Proceed with Confidence

About Carbatrol

Carbatrol offers real-life advantages in controlling partial and generalized seizures:

  • Carbatrol includes immediate-release beads that are quickly absorbed.
  • Carbatrol provides consistent levels of medication for 12 hours, allowing patients the treatment they need with a capsule they take two times per day.
  • Patients have the freedom with Carbatrol to take a dose without having to eat a meal.
  • The Carbatrol capsule can be sprinkled on soft foods and eaten, giving options to patients with difficultly swallowing pills. Carbatrol capsules or their contents should not be chewed or crushed.
  • Carbatrol has proven seizure control and has a well-established safety profile that patients can trust in.

Experts agree that:

  • Carbamazepine, the ingredient in Carbatrol, remains a first line treatment for partial and generalized seizures. To date, newer antiepileptics* have shown similar efficacy to carbamazepine.
  • Extended-release formulations that deliver the correct dose of medicine at the right time give patients flexibility. As a result, patients can take their medication when it is most convenient for them.

*Newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are AEDs approved after 1997.

FACT

Carbatrol Is a Recognized Leader

Carbamazepine, the ingredient in Carbatrol, remains an effective drug for the treatment of partial and generalized seizures.

Anticonvulsants should be taken in the manner and at the times prescribed by the physician.

Important Safety Information for Patients and Caregivers

  • Carbatrol® contains carbamazepine. If you are currently taking another medication that contains carbamazepine, do not begin taking Carbatrol without discussing this with your healthcare provider.
  • If you are taking any other medications, including oral contraceptives, over-the-counter medications, or herbal products, be sure to inform your healthcare provider, as Carbatrol can interact with other medications.
  • Carbatrol was generally well tolerated in clinical studies. The most common side effects, particularly when first starting on Carbatrol, were dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Serious skin disorders have been reported with use of carbamazepine. These skin disorders may be more common in patients of Asian ancestry. Patients of Asian ancestry who have a specific gene (HLA-B*1502) may be at increased risk. Patients of Asian ancestry should be tested for this gene prior to starting Carbatrol.
  • Contact your healthcare provider if you have any unexplained bruising, fever, or infection. Products that contain carbamazepine have been associated with rare but serious types of blood disorders.
  • Carbamazepine can cause fetal harm. Contact your healthcare provider if you are considering becoming pregnant, or are pregnant, in order to discuss the continued benefits and risks.
  • People with a history of bone marrow problems, or who are allergic to carbamazepine, or who are sensitive to tricyclic antidepressants should not take Carbatrol.
  • Certain types of seizures (absence seizures or petit mal) do not appear to be controlled by carbamazepine.

See Important Safety Information for Patients & Caregivers

Carbatrol® is registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

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C510 01/04/2008