a 12% increase in AUC and Cmax for amitriptyline (25 mg per day) in 18 normal subjects (9 males, 9 females) receiving 200 mg/day of topiramate. Some subjects may experience a large increase in amitriptyline concentration in the presence of topiramate and any adjustments in amitriptyline dose should be made according to the patient's clinical response and not on the basis of plasma levels. Sumatriptan Multiple dosing of topiramate (100 mg every 12 hrs) in 24 healthy volunteers (14 males, 10 females) did not affect the pharmacokinetics of single-dose sumatriptan either orally (100 mg) or subcutaneously (6 mg). Risperidone When administered concomitantly with topiramate at escalating doses of 100, 250, and 400 mg/day, there was a reduction in risperidone systemic exposure (16% and 33% for steady-state AUC at the 250 and 400 mg/day doses of topiramate). No alterations of 9-hydroxyrisperidone levels were observed. Coadministration of topiramate 400 mg/day with risperidone resulted in a 14% increase in Cmax and a 12% increase in AUC12 of topiramate. There were no clinically significant changes in the systemic exposure of risperidone plus 9­-hydroxyrisperidone or of topiramate; therefore, this interaction is not likely to be of clinical significance. Propranolol Multiple dosing of topiramate (200 mg/day) in 34 healthy volunteers (17 males, 17 females) did not affect the pharmacokinetics of propranolol following daily 160 mg doses. Propranolol doses of 160 mg/day in 39 volunteers (27 males, 12 females) had no effect on the exposure to topiramate, at a dose of 200 mg/day of topiramate. Dihydroergotamine Multiple dosing of topiramate (200 mg/day) in 24 healthy volunteers (12 males, 12 females) did not affect the pharmacokinetics of a 1 mg subcutaneous dose of dihydroergotamine. Similarly, a 1 mg subcutaneous dose of dihydroergotamine did not affect the pharmacokinetics of a 200 mg/day dose of topiramate in the same study. Diltiazem Coadministration of diltiazem (240 mg Cardizem CD®*) with topiramate (150 mg/day) resulted in a 10% decrease in Cmax and a 25% decrease in diltiazem AUC, a 27% decrease in Cmax and an 18% decrease in des-acetyl diltiazem AUC, and no effect on N-desmethyl diltiazem. Co­administration of topiramate with diltiazem resulted in a 16% increase in Cmax and a 19% increase in AUC12 of topiramate. Venlafaxine Multiple dosing of topiramate (150 mg/day) in healthy volunteers did not affect the pharmacokinetics of venlafaxine or O-desmethyl venlafaxine. Multiple dosing of venlafaxine (150 mg Effexor XR®*) did not affect the pharmacokinetics of topiramate. Other Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors Concomitant use of topiramate, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, with any other carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (e.g., zonisamide, acetazolamide, or dichlorphenamide) may increase the severity of metabolic acidosis and may also increase the risk of kidney stone formation. Therefore, if topiramate is given concomitantly with another carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, the patient should be monitored for the appearance or worsening of metabolic acidosis [see Drug Interactions ( 7.6 )]. Drug/Laboratory Tests Interactions There are no known interactions of topiramate with commonly used laboratory tests.

20230523

6

DOSAGE FORMS & STRENGTHS SECTION Topiramate tablets, USP are available as debossed, film-coated, circular tablets in the following strengths and colors: 25 mg white (coded "S" on one side; "707" on the other) 50 mg yellow (coded "S" on one side; "710" on the other) 100 mg yellow (coded "S" on one side; "711" on the other) 200 mg brown (coded "S" on one side; "712" on the other)

TOPIRAMATE TOPIRAMATE ANHYDROUS LACTOSE CELLULOSE, MICROCRYSTALLINE STARCH, CORN SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE TYPE A POTATO MAGNESIUM STEARATE POLYVINYL ALCOHOL TITANIUM DIOXIDE POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL, UNSPECIFIED TALC FERRIC OXIDE RED LECITHIN, SOYBEAN FERROSOFERRIC OXIDE TOPIRAMATE TOPIRAMATE circular S;712 TOPIRAMATE TOPIRAMATE POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400 HYPROMELLOSE 2910 (3 MPA.S) FERRIC OXIDE YELLOW MAGNESIUM STEARATE TITANIUM DIOXIDE POLYSORBATE 80 TOPIRAMATE TOPIRAMATE LACTOSE MONOHYDRATE STARCH, CORN CELLULOSE, MICROCRYSTALLINE SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE TYPE A POTATO HYPROMELLOSE 2910 (6 MPA.S) FERRIC OXIDE RED 123;C

NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY SECTION 13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Carcinogenesis An increase in urinary bladder tumors was observed in mice given topiramate (20, 75, and 300 mg/kg) in the diet for 21 months. The elevated bladder tumor incidence, which was statistically significant in males and females receiving 300 mg/kg, was primarily due to the increased occurrence of a smooth muscle tumor considered histomorphologically unique to mice. Plasma exposures in mice receiving 300 mg/kg were approximately 0.5 to 1 times steady-state exposures measured in patients receiving topiramate monotherapy at the recommended human dose (RHD) of 400 mg, and 1.5 to 2 times steady-state topiramate exposures in patients receiving 400 mg of topiramate plus phenytoin. The relevance of this finding to human carcinogenic risk is uncertain. No evidence of carcinogenicity was seen in rats following oral administration of topiramate for 2 years at doses up to 120 mg/kg (approximately 3 times the RHD on a mg/m2 basis). Mutagenesis Topiramate did not demonstrate genotoxic potential when tested in a battery of in vitro and in vivo assays. Topiramate was not mutagenic in the Ames test or the in vitro mouse lymphoma assay; it did not increase unscheduled DNA synthesis in rat hepatocytes in vitro; and it did not increase chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocytes in vitro or in rat bone marrow in vivo. Impairment of Fertility No adverse effects on male or female fertility were observed in rats at doses up to 100 mg/kg (2.5 times the RHD on a mg/m2 basis).

ANDA090278

TOPIRAMATE

TOPIRAMATE

61919-823

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

ORAL

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL 823

CLINICAL STUDIES SECTION The studies described in the following sections were conducted using topiramate tablets. 14.1 Monotherapy Epilepsy Controlled Trial Patients with Partial Onset or Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures Adults and Pediatric Patients 10 Years of Age and Older The effectiveness of topiramate as initial monotherapy in adults and children 10 years of age and older with partial onset or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures was established in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial. The trial was conducted in 487 patients diagnosed with epilepsy (6 to 83 years of age) who had 1 or 2 well-documented seizures during the 3-month retrospective baseline phase who then entered the study and received topiramate 25 mg/day for 7 days in an open-label fashion. Forty-nine percent of patients had no prior AED treatment and 17% had a diagnosis of epilepsy for greater than 24 months. Any AED therapy used for temporary or emergency purposes was discontinued prior to randomization. In the double-blind phase, 470 patients were randomized to titrate up to 50 mg/day or 400 mg/day. If the target dose could not be achieved, patients were maintained on the maximum tolerated dose. Fifty-eight percent of patients achieved the maximal dose of 400 mg/day for >2 weeks, and patients who did not tolerate 150 mg/day were discontinued. The primary efficacy assessment was a between-group comparison of time to first seizure during the double-blind phase. Comparison of the Kaplan-Meier survival curves of time to first seizure favored the topiramate 400 mg/day group over the topiramate 50 mg/day group (p=0.0002, log rank test; Figure 1). The treatment effects with respect to time to first seizure were consistent across various patient subgroups defined by age, sex, geographic region, baseline body weight, baseline seizure type, time since diagnosis, and baseline AED use. Children 2 to <10 Years of Age The conclusion that topiramate is effective as initial monotherapy in children 2 to < 10 years of age with partial onset or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures was based on a pharmacometric bridging approach using data from the controlled epilepsy trials described in labeling. This approach consisted of first showing a similar exposure response relationship between pediatric patients down to 2 years of age and adults when topiramate was given as adjunctive therapy. Similarity of exposure-response was also demonstrated in pediatric patients ages 6 to <16 years and adults when topiramate was given as initial monotherapy. Specific dosing in children 2 to <10 years of age was derived from simulations utilizing plasma exposure ranges observed in pediatric and adult patients treated with topiramate initial monotherapy [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )]. 14.2 Adjunctive Therapy Epilepsy Controlled Trials Adult Patients With Partial Onset Seizures The effectiveness of topiramate as an adjunctive treatment for adults with partial onset seizures was established in six multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, two comparing several dosages of topiramate and placebo and four comparing a single dosage with placebo, in patients with a history of partial onset seizures, with or without secondarily generalized seizures. Patients in these studies were permitted a maximum of two antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in addition to topiramate tablets or placebo. In each study, patients were stabilized on optimum dosages of their concomitant AEDs during baseline phase lasting between 4 and 12 weeks. Patients who experienced a prespecified minimum number of partial onset seizures, with or without secondary generalization, during the baseline phase (12 seizures for 12-week baseline, 8 for 8-week baseline or 3 for 4-week baseline) were randomly assigned to placebo or a specified dose of topiramate tablets in addition to their other AEDs. Following randomization, patients began the double-blind phase of treatment. In five of the six studies, patients received active drug beginning at 100 mg per day; the dose was then increased by 100 mg or 200 mg/day increments weekly or every other week until the assigned dose was reached, unless intolerance prevented increases. In the sixth study (119), the 25 or 50 mg/day initial doses of topiramate were followed by respective weekly increments of 25 or 50 mg/day until the target dose of 200 mg/day was reached. After titration, patients entered a 4, 8 or 12­-week stabilization period. The numbers of patients randomized to each dose and the actual mean and median doses in the stabilization period are shown in Table 10. Pediatric Patients Ages 2 to 16 Years with Partial Onset Seizures The effectiveness of topiramate as an adjunctive treatment for pediatric patients ages 2 to 16 years with partial onset seizures was established in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, comparing topiramate and placebo in patients with a history of partial onset seizures, with or without secondarily generalized seizures. Patients in this study were permitted a maximum of two antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in addition to topiramate tablets or placebo. In this study, patients were stabilized on optimum dosages of their concomitant AEDs during an 8-week baseline phase. Patients who experienced at least six partial onset seizures, with or without secondarily generalized seizures, during the baseline phase were randomly assigned to placebo or topiramate tablets in addition to their other AEDs. Following randomization, patients began the double-blind phase of treatment. Patients received active drug beginning at 25 or 50 mg/day; the dose was then increased by 25 mg to 150 mg/day increments every other week until the assigned dosage of 125, 175, 225, or 400 mg/day based on patients' weight to approximate a dosage of 6 mg/kg/day was reached, unless intolerance prevented increases. After titration, patients entered an 8-week stabilization period. Patients With Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures The effectiveness of topiramate as an adjunctive treatment for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients 2 years old and older was established in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, comparing a single dosage of topiramate and placebo. Patients in this study were permitted a maximum of two antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in addition to topiramate or placebo. Patients were stabilized on optimum dosages of their concomitant AEDs during an 8-week baseline phase. Patients who experienced at least three primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures during the baseline phase were randomly assigned to placebo or topiramate in addition to their other AEDs. Following randomization, patients began the double-blind phase of treatment. Patients received active drug beginning at 50 mg/day for four weeks; the dose was then increased by 50 mg to 150 mg/day increments every other week until the assigned dose of 175, 225, or 400 mg/day based on patients' body weight to approximate a dosage of 6 mg/kg/day was reached, unless intolerance prevented increases. After titration, patients entered a 12-week stabilization period. Patients With Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome The effectiveness of topiramate as an adjunctive treatment for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome was established in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing a single dosage of topiramate with placebo in patients 2 years of age and older. Patients in this study were permitted a maximum of two antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in addition to topiramate or placebo. Patients who were experiencing at least 60 seizures per month before study entry were stabilized on optimum dosages of their concomitant AEDs during a 4-­week baseline phase. Following baseline, patients were randomly assigned to placebo or topiramate in addition to their other AEDs. Active drug was titrated beginning at 1 mg/kg/day for a week; the dose was then increased to 3 mg/kg/day for one week, then to 6 mg/kg/day. After titration, patients entered an 8-week stabilization period. The primary measures of effectiveness were the percent reduction in drop attacks and a parental global rating of seizure severity. Table 10: Topiramate Dose Summary During the Stabilization Periods of Each of Six Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Add-On Trials in Adults with Partial Onset Seizures * * Dose-response studies were not conducted for other indications or pediatric partial onset seizures † Placebo dosages are given as the number of tablets. Placebo target dosages were as follows: Target Topiramate Dosage (mg/day) Protocol Stabilization Dose Placebo † 200 400 600 800 1,000 YD N 42 42 40 41 -- -- Mean Dose 5.9 200 390 556 -- -- Median Dose 6 200 400 600 -- -- YE N 44 -- -- 40 45 40 Mean Dose 9.7 -- -- 544 739 796 Median Dose 10 -- -- 600 800 1,000 Y1 N 23 -- 19 -- -- -- Mean Dose 3.8 -- 395 -- -- -- Median Dose 4 -- 400 -- -- -- Y2 N 30 -- -- 28 -- -- Mean Dose 5.7 -- -- 522 -- -- Median Dose 6 -- -- 600 -- -- Y3 N 28 -- -- -- 25 -- Mean Dose 7.9 -- -- -- 568 -- Median Dose 8 -- -- -- 600 -- 119 N 90 157 -- -- -- -- Mean Dose 8 200 -- -- -- -- Median Dose 8 200 -- -- -- -- Y1, 4 tablets/day; Protocols YD and Y2, 6 tablets/day; Protocols Y3 and 119, 8 tablets/day; Protocol YE, 10 tablets/day. In all add-on trials, the reduction in seizure rate from baseline during the entire double-blind phase was measured. The median percent reductions in seizure rates and the responder rates (fraction of patients with at least a 50% reduction) by treatment group for each study are shown below in Table 11. As described above, a global improvement in seizure severity was also assessed in the Lennox-Gastaut trial. Table 11: Efficacy Results in Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Add-On Epilepsy Trials Protocol Efficacy Results Placebo Target Topiramate Dosage (mg/day) 200 400 600 800 1,000 ≅6 mg/kg/day* Partial Onset Seizures Studies in Adults YD N 45 45 45 46 -- -- -- Median % Reduction 11.6 27.2a 47.5b 44.7c -- -- -- % Responders 18 24 44d 46d -- -- -- YE N 47 -- -- 48 48 47 -- Median % Reduction 1.7 -- -- 40.8c 41c 36c -- % Responders 9 -- -- 40c 41c 36d -- Y1 N 24 -- 23 -- -- -- -- Median % Reduction 1.1 -- 40.7e -- -- -- -- % Responders 8 -- 35d -- -- -- -- Y2 N 30 -- -- 30 -- -- -- Median % Reduction -12.2 -- -- 46.4f -- -- -- % Responders 10 -- -- 47c -- -- -- Y3 N 28 -- -- -- 28 -- -- Median % Reduction -20.6 -- -- -- 24.3c -- -- % Responders 0 -- -- -- 43c -- -- 119 N 91 168 -- -- -- -- -- Median % Reduction 20 44.2c -- -- -- -- -- % Responders 24 45c -- -- -- -- -- Studies in Pediatric Patients YP N 45 -- -- -- -- -- 41 Median % Reduction 10.5 -- -- -- -- -- 33.1d % Responders 20 -- -- -- -- -- 39 Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonich YTC N 40 -- -- -- -- -- 39 Median % Reduction 9 -- -- -- -- -- 56.7d % Responders 20 -- -- -- -- -- 56c Lennox-Gastaut Syndromei YL N 49 -- -- -- -- -- 46 Median % Reduction -5.1 -- -- -- -- -- 14.8d % Responders 14 -- -- -- -- -- 28g Improvement in Seizure Severityj 28 -- -- -- -- -- 52d Comparisons with placebo: a p=0.08; b p<0.01; c p<0.001; d p<0.05; e p=0.065; f p<0.005; g p=0.071; h Median % reduction and % responders are reported for PGTC Seizures; i Median % reduction and % responders for drop attacks, i.e., tonic or atonic seizures; j Percent of patients who were minimally, much, or very much improved from baseline * For Protocols YP and YTC, protocol-specified target dosages (<9.3 mg/kg/day) were assigned based on subject's weight to approximate a dosage of 6 mg/kg per day; these dosages corresponded to mg/day dosages of 125, 175, 225, and 400 mg/day. Subset analyses of the antiepileptic efficacy of topiramatetablets in these studies showed no differences as a function of gender, race, age, baseline seizure rate, or concomitant AED. In clinical trials for epilepsy, daily dosages were decreased in weekly intervals by 50 to 100 mg/day in adults and over a 2- to 8-week period in children; transition was permitted to a new antiepileptic regimen when clinically indicated.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS SECTION 8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category D. [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Topiramate can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Data from pregnancy registries indicate that infants exposed to topiramate in utero have an increased risk for cleft lip and/or cleft palate (oral clefts). When multiple species of pregnant animals received topiramate at clinically relevant doses, structural malformations, including craniofacial defects, and reduced fetal weights occurred in offspring. Topiramate should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.9 )]. Pregnancy Registry Patients should be encouraged to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (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. Information about the North American Drug Pregnancy Registry can be found at http://www.massgeneral.org/aed/. Human Data Data from the NAAED Pregnancy Registry indicate an increased risk of oral clefts in infants exposed to topiramate monotherapy during the first trimester of pregnancy. The prevalence of oral clefts was 1.2% compared to a prevalence of 0.39% to 0.46% in infants exposed to other AEDs, and a prevalence of 0.12% in infants of mothers without epilepsy or treatment with other AEDs. For comparison, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reviewed available data on oral clefts in the United States and found a similar background rate of 0.17%. The relative risk of oral clefts in topiramate-exposed pregnancies in the NAAED Pregnancy Registry was 9.6 (95% Confidence Interval = CI 3.6 to 25.7) as compared to the risk in a background population of untreated women. The UK Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register reported a similarly increased prevalence of oral clefts of 3.2% among infants exposed to topiramate monotherapy. The observed rate of oral clefts was 16 times higher than the background rate in the UK, which is approximately 0.2%. Topiramate treatment can cause metabolic acidosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]. The effect of topiramate-induced metabolic acidosis has not been studied in pregnancy; however, metabolic acidosis in pregnancy (due to other causes) can cause decreased fetal growth, decreased fetal oxygenation, and fetal death, and may affect the fetus’ ability to tolerate labor. Pregnant patients should be monitored for metabolic acidosis and treated as in the nonpregnant state [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]. Newborns of mothers treated with topiramate should be monitored for metabolic acidosis because of transfer of topiramate to the fetus and possible occurrence of transient metabolic acidosis following birth. Animal Data Topiramate has demonstrated selective developmental toxicity, including teratogenicity, in multiple animal species at clinically relevant doses. When oral doses of 20, 100, or 500 mg/kg were administered to pregnant mice during the period of organogenesis, the incidence of fetal malformations (primarily craniofacial defects) was increased at all doses. The low dose is approximately 0.2 times the recommended human dose (RHD) 400 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis. Fetal body weights and skeletal ossification were reduced at 500 mg/kg in conjunction with decreased maternal body weight gain. In rat studies (oral doses of 20, 100, and 500 mg/kg or 0.2, 2.5, 30, and 400 mg/kg), the frequency of limb malformations (ectrodactyly, micromelia, and amelia) was increased among the offspring of dams treated with 400 mg/kg (10 times the RHD on a mg/m2 basis) or greater during the organogenesis period of pregnancy. Embryotoxicity (reduced fetal body weights, increased incidence of structural variations) was observed at doses as low as 20 mg/kg (0.5 times the RHD on a mg/m2 basis). Clinical signs of maternal toxicity were seen at 400 mg/kg and above, and maternal body weight gain was reduced during treatment with 100 mg/kg or greater. In rabbit studies (20, 60, and 180 mg/kg or 10, 35, and 120 mg/kg orally during organogenesis), embryo/fetal mortality was increased at 35 mg/kg (2 times the RHD on a mg/m2 basis) or greater, and teratogenic effects (primarily rib and vertebral malformations) were observed at 120 mg/kg (6 times the RHD on a mg/m2 basis). Evidence of maternal toxicity (decreased body weight gain, clinical signs, and/or mortality) was seen at 35 mg/kg and above. When female rats were treated during the latter part of gestation and throughout lactation (0.2, 4, 20, and 100 mg/kg or 2, 20, and 200 mg/kg), offspring exhibited decreased viability and delayed physical development at 200 mg/kg (5 times the RHD on a mg/m2 basis) and reductions in pre-and/or postweaning body weight gain at 2 mg/kg (0.05 times the RHD on a mg/m2 basis) and above. Maternal toxicity (decreased body weight gain, clinical signs) was evident at 100 mg/kg or greater. In a rat embryo/fetal development study with a postnatal component (0.2, 2.5, 30, or 400 mg/kg during organogenesis; noted above), pups exhibited delayed physical development at 400 mg/kg (10 times the RHD on a mg/m2 basis) and persistent reductions in body weight gain at 30 mg/kg (1 times the RHD on a mg/m2 basis) and higher. 8.2 Labor and Delivery Although the effect of topiramate on labor and delivery in humans has not been established, the development of topiramate-induced metabolic acidosis in the mother and/or in the fetus might affect the fetus’ ability to tolerate labor [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )]. 8.3 Nursing Mothers Limited data on 5 breastfeeding infants exposed to topiramate showed infant plasma topiramate levels equal to 10 to 20% of the maternal plasma level. The effects of this exposure on infants are unknown. Caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman. 8.4 Pediatric Use Adjunctive Treatment for Partial Onset Epilepsy in Infants and Toddlers (1 to 24 months) Safety and effectiveness in patients below the age of 2 years have not been established for the adjunctive therapy treatment of partial onset seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, or seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. In a single randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled investigational trial, the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of topiramate oral liquid and sprinkle formulations as an adjunct to concurrent antiepileptic drug therapy in infants 1 to 24 months of age with refractory partial onset seizures were assessed. After 20 days of double-blind treatment, topiramate (at fixed doses of 5, 15, and 25 mg/kg/day) did not demonstrate efficacy compared with placebo in controlling seizures. In general, the adverse reaction profile in this population was similar to that of older pediatric patients, although results from the above controlled study and an open-label, long-term extension study in these infants/toddlers (1 to 24 months old) suggested some adverse reactions/toxicities (not previously observed in older pediatric patients and adults; i.e., growth/length retardation, certain clinical laboratory abnormalities, and other adverse reactions/toxicities that occurred with a greater frequency and/or greater severity than had been recognized previously from studies in older pediatric patients or adults for various indications. These very young pediatric patients appeared to experience an increased risk for infections (any topiramate dose 12%, placebo 0%) and of respiratory disorders (any topiramate dose 40%, placebo 16%). The following adverse reactions were observed in at least 3% of patients on topiramate and were 3% to 7% more frequent than in patients on placebo: viral infection, bronchitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, otitis media, upper respiratory infection, cough, and bronchospasm. A generally similar profile was observed in older children [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )]. Topiramate resulted in an increased incidence of patients with increased creatinine (any topiramate dose 5%, placebo 0%), BUN (any topiramate dose 3%, placebo 0%), and protein (any topiramate dose 34%, placebo 6%), and an increased incidence of decreased potassium (any topiramate dose 7%, placebo 0%). This increased frequency of abnormal values was not dose-related. Creatinine was the only analyte showing a noteworthy increased incidence (topiramate 25 mg/kg/day 5%, placebo 0%) of a markedly abnormal increase [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.16 )]. The significance of these findings is uncertain. Topiramate treatment also produced a dose-related increase in the percentage of patients who had a shift from normal at baseline to high/increased (above the normal reference range) in total eosinophil count at the end of treatment. The incidence of these abnormal shifts was 6 % for placebo, 10% for 5 mg/kg/day, 9% for 15 mg/kg/day, 14% for 25 mg/kg/day, and 11% for any topiramate dose [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.16 )]. There was a mean dose-related increase in alkaline phosphatase. The significance of these findings is uncertain. Topiramate produced a dose-related increased incidence of treatment-emergent hyperammonemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )]. Treatment with topiramate for up to 1 year was associated with reductions in Z SCORES for length, weight, and head circumference [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6 )]. In open-label, uncontrolled experience, increasing impairment of adaptive behavior was documented in behavioral testing over time in this population. There was a suggestion that this effect was dose-related. However, because of the absence of an appropriate control group, it is not known if this decrement in function was treatment-related or reflects the patient’s underlying disease (e.g., patients who received higher doses may have more severe underlying disease) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )]. In this open-label, uncontrolled study, the mortality was 37 deaths/1,000 patient years. It is not possible to know whether this mortality rate is related to topiramate treatment, because the background mortality rate for a similar, significantly refractory, young pediatric population (1 to 24 months) with partial epilepsy is not known. Monotherapy Treatment in Partial Onset Epilepsy in Patients <2 Years Old Safety and effectiveness in patients below the age of 2 years have not been established for the monotherapy treatment of epilepsy. Juvenile Animal Studies When topiramate (30, 90, or 300 mg/kg/day) was administered orally to rats during the juvenile period of development (postnatal days 12 to 50), bone growth plate thickness was reduced in males at the highest dose, which is approximately 5 to 8 times the maximum recommended pediatric dose (9 mg/kg/day) on a body surface area (mg/m2) basis. 8.5 Geriatric Use In clinical trials, 3% of patients were over 60. No age-related differences in effectiveness or adverse effects were evident. However, clinical studies of topiramate did not include sufficient numbers of subjects age 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently than younger subjects. Dosage adjustment may be necessary for elderly with impaired renal function (creatinine clearance rate <70 mL/min/1.73 m2) due to reduced clearance of topiramate [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) and Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )]. 8.6 Race and Gender Effects Evaluation of effectiveness and safety in clinical trials has shown no race- or gender-related effects. 8.7 Renal Impairment The clearance of topiramate was reduced by 42% in moderately renally impaired (creatinine clearance 30 to 69 mL/min/1.73 m2) and by 54% in severely renally impaired subjects (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min/1.73 m2) compared to normal renal function subjects (creatinine clearance >70 mL/min/1.73 m2). One-half the usual starting and maintenance dose is recommended in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.6 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 8.8 Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis Topiramate is cleared by hemodialysis at a rate that is 4 to 6 times greater than in a normal individual. Accordingly, a prolonged period of dialysis may cause topiramate concentration to fall below that required to maintain an anti-seizure effect. To avoid rapid drops in topiramate plasma concentration during hemodialysis, a supplemental dose of topiramate may be required. The actual adjustment should take into account the duration of dialysis period, the clearance rate of the dialysis system being used, and the effective renal clearance of topiramate in the patient being dialyzed [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 8.9 Women of Childbearing Potential Data from pregnancy registries indicate that infants exposed to topiramate in utero have an increased risk for cleft lip and/or cleft palate (oral clefts) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )]. Consider the benefits and the risks of topiramate when prescribing this drug to women of childbearing potential, particularly when topiramate is considered for a condition not usually associated with permanent injury or death. Because of the risk of oral clefts to the fetus, which occur in the first trimester of pregnancy before many women know they are pregnant, all women of childbearing potential should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus from exposure to topiramate. If the decision is made to use topiramate, women who are not planning a pregnancy should use effective contraception [see Drug Interactions ( 7.3 )]. Women who are planning a pregnancy should be counseled regarding the relative risks and benefits of topiramate use during pregnancy, and alternative therapeutic options should be considered for these patients