Medicine Identification Chart

Felbatol^®

generic name: felbamate -- FEL-ba-mate

Manufacturer: Medpointe in the United States

Uses:

• As single or add-on drug for partial seizures with or without secondary generalization in adults and children over the age of 14 years.
• As single or add-on therapy for children 2 years or older and adults with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

How it works: The exact way that Felbatol® works is not known. It is well absorbed when taken by mouth. Food does not effect the absorption of the tablet. It is not highly bound to proteins in the blood. Half-life is about 20-23 hours.

Forms of the Medicine:

• Tablets: 400 mg;600 mg
• Suspension: peach-colored 600mg/5ml

Dosing: Felbatol® is usually started at 1200 mg/day in 3 to 4 divided doses for children over the age of 14 years and adults. In children, the starting dose is 15 mg/day in 3 to 4 divided doses. Adults generally take about 3600 mg/day and children up to about 45 mg/kg/day. When possible, it is suggested that existing antiepileptic drugs be reduced in amount as the Felbatol® is started.

Duration: The length of time that you or your child will need to take the medicine will be determined by your physician.

Side Effects: The common side effects related to Felbatol® include disturbances of sleep, headache, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Because there can be serious side effects related to the bone marrow and liver, you may be asked by your physician to sign a consent form to take Felbatol®. These side effects are uncommon, but occur more commonly in those taking Felbatol® than in the general population.

Information for Pregnant and Nursing Mothers: Safety in pregnancy has not been established. Women who are taking this medication and who wish to become pregnant should discuss treatment options with their physicians before their pregnancy. Felbatol® is detected in breast milk.

Drug Interactions: Felbatol® may cause an increase in levels of Phenytoin, valproate, Phenobarbital; causes a decrease in levels of carbamazepine. It does not seem to have much effect on oral contraceptives.

Care during treatment with Felbatol®: Prior to starting Felbatol® your physician may have you obtain blood studies for liver functions and a complete blood count. There will be a need for ongoing monitoring of these values during your treatment with Felbatol® at a frequency determined by your physician. You should report any unusual symptoms, development of jaundice or excessive tiredness.

Possible contraindications to the use of Felbatol®: Those with known liver disease, abnormalities of liver enzymes, unexplained anemia, or other hematological problems may be people who may not be good candidates for the drug.

Not everyone experiences side effects. There may be other side effects not appearing above. For a complete list, consult your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. More detailed sources of information on side effects include the drug's prescribing information sheet, the Physician's Desk Reference, or pharmaceutical company which produces the drug.