Topiramate is a sulfamate-substituted monosaccharide. TOPAMAX ® (topiramate) Tablets are available as 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg round tablets for oral administration. TOPAMAX (topiramate capsules) Sprinkle Capsules are available as 15 mg and 25 mg sprinkle capsules for oral administration as whole capsules or opened and sprinkled onto soft food. Topiramate is a white crystalline powder with a bitter taste. Topiramate 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 C 12 H 21 NO 8 S and a molecular weight of 339.36. Topiramate is designated chemically as 2,3:4,5-Di- O -isopropylidene-β-D-fructopyranose sulfamate and has the following structural formula: TOPAMAX Tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: carnauba wax, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, pregelatinized starch, purified water, sodium starch glycolate, synthetic iron oxide, and titanium dioxide. TOPAMAX Sprinkle Capsules contain topiramate-coated beads in a hard gelatin capsule. The inactive ingredients are black pharmaceutical ink, cellulose acetate, gelatin, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, sorbitan monolaurate, sugar spheres (sucrose and starch) and titanium dioxide. Chemical Structure

TOPAMAX is indicated for: Epilepsy: initial monotherapy for the treatment of partial-onset or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients 2 years of age and older; adjunctive therapy for the treatment of partial-onset seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, or seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in patients 2 years of age and older Preventive treatment of migraine in patients 12 years of age and older 1.1 Monotherapy Epilepsy TOPAMAX is indicated as initial monotherapy for the treatment of partial-onset or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients 2 years of age and older

Adjunctive Therapy Epilepsy TOPAMAX is indicated as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of partial-onset seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in patients 2 years of age and older

Migraine TOPAMAX is indicated for the preventive treatment of migraine in patients 12 years of age and older.

TOPAMAX Tablets are available as debossed, coated, round tablets in the following strengths and colors: 25 mg cream (debossed "OMN" on one side; "25" on the other) 50 mg light-yellow (debossed "OMN" on one side; "50" on the other) 100 mg yellow (debossed "OMN" on one side; "100" on the other) 200 mg salmon (debossed "OMN" on one side; "200" on the other) TOPAMAX Sprinkle Capsules contain small, white to off-white spheres. The gelatin capsules are white and clear. They are marked as follows: 15 mg capsule with "TOP" and "15 mg" on the side 25 mg capsule with "TOP" and "25 mg" on the side Tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg Sprinkle Capsules: 15 mg and 25 mg

TOPAMAX initial dose, titration, and recommended maintenance dose varies by indication and age group. See Full Prescribing Information for recommended dosage, and dosing considerations in patients with renal impairment, geriatric patients, and patients undergoing hemodialysis ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 , 2.5 , 2.6 ) 2.1 Dosing in Monotherapy Epilepsy Adults and Pediatric Patients 10 Years of Age and Older The recommended dose for TOPAMAX monotherapy in adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older is 400 mg/day in two divided doses. 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 Pediatric Patients 2 to 9 Years of Age Dosing in patients 2 to 9 years of age is based on weight. During the titration period, the initial dose of TOPAMAX is 25 mg/day 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 25–50 mg/day each subsequent week as tolerated. Titration to the minimum maintenance dose should be attempted over 5–7 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 25–50 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 9 Years of Age Weight (kg) Total Daily Dose (mg/day) Administered in two equally divided doses Minimum Maintenance Dose Total Daily Dose (mg/day) Maximum Maintenance Dose Up to 11 150 250 12 – 22 200 300 23 – 31 200 350 32 – 38 250 350 Greater than 38 250 400 2.2 Dosing in Adjunctive Therapy Epilepsy Adults (17 Years of Age and Older) The recommended total daily dose of TOPAMAX as adjunctive therapy in adults with partial onset seizures or Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome 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. TOPAMAX should 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 have not been shown to improve responses in adults with partial-onset seizures. Pediatric Patients 2 to 16 Years of Age The recommended total daily dose of TOPAMAX as adjunctive therapy for pediatric patients 2 to 16 years of age 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. The total daily dose should not exceed 400 mg/day

Dosing for the Preventive Treatment of Migraine The recommended total daily dose of TOPAMAX as treatment for patients 12 years of age and older for the preventive treatment of migraine is 100 mg/day administered in two divided doses (Table 3). The recommended titration rate for TOPAMAX for the preventive treatment of migraine is as follows: Table 3: Preventive Treatment of Migraine Titration Schedule for Patients 12 Years of Age and Older Morning Dose Evening Dose Week 1 None 25 mg Week 2 25 mg 25 mg Week 3 25 mg 50 mg Week 4 50 mg 50 mg Dose and titration rate should be guided by clinical outcome. If required, longer intervals between dose adjustments can be used

Administration Information TOPAMAX can be taken without regard to meals. TOPAMAX Tablets Because of the bitter taste, tablets should not be broken. TOPAMAX Sprinkle Capsules TOPAMAX Sprinkle Capsules may be swallowed whole or may be administered by carefully opening the capsule and sprinkling the entire contents on a small amount (teaspoon) of soft food. This drug/food mixture should be swallowed immediately and not chewed. It should not be stored for future use

Dosing in Patients with Renal Impairment In patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 70 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ), one-half of the usual adult dose of TOPAMAX is recommended

Dosing in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis To avoid rapid drops in topiramate plasma concentration during hemodialysis, a supplemental dose of TOPAMAX 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 .

Acute myopia and secondary angle closure glaucoma: can lead to permanent visual loss; discontinue TOPAMAX as soon as possible Visual field defects: consider discontinuation of TOPAMAX Oligohidrosis and hyperthermia: monitor decreased sweating and increased body temperature, especially in pediatric patients Metabolic acidosis: baseline and periodic measurement of serum bicarbonate is recommended; consider dose reduction or discontinuation of TOPAMAX if clinically appropriate Suicidal behavior and ideation: antiepileptic drugs increase the risk of suicidal behavior or ideation Cognitive/neuropsychiatric adverse reactions: use caution when operating machinery including cars; depression and mood problems may occur Fetal Toxicity: use during pregnancy can cause major congenital malformations, including but not limited to cleft lip and/or palate, and being small for gestational age Withdrawal of AEDs: withdraw TOPAMAX gradually Decrease in Bone Mineral Density: has been shown to decrease bone mineral density and bone mineral content in pediatric patients Negative effects on growth (height and weight): may slow height increase and weight gain; carefully monitor children receiving prolonged therapy Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/ Multiorgan Hypersensitivity, serious skin reactions (SJS or TEN), anaphylaxis, and angioedema: Discontinue TOPAMAX if an alternative etiology cannot be established ( 5.11 , 5.12 , 5.13 ) Hyperammonemia/encephalopathy: measure ammonia if encephalopathic symptoms occur Kidney stones: avoid use with other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, drugs causing metabolic acidosis, or in patients on a ketogenic diet Hypothermia has been reported with and without hyperammonemia during topiramate treatment with concomitant valproic acid use 5.1 Acute Myopia and Secondary Angle Closure Glaucoma Syndrome A syndrome consisting of acute myopia associated with secondary angle closure glaucoma has been reported in patients receiving TOPAMAX. Symptoms include acute onset of decreased visual acuity and/or ocular pain. Ophthalmologic findings can include some or all of the following: myopia, mydriasis, anterior chamber shallowing, ocular hyperemia (redness), choroidal detachments, retinal pigment epithelial detachments, macular striae, and increased intraocular pressure. This syndrome may be associated with supraciliary effusion resulting in anterior displacement of the lens and iris, with secondary angle closure glaucoma. Symptoms typically occur within 1 month of initiating TOPAMAX therapy. In contrast to primary narrow angle glaucoma, which is rare under 40 years of age, secondary angle closure glaucoma associated with topiramate has been reported in pediatric patients as well as adults. The primary treatment to reverse symptoms is discontinuation of TOPAMAX as rapidly as possible, according to the judgment of the treating physician. Other measures, in conjunction with discontinuation of TOPAMAX, may be helpful. Elevated intraocular pressure of any etiology, if left untreated, can lead to serious sequelae including permanent vision loss

Visual Field Defects Visual field defects (independent of elevated intraocular pressure) have been reported in clinical trials and in postmarketing experience in patients receiving topiramate. In clinical trials, most of these events were reversible after topiramate discontinuation. If visual problems occur at any time during topiramate treatment, consideration should be given to discontinuing the drug

Oligohidrosis and Hyperthermia Oligohidrosis (decreased sweating), infrequently resulting in hospitalization, has been reported in association with TOPAMAX use. Decreased sweating and an elevation in body temperature above normal characterized these cases. Some of the cases were reported after exposure to elevated environmental temperatures. The majority of the reports have been in pediatric patients. Patients (especially pediatric patients) treated with TOPAMAX should be monitored closely for evidence of decreased sweating and increased body temperature, especially in hot weather. Caution should be used when TOPAMAX is given with other drugs that predispose patients to heat-related disorders; these drugs include, but are not limited to, other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and drugs with anticholinergic activity

Metabolic Acidosis TOPAMAX can cause hyperchloremic, non-anion gap, metabolic acidosis (i.e., decreased serum bicarbonate below the normal reference range in the absence of chronic respiratory alkalosis). This metabolic acidosis is caused by renal bicarbonate loss due to carbonic anhydrase inhibition by TOPAMAX. TOPAMAX-induced metabolic acidosis can occur at any time during treatment. Bicarbonate decrements are usually mild-moderate (average decrease of 4 mEq/L at daily doses of 400 mg in adults and at approximately 6 mg/kg/day in pediatric patients); rarely, patients can experience severe decrements to values below 10 mEq/L. Conditions or therapies that predispose patients to acidosis (such as renal disease, severe respiratory disorders, status epilepticus, diarrhea, ketogenic diet, or specific drugs) may be additive to the bicarbonate lowering effects of TOPAMAX. Metabolic acidosis was commonly observed in adult and pediatric patients treated with TOPAMAX in clinical trials. The incidence of decreased serum bicarbonate in pediatric trials, for adjunctive treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or refractory partial-onset seizures was as high as 67% for TOPAMAX (at approximately 6 mg/kg/day), and 10% for placebo. The incidence of a markedly abnormally low serum bicarbonate (i.e., absolute value < 17 mEq/L and ≥5 mEq/L decrease from pretreatment) in these trials was up to 11%, compared to ≤ 2% for placebo. Manifestations of acute or chronic metabolic acidosis may include hyperventilation, nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue and anorexia, or more severe sequelae including cardiac arrhythmias or stupor. Chronic, untreated metabolic acidosis may increase the risk for nephrolithiasis or nephrocalcinosis, and may also result in osteomalacia (referred to as rickets in pediatric patients) and/or osteoporosis with an increased risk for fractures . A one-year, active-controlled study of pediatric patients treated with TOPAMAX demonstrated that TOPAMAX decreased lumbar spine bone mineral density and that this lumbar spine bone mineral density decrease was correlated (using change from baseline for lumbar spine Z score at final visit versus lowest post-treatment serum bicarbonate) with decreased serum bicarbonate, a reflection of metabolic acidosis . Chronic metabolic acidosis in pediatric patients may also reduce growth rates, which may decrease the maximal height achieved. Long-term, open-label treatment of pediatric patients 1 to 24 months old with intractable partial epilepsy, for up to 1 year, showed reductions from baseline in length, weight, and head circumference compared to age and sex-matched normative data, although these patients with epilepsy are likely to have different growth rates than normal 1 to 24 months old pediatrics. Reductions in length and weight were correlated to the degree of acidosis . TOPAMAX treatment that causes metabolic acidosis during pregnancy can possibly produce adverse effects on the fetus and might also cause metabolic acidosis in the neonate from possible transfer of topiramate to the fetus . Measurement of Serum Bicarbonate in Epilepsy and Migraine Patients Measurement of baseline and periodic serum bicarbonate during topiramate treatment is recommended. If metabolic acidosis develops and persists, consideration should be given to reducing the dose or discontinuing TOPAMAX (using dose tapering). If the decision is made to continue patients on TOPAMAX in the face of persistent acidosis, alkali treatment should be considered

Suicidal Behavior and Ideation Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including TOPAMAX, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Patients treated with any AED for any indication should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and/or any unusual changes in mood or behavior. Pooled analyses of 199 placebo-controlled clinical trials (mono- and adjunctive therapy) of 11 different AEDs showed that patients randomized to one of the AEDs had approximately twice the risk (adjusted Relative Risk 1.8, 95% CI:1.2, 2.7) of suicidal thinking or behavior compared to patients randomized to placebo. In these trials, which had a median treatment duration of 12 weeks, the estimated incidence rate of suicidal behavior or ideation among 27,863 AED-treated patients was 0.43%, compared to 0.24% among 16,029 placebo-treated patients, representing an increase of approximately one case of suicidal thinking or behavior for every 530 patients treated. There were four suicides in drug-treated patients in the trials and none in placebo-treated patients, but the number is too small to allow any conclusion about drug effect on suicide. The increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior with AEDs was observed as early as one week after starting drug treatment with AEDs and persisted for the duration of treatment assessed. Because most trials included in the analysis did not extend beyond 24 weeks, the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior beyond 24 weeks could not be assessed. The risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior was generally consistent among drugs in the data analyzed. The finding of increased risk with AEDs of varying mechanisms of action and across a range of indications suggests that the risk applies to all AEDs used for any indication. The risk did not vary substantially by age (5 to 100 years) in the clinical trials analyzed. Table 4 shows absolute and relative risk by indication for all evaluated AEDs. Table 4: Risk by Indication for Antiepileptic Drugs in the Pooled Analysis Indication Placebo Patients with Events per 1000 Patients Drug Patients with Events per 1000 Patients Relative Risk: Incidence of Events in Drug Patients/Incidence in Placebo Patients Risk Difference: Additional Drug Patients with Events per 1000 Patients Epilepsy 1.0 3.4 3.5 2.4 Psychiatric 5.7 8.5 1.5 2.9 Other 1.0 1.8 1.9 0.9 Total 2.4 4.3 1.8 1.9 The relative risk for suicidal thoughts or behavior was higher in clinical trials for epilepsy than in clinical trials for psychiatric or other conditions, but the absolute risk differences were similar for the epilepsy and psychiatric indications. Anyone considering prescribing TOPAMAX or any other AED must balance the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior with the risk of untreated illness. Epilepsy and many other illnesses for which AEDs are prescribed are themselves associated with morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Should suicidal thoughts and behavior emerge during treatment, the prescriber needs to consider whether the emergence of these symptoms in any given patient may be related to the illness being treated

Cognitive/Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions TOPAMAX can cause cognitive/neuropsychiatric adverse reactions. The most frequent of these can be classified into three general categories: 1) Cognitive-related dysfunction (e.g., confusion, psychomotor slowing, difficulty with concentration/attention, difficulty with memory, speech or language problems, particularly word-finding difficulties); 2) Psychiatric/behavioral disturbances (e.g., depression or mood problems); and 3) Somnolence or fatigue. Adult Patients Cognitive-Related Dysfunction Rapid titration rate and higher initial dose were associated with higher incidences of cognitive-related dysfunction. In adult epilepsy adjunctive controlled trials, which used rapid titration (100–200 mg/day weekly increments), and target TOPAMAX doses of 200 mg – 1000 mg/day, 56% of patients in the 800 mg/day and 1000 mg/day dose groups experienced cognitive-related dysfunction compared to approximately 42% of patients in the 200–400 mg/day groups and 14% for placebo. In this rapid titration regimen, these dose-related adverse reactions began in the titration or in the maintenance phase, and in some patients these events began during titration and persisted into the maintenance phase. In the monotherapy epilepsy controlled trial, the proportion of patients who experienced one or more cognitive-related adverse reactions was 19% for TOPAMAX 50 mg/day and 26% for 400 mg/day. In the 6-month controlled trials for the preventive treatment of migraine, which used a slower titration regimen (25 mg/day weekly increments), the proportion of patients who experienced one or more cognitive-related adverse reactions was 19% for TOPAMAX 50 mg/day, 22% for 100 mg/day (the recommended dose), 28% for 200 mg/day, and 10% for placebo. Cognitive adverse reactions most commonly developed during titration and sometimes persisted after completion of titration. Psychiatric/Behavioral Disturbances Psychiatric/behavioral disturbances (e.g., depression, mood) were dose-related for both the adjunctive epilepsy and migraine populations . Somnolence/Fatigue Somnolence and fatigue were the adverse reactions most frequently reported during clinical trials of TOPAMAX for adjunctive epilepsy. For the adjunctive epilepsy population, the incidence of fatigue, appeared dose related. For the monotherapy epilepsy population, the incidence of somnolence was dose-related. For the migraine population, the incidences of both fatigue and somnolence were dose-related and more common in the titration phase. Pediatric Patients In pediatric epilepsy trials (adjunctive and monotherapy), the incidence of cognitive/neuropsychiatric adverse reactions was generally lower than that observed in adults. These reactions included psychomotor slowing, difficulty with concentration/attention, speech disorders/related speech problems, and language problems. The most frequently reported cognitive/neuropsychiatric reactions in pediatric epilepsy patients during adjunctive therapy double-blind studies were somnolence and fatigue. The most frequently reported cognitive/neuropsychiatric reactions in pediatric epilepsy patients in the 50 mg/day and 400 mg/day groups during the monotherapy double-blind study were headache, dizziness, anorexia, and somnolence. In pediatric migraine patients, the incidence of cognitive/neuropsychiatric adverse reactions was increased in TOPAMAX-treated patients compared to placebo. The risk for cognitive/neuropsychiatric adverse reactions was dose-dependent, and was greatest at the highest dose (200 mg). This risk for cognitive/neuropsychiatric adverse reactions was also greater in younger patients (6 to 11 years of age) than in older patients (12 to 17 years of age). The most common cognitive/neuropsychiatric adverse reaction in these trials was difficulty with concentration/attention. Cognitive adverse reactions most commonly developed during titration and sometimes persisted for various durations after completion of titration. The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) was administered to adolescents (12 to 17 years) to assess the effects of topiramate on cognitive function at baseline and at the end of the Study 13 . Mean change from baseline in certain CANTAB tests suggests that topiramate treatment may result in psychomotor slowing and decreased verbal fluency

Fetal Toxicity TOPAMAX 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 of major congenital malformations, including but not limited to cleft lip and/or cleft palate (oral clefts), and of being small for gestational age (SGA). When multiple species of pregnant animals received topiramate at clinically relevant doses, structural malformations, including craniofacial defects, and reduced fetal weights occurred in offspring . Consider the benefits and the risks of TOPAMAX when administering this drug in women of childbearing potential, particularly when TOPAMAX is considered for a condition not usually associated with permanent injury or death . TOPAMAX 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

Withdrawal of Antiepileptic Drugs In patients with or without a history of seizures or epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs, including TOPAMAX, should be gradually withdrawn to minimize the potential for seizures or increased seizure frequency . In situations where rapid withdrawal of TOPAMAX is medically required, appropriate monitoring is recommended

Decrease in Bone Mineral Density Results of a one-year active-controlled study in pediatric patients (N=63) demonstrated negative effects of TOPAMAX monotherapy on bone mineral acquisition via statistically significant decreases in bone mineral density (BMD) measured in lumbar spine and in total body less head . Twenty-one percent of TOPAMAX-treated patients experienced clinically important reductions in BMD (Z score change from baseline of –0.5 or greater) compared to 0 patients in the control group. Although decreases in BMD occurred across all pediatric age subgroups, patients 6 to 9 years of age were most commonly affected. The sample size and study duration were too small to determine if fracture risk is increased. Decreased BMD in the lumbar spine was correlated with decreased serum bicarbonate, which commonly occurs with TOPAMAX treatment and reflects metabolic acidosis, a known cause of increased bone resorption . Although small decreases in some markers of bone metabolism (e.g., serum alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphorus, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D) occurred in TOPAMAX-treated patients, more significant decreases in serum parathyroid hormone and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, hormones involved in bone metabolism, were observed, along with an increased excretion of urinary calcium

Negative Effects on Growth (Height and Weight) Results of a one-year active-controlled study of pediatric patients (N=63) demonstrated negative effects of TOPAMAX monotherapy on growth (i.e., height and weight) . Although continued growth was observed in both treatment groups, the TOPAMAX group showed statistically significant reductions in mean annual change from baseline in body weight compared to the control group. A similar trend of attenuation in height velocity and height change from baseline was also observed in the TOPAMAX group compared to the control group. Negative effects on weight and height were seen across all TOPAMAX age subgroups. Growth (height and weight) of children receiving prolonged TOPAMAX therapy should be carefully monitored

Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity Reactions Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), also known as multiorgan hypersensitivity, has been reported in patients taking topiramate. DRESS may be fatal or life-threatening. DRESS typically, although not exclusively, presents with fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, and/or facial swelling, in association with other organ system involvement, such as hepatitis, nephritis, hematological abnormalities, myocarditis, or myositis sometimes resembling an acute viral infection. Eosinophilia is often present. Because this disorder is variable in its expression, other organ systems not noted here may be involved. It is important to note that early manifestations of hypersensitivity, such as fever or lymphadenopathy, may be present even though rash is not evident. If such signs or symptoms are present, the patient should be evaluated immediately. TOPAMAX should be discontinued if an alternative etiology for the signs or symptoms cannot be established

Serious Skin Reactions Serious skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome [SJS] and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis [TEN]) have been reported in patients receiving topiramate. TOPAMAX should be discontinued at the first sign of a rash, unless the rash is clearly not drug-related. If signs or symptoms suggest SJS/TEN, use of this drug should not be resumed, and alternative therapy should be considered. Inform patients about the signs of serious skin reactions

Anaphylaxis and Angioedema Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have occurred in patients treated with TOPAMAX in the postmarketing setting. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue TOPAMAX and initiate appropriate therapy

Hyperammonemia and Encephalopathy (Without and With Concomitant Valproic Acid Use) Topiramate treatment can cause hyperammonemia with or without encephalopathy . The risk for hyperammonemia with topiramate appears dose-related. Hyperammonemia has been reported more frequently when topiramate is used concomitantly with valproic acid. Postmarketing cases of hyperammonemia with or without encephalopathy have been reported with topiramate and valproic acid in patients who previously tolerated either drug alone . Clinical symptoms of hyperammonemic encephalopathy often include acute alterations in level of consciousness and/or cognitive function with lethargy and/or vomiting. In most cases, hyperammonemic encephalopathy abated with discontinuation of treatment. The incidence of hyperammonemia in pediatric patients 12 to 17 years of age in the preventive treatment of migraine trials was 26% in patients taking TOPAMAX monotherapy at 100 mg/day, and 14% in patients taking TOPAMAX at 50 mg/day, compared to 9% in patients taking placebo. There was also an increased incidence of markedly increased hyperammonemia at the 100 mg dose. Dose-related hyperammonemia was also seen in pediatric patients 1 to 24 months of age treated with TOPAMAX and concomitant valproic acid for partial-onset epilepsy and this was not due to a pharmacokinetic interaction. In some patients, hyperammonemia can be asymptomatic. Monitoring for Hyperammonemia Patients with inborn errors of metabolism or reduced hepatic mitochondrial activity may be at an increased risk for hyperammonemia with or without encephalopathy. Although not studied, topiramate treatment or an interaction of concomitant topiramate and valproic acid treatment may exacerbate existing defects or unmask deficiencies in susceptible persons. In patients who develop unexplained lethargy, vomiting or changes in mental status associated with any topiramate treatment, hyperammonemic encephalopathy should be considered and an ammonia level should be measured

Kidney Stones TOPAMAX increases the risk of kidney stones. During adjunctive epilepsy trials, the risk for kidney stones in TOPAMAX-treated adults was 1.5%, an incidence about 2 to 4 times greater than expected in a similar, untreated population. As in the general population, the incidence of stone formation among TOPAMAX-treated patients was higher in men. Kidney stones have also been reported in pediatric patients taking TOPAMAX for epilepsy or migraine. During long-term (up to 1 year) TOPAMAX treatment in an open-label extension study of 284 pediatric patients 1–24 months old with epilepsy, 7% developed kidney or bladder stones. TOPAMAX is not approved for treatment of epilepsy in pediatric patients less than 2 years old . TOPAMAX is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors can promote stone formation by reducing urinary citrate excretion and by increasing urinary pH . The concomitant use of TOPAMAX with any other drug producing metabolic acidosis, or potentially in patients on a ketogenic diet, may create a physiological environment that increases the risk of kidney stone formation, and should therefore be avoided. Increased fluid intake increases the urinary output, lowering the concentration of substances involved in stone formation. Hydration is recommended to reduce new stone formation. An increase in urinary calcium and a marked decrease in urinary citrate was observed in TOPAMAX-treated pediatric patients in a one-year active-controlled study . This increased ratio of urinary calcium/citrate increases the risk of kidney stones and/or nephrocalcinosis

Hypothermia with Concomitant Valproic Acid Use Hypothermia, defined as a drop in body core temperature to <35 °C (95 °F), has been reported in association with topiramate use with concomitant valproic acid both in conjunction with hyperammonemia and in the absence of hyperammonemia. This adverse reaction in patients using concomitant topiramate and valproate can occur after starting topiramate treatment or after increasing the daily dose of topiramate . Consideration should be given to stopping TOPAMAX or valproate in patients who develop hypothermia, which may be manifested by a variety of clinical abnormalities including lethargy, confusion, coma, and significant alterations in other major organ systems such as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Clinical management and assessment should include examination of blood ammonia levels.

Contraceptives: decreased contraceptive efficacy and increased breakthrough bleeding, especially at doses greater than 200 mg/day Monitor lithium levels if lithium is used with high-dose TOPAMAX 7.1 Antiepileptic Drugs Concomitant administration of phenytoin or carbamazepine with TOPAMAX resulted in a clinically significant decrease in plasma concentrations of topiramate when compared to TOPAMAX given alone. A dosage adjustment may be needed . Concomitant administration of valproic acid and TOPAMAX has been associated with hypothermia and hyperammonemia with and without encephalopathy. Examine blood ammonia levels in patients in whom the onset of hypothermia has been reported

Other Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors Concomitant use of topiramate, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, with any other carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (e.g., zonisamide or acetazolamide) may increase the severity of metabolic acidosis and may also increase the risk of kidney stone formation. Therefore, patients given TOPAMAX concomitantly with another carbonic anhydrase inhibitor should be monitored particularly closely for the appearance or worsening of metabolic acidosis

CNS Depressants Concomitant administration of TOPAMAX 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, TOPAMAX should be used with extreme caution if used in combination with alcohol and other CNS depressants

Contraceptives The possibility of decreased contraceptive efficacy and increased breakthrough bleeding may occur in patients taking contraceptive products with TOPAMAX. Patients taking estrogen-containing or progestin-only contraceptives should be asked to report any change in their bleeding patterns. Contraceptive efficacy can be decreased even in the absence of breakthrough bleeding

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) Topiramate C max and AUC increased when HCTZ was added to TOPAMAX. The clinical significance of this change is unknown. The addition of HCTZ to TOPAMAX may require a decrease in the TOPAMAX dose

Pioglitazone A decrease in the exposure of pioglitazone and its active metabolites were noted with the concurrent use of pioglitazone and TOPAMAX in a clinical trial. The clinical relevance of these observations is unknown; however, when TOPAMAX is added to pioglitazone therapy or pioglitazone is added to TOPAMAX therapy, careful attention should be given to the routine monitoring of patients for adequate control of their diabetic disease state

Lithium An increase in systemic exposure of lithium following TOPAMAX doses of up to 600 mg/day can occur. Lithium levels should be monitored when co-administered with high-dose TOPAMAX

Amitriptyline Some patients may experience a large increase in amitriptyline concentration in the presence of TOPAMAX and any adjustments in amitriptyline dose should be made according to the patient's clinical response and not on the basis of plasma levels .