Banzel Information
Banzel (Rufinamide) Indications And Usage
Banzel (Rufinamide) is indicated for adjunctive treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in children 4 years and older and adults.
Banzel (Rufinamide) Dosage And Administration
Banzel (Rufinamide) should be given with food. Tablets can be administered whole, as half tablets or crushed, for dosing flexibility.
Banzel (Rufinamide) Oral Suspension should be shaken well before every administration. The provided adapter and calibrated oral dosing syringe should be used to administer the oral suspension. The adapter which is supplied in the product carton should be inserted firmly into the neck of the bottle before use and remain in place for the duration of the usage of the bottle. The dosing syringe should be inserted into the adapter and the dose withdrawn from the inverted bottle. The cap should be replaced after each use. The cap fits properly when the adapter is in place. See for complete instructions on how to properly dose and administer the Banzel (Rufinamide) Oral Suspension.
Banzel (Rufinamide) Dosage Forms And Strengths
Film coated Tablets: 200 mg (pink) and 400 mg (pink). Tablets are scored on both sides.
Oral Suspension: 40 mg/mL
Banzel (Rufinamide) Contraindications
Banzel (Rufinamide) is contraindicated in patients with Familial Short QT syndrome [see ]
Banzel (Rufinamide) Warnings And Precautions
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including Banzel (Rufinamide) , 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 (5-100 years) in the clinical trials analyzed. Table 1 shows absolute and relative risk by indication for all evaluated AEDs.
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 Banzel (Rufinamide) 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.
Patients, their caregivers, and families should be informed that AEDs increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior and should be advised of the need to be alert for the emergence or worsening of the signs and symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts about self-harm. Behaviors of concern should be reported immediately to healthcare providers.
Formal cardiac ECG studies demonstrated shortening of the QT interval (mean=20 msec, for doses ≥2400 mg twice daily) with Banzel (Rufinamide) treatment. In a placebo-controlled study of the QT interval, a higher percentage of Banzel (Rufinamide) -treated subjects (46% at 2400 mg, 46% at 3200 mg, and 65% at 4800 mg) had a QT shortening of greater than 20 msec at T compared to placebo (5 - 10%).
Reductions of the QT interval below 300 msec were not observed in the formal QT studies with doses up to 7200 mg/day. Moreover, there was no signal for drug-induced sudden death or ventricular arrhythmias.
The degree of QT shortening induced by Banzel (Rufinamide) is without any known clinical risk. Familial Short QT syndrome is associated with an increased risk of sudden death and ventricular arrhythmias, particularly ventricular fibrillation. Such events in this syndrome are believed to occur primarily when the corrected QT interval falls below 300 msec. Non-clinical data also indicate that QT shortening is associated with ventricular fibrillation.
Patients with Familial Short QT syndrome should not be treated with Banzel (Rufinamide) . Caution should be used when administering Banzel (Rufinamide) with other drugs that shorten the QT interval [see ].
Multi-organ hypersensitivity syndrome, a serious condition sometimes induced by antiepileptic drugs, has occurred in association with Banzel (Rufinamide) therapy in clinical trials. One patient experienced rash, urticaria, facial edema, fever, elevated eosinophils, stuperous state, and severe hepatitis, beginning on day 29 of Banzel (Rufinamide) therapy and extending over a course of 30 days of continued Banzel (Rufinamide) therapy with resolution 11 days after discontinuation. Additional possible cases presented with rash and one or more of the following: fever, elevated liver function studies, hematuria, and lymphadenopathy. These cases occurred in children less than 12 years of age, within four weeks of treatment initiation, and were noted to resolve and/or improve upon Banzel (Rufinamide) discontinuation. This syndrome has been reported with other anticonvulsants and typically, although not exclusively, presents with fever and rash associated with other organ system involvement. Because this disorder is variable in its expression, other organ system signs and symptoms not noted here may occur. If this reaction is suspected, Banzel (Rufinamide) should be discontinued and alternative treatment started.
All patients who develop a rash while taking Banzel (Rufinamide) must be closely supervised.
Banzel (Rufinamide) Drug Interactions
Based on studies, rufinamide shows little or no inhibition of most cytochrome P450 enzymes at clinically relevant concentrations, with weak inhibition of CYP 2E1. Drugs that are substrates of CYP 2E1 (e.g. chlorzoxazone) may have increased plasma levels in the presence of rufinamide, but this has not been studied.
Based on drug interaction studies with triazolam and oral contraceptives, rufinamide is a weak inducer of the CYP 3A4 enzyme and can decrease exposure of drugs that are substrates of CYP 3A4 [see ].
Rufinamide is metabolized by carboxylesterases. Drugs that may induce the activity of carboxylesterases may increase the clearance of rufinamide. Broad-spectrum inducers such as carbamazepine and phenobarbital may have minor effects on rufinamide metabolism via this mechanism. Drugs that are inhibitors of carboxylesterases may decrease metabolism of rufinamide.
Banzel (Rufinamide) Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy Category C
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Banzel (Rufinamide) should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Rufinamide produced developmental toxicity when administered orally to pregnant animals at clinically relevant doses.
Rufinamide was administered orally to rats at doses of 20, 100, and 300 mg/kg/day and to rabbits at doses of 30, 200, and 1000 mg/kg/day during the period of organogenesis (implantation to closure of the hard palate); the high doses are associated with plasma AUCs ≈2 times the human plasma AUC at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD, 3200 mg/day). Decreased fetal weights and increased incidences of fetal skeletal abnormalities were observed in rats at doses associated with maternal toxicity. In rabbits, embryo-fetal death, decreased fetal body weights, and increased incidences of fetal visceral and skeletal abnormalities occurred at all but the low dose. The highest dose tested in rabbits was associated with abortion. The no-effect doses for adverse effects on rat and rabbit embryo-fetal development (20 and 30 mg/kg/day, respectively) were associated with plasma AUCs ≈0.2 times that in humans at the MRHD.
In a rat pre- and post-natal development study (dosing from implantation through weaning) conducted at oral doses of 5, 30, and 150 mg/kg/day (associated with plasma AUCs up to ≈1.5 times that in humans at the MRHD), decreased offspring growth and survival were observed at all doses tested. A no-effect dose for adverse effects on pre- and post-natal development was not established. The lowest dose tested was associated with plasma AUC
Pregnancy Registry
To provide information regarding the effects of exposure to Banzel (Rufinamide) physicians are advised to recommend that pregnant patients taking Banzel (Rufinamide) enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry. This can be done by calling the toll free number 1-888-233-2334, and must be done by patients themselves. Information on the registry can also be found at the website http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/.
Clinical studies of Banzel (Rufinamide) did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Pharmacokinetics of rufinamide in the elderly are similar to that in the young subjects [see ]
Banzel (Rufinamide) Drug Abuse And Dependence
The abuse and dependence potential of Banzel (Rufinamide) has not been evaluated in human studies.
Banzel (Rufinamide) Overdosage
Because strategies for the management of overdose are continually evolving, it is advisable to contact a Certified Poison Control Center to determine the latest recommendations for the management of an overdose of any drug.
One overdose of 7200 mg/day Banzel (Rufinamide) was reported in an adult during the clinical trials. The overdose was associated with no major signs or symptoms, no medical intervention was required, and the patient continued in the study at the target dose.
Treatment or Management of Overdose: There is no specific antidote for overdose with Banzel (Rufinamide) . If clinically indicated, elimination of unabsorbed drug should be attempted by induction of emesis or gastric lavage. Usual precautions should be observed to maintain the airway. General supportive care of the patient is indicated including monitoring of vital signs and observation of the clinical status of the patient.
Hemodialysis: Standard hemodialysis procedures may result in limited clearance of rufinamide. Although there is no experience to date in treating overdose with hemodialysis, the procedure may be considered when indicated by the patient's clinical state.
Banzel (Rufinamide) Description
Banzel (Rufinamide) is a triazole derivative structurally unrelated to currently marketed antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Rufinamide has the chemical name 1-[(2,6-difluorophenyl)methyl]-1-1,2,3-triazole-4 carboxamide. It has an empirical formula of CHFNO and a molecular weight of 238.2. The drug substance is a white, crystalline, odorless and slightly bitter tasting neutral powder. Rufinamide is practically insoluble in water, slightly soluble in tetrahydrofuran and in methanol, and very slightly soluble in ethanol and in acetonitrile.
Banzel (Rufinamide) is available for oral administration in film-coated tablets, scored on both sides, containing 200 and 400 mg of rufinamide. Inactive ingredients are colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, crosscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium lauryl sulphate. The film coating contains hypromellose, iron oxide red, polyethylene glycol, talc, and titanium dioxide.
Banzel (Rufinamide) is also available for oral administration as a liquid containing rufinamide at a concentration of 40 mg/mL. Inactive ingredients include microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium, hydroxyethylcellulose, anhydrous citric acid, simethicone emulsion 30%, poloxamer 188, methylparaben, propylparaben, propylene glycol, potassium sorbate, noncrystallizing sorbitol solution 70%, and an orange flavor.
Banzel (Rufinamide) Clinical Pharmacology
The precise mechanism(s) by which rufinamide exerts its antiepileptic effect is unknown.
The results of studies suggest that the principal mechanism of action of rufinamide is modulation of the activity of sodium channels and, in particular, prolongation of the inactive state of the channel. Rufinamide (≥1 μM) significantly slowed sodium channel recovery from inactivation after a prolonged prepulse in cultured cortical neurons, and limited sustained repetitive firing of sodium-dependent action potentials (EC of 3.8 μM).
Overview
Banzel (Rufinamide) oral suspension is bioequivalent on a mg per mg basis to Banzel (Rufinamide) tablets. Banzel (Rufinamide) is well absorbed after oral administration. However, the rate of absorption is relatively slow and the extent of absorption is decreased as dose is increased. The pharmacokinetics does not change with multiple dosing. Most elimination of rufinamide is via metabolism, with the primary metabolite resulting from enzymatic hydrolysis of the carboxamide moiety to form the carboxylic acid. This metabolic route is not cytochrome P450 dependent. There are no known active metabolites. Plasma half-life of rufinamide is approximately 6-10 hours.
Absorption and Distribution
Following oral administration of Banzel (Rufinamide) , peak plasma concentrations occur between 4 and 6 hours (T) both under fed and fasted conditions. Banzel (Rufinamide) tablets display decreasing bioavailability with increasing dose after single and multiple dose administration. Based on urinary excretion, the extent of absorption was at least 85% following oral administration of a single dose of 600 mg rufinamide tablet under fed conditions.
Multiple dose pharmacokinetics can be predicted from single dose data for both rufinamide and its metabolite. Given the dosing frequency of every 12 hours and the half-life of 6 to 10 hours, the observed steady-state peak concentration of about two to three times the peak concentration after a single dose is expected.
Food increased the extent of absorption of rufinamide in healthy volunteers by 34% and increased peak exposure by 56% after a single dose of 400 mg tablet, although the T was not elevated. Clinical trials were performed under fed conditions and dosing is recommended with food [see ].
Only a small fraction of rufinamide (34%) is bound to human serum proteins, predominantly to albumin (27%), giving little risk of displacement drug-drug interactions. Rufinamide was evenly distributed between erythrocytes and plasma. The apparent volume of distribution is dependent upon dose and varies with body surface area. The apparent volume of distribution was about 50 L at 3200 mg/day.
Metabolism
Rufinamide is extensively metabolized but has no active metabolites. Following a radiolabeled dose of rufinamide, less than 2% of the dose was recovered unchanged in urine. The primary biotransformation pathway is carboxylesterase(s) mediated hydrolysis of the carboxamide group to the acid derivative CGP 47292. A few minor additional metabolites were detected in urine, which appeared to be acyl-glucuronides of CGP 47292. There is no involvement of oxidizing cytochrome P450 enzymes or glutathione in the biotransformation process.
Rufinamide is a weak inhibitor of CYP 2E1. It did not show significant inhibition of other CYP enzymes. Rufinamide is a weak inducer of CYP 3A4 enzymes.
Rufinamide did not show any significant inhibition of P-glycoprotein in an study.
Elimination/Excretion
Renal excretion is the predominant route of elimination for drug related material, accounting for 85% of the dose based on a radiolabeled study. Of the metabolites identified in urine, at least 66% of the rufinamide dose was excreted as the acid metabolite CGP 47292, with 2% of the dose excreted as rufinamide.
The plasma elimination half-life is approximately 6-10 hours in healthy subjects and patients with epilepsy.
Special Populations
Gender: Population pharmacokinetic analyses of females show a 6-14% lower apparent clearance of rufinamide compared to males. This effect is not clinically important.
Race: In a population pharmacokinetic analysis of clinical studies, no difference in clearance or volume of distribution of rufinamide was observed between the black and Caucasian subjects, after controlling for body size. Information on other races could not be obtained because of smaller numbers of these subjects.
Pediatrics: Based on a population analysis in 117 children (age 4-11 years) and 99 adolescents (age 12-17 years), the pharmacokinetics of rufinamide in these patients is similar to the pharmacokinetics in adults.
Elderly: The results of a study evaluating single-dose (400 mg) and multiple dose (800 mg/day for 6 days) pharmacokinetics of rufinamide in 8 healthy elderly subjects (65-80 years old) and 7 younger healthy subjects (18-45 years old) found no significant age-related differences in the pharmacokinetics of rufinamide.
Renal Impairment: Rufinamide pharmacokinetics in 9 patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance
Hepatic Impairment: There have been no specific studies investigating the effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of rufinamide. Therefore, use in patients with severe hepatic impairment is not recommended. Caution should be exercised in treating patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment.
Banzel (Rufinamide) Clinical Studies
The effectiveness of Banzel (Rufinamide) as adjunctive treatment for the seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) was established in a single multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel-group study (n=138). Male and female patients (between 4 and 30 years of age) were included if they had a diagnosis of inadequately controlled seizures associated with LGS (including both atypical absence seizures and drop attacks) and were being treated with 1 to 3 concomitant stable dose AEDs. Each patient must have had at least 90 seizures in the month prior to study entry. After completing a 4 week Baseline Phase on stable therapy, patients were randomized to have Banzel (Rufinamide) or placebo added to their ongoing therapy during the 12 week Double-blind Phase. The Double-blind Phase consisted of 2 periods: the Titration Period (1 to 2 weeks) and the Maintenance Period (10 weeks). During the Titration Period, the dose was increased to a target dosage of approximately 45 mg/kg/day (3200 mg in adults of ≥70 kg), given on a b.i.d. schedule. Dosage reductions were permitted during titration if problems in tolerability were encountered. Final doses at titration were to remain stable during the maintenance period. Target dosage was achieved in 88% of the Banzel (Rufinamide) -treated patients. The majority of these patients reached the target dose within 7 days, with the remaining patients achieving the target dose within 14 days.
The primary efficacy variables were:
The results of the three primary endpoints are shown in Table 7 below.
Banzel (Rufinamide) How Supplied/storage And Handling
Banzel (Rufinamide) 200 mg tablets (containing 200 mg rufinamide) are pink in color, film-coated, oblong-shape tablets, with a score on both sides, imprinted with "Є 262" on one side. They are available in bottles of 30 (NDC 62856-582-30).
Banzel (Rufinamide) 400 mg tablets (containing 400 mg rufinamide) are pink in color, film-coated, oblong-shape tablets, with a score on both sides, imprinted with "Є 263" on one side. They are available in bottles of 120 (NDC 62856-583-52).
Banzel (Rufinamide) Oral Suspension is an orange flavored liquid supplied in a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle with child-resistant closure. The oral suspension is packaged with a dispenser set which contains a calibrated oral dosing syringe and an adapter. Store the oral suspension in an upright position. Use within 90 days of first opening the bottle, then discard any remainder. The oral suspension is available in bottles of 460 mL (NDC 62856-584-46).
Store the tablets at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F). Protect from moisture. Replace cap securely after opening.
Store the oral suspension at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F). Replace cap securely after opening. The cap fits properly in place when the adapter is in place.
Banzel (Rufinamide) Patient Counseling Information
Patients should be informed of the availability of a Medication guide and they should be instructed to read the prior to taking Banzel (Rufinamide) .
Patients should be instructed to take Banzel (Rufinamide) only as prescribed.
Banzel (Rufinamide) Medication Guide
Banzel (Rufinamide) is a prescription medicine used with other medicines to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) in adults and children 4 years of age and older.
It is not known if Banzel (Rufinamide) is safe and effective in the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in children under 4 years of age.
Do not take Banzel (Rufinamide) if you have a genetic condition called familial short QT syndrome, a problem that affects the electrical system of the heart.
Taking Banzel (Rufinamide) with certain other medicines can cause side effects or affect how well they work. Do not start or stop other medicines without talking to your healthcare provider.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist each time you get a new medicine.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the symptoms listed above.
Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of Banzel (Rufinamide) . For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use Banzel (Rufinamide) for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Banzel (Rufinamide) to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about Banzel (Rufinamide) . If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about Banzel (Rufinamide) that is written for health professionals.
For more information, go to www.Banzel (Rufinamide) .com or call 1-888-274-2378.
Active ingredient: rufinamideInactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch crosscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium lauryl sulphate, iron oxide red, polyethylene glycol, talc, and titanium dioxide.
Active ingredient: rufinamideInactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium, hydroxyethylcellulose, anhydrous citric acid, simethicone emulsion 30%, poloxamer 188, methylparaben, propylparaben, propylene glycol, potassium sorbate, noncrystallizing sorbitol solution 70%, orange flavor.
The oral suspension does not contain lactose or gluten and is dye-free. The oral suspension does contain carbohydrates.
Revised March 2011
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
© 2011 Eisai Inc. Printed in U.S.A.
Banzel (Rufinamide) Banzel Oral Suspension Instructions For Use
You will need the following supplies:
Once the bottle adapter is installed, it cannot be removed.
Measure the mLs of medicine from the layer at the end of the plunger, not the black layer.
If your dose is 30 mL, draw up 20 mL in the single syringe and squirt the medicine into your mouth, then draw up the remaining 10 mL in that same syringe.
Banzel (Rufinamide) Principal Display Panel - mg Film-coated Tablet
NDC 62856-582-30
Banzel (Rufinamide) (rufinamide) TABLETS200 mg30 tablets
Banzel (Rufinamide) Principal Display Panel - mg Film-coated Tablet
NDC 62856-583-52
Banzel (Rufinamide) (rufinamide) TABLETS400 mg120 tablets
Banzel (Rufinamide) Principal Display Panel - mg/ml Oral Suspension
NDC 62856-584-46
Banzel (Rufinamide) (rufinamide) ORAL SUSPENSION40 mg/mL460 mL
