Patients & Caregivers

The Carbatrol Delivery System

Not all drug delivery systems are the same

Unlike the delivery systems used in other extended-release products, each Carbatrol capsule is filled with 3 different types of timed-release beads. These beads dissolve and release medication into your bloodstream over a period of about 12 hours, making it possible for you to take your medicine once in the morning and again at night without having to worry about remembering to take it during a busy day.

The unique Carbatrol delivery system is made up of:

25% immediate-release beads, which release carbamazepine almost as soon as swallowed for rapid absorption, help control your seizures over time
40% extended-release beads, which dissolve gradually over 8 to 12 hours
35% enteric-release beads, which dissolve more slowly while being digested and help keep consistent levels of anti-seizure medication in your system over 12 hours

Why the delivery system is important

Another extended-release carbamazepine product, called Tegretol^®-XR, has a different delivery system and comes in tablet rather than capsule form. Although these tablets also provide effective seizure control, they have a number of differences. These differences are:

Tegretol^®-XR tablets must be swallowed whole and cannot be opened and sprinkled on soft food.
The Tegretol^®-XR tablet may also pass through the digestive system without completely breaking down, leaving an undissolved shell or "ghost pill" in the patient's stool.

Tegretol^®-XR is a registered trademark of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

Carbatrol Gives You Freedom

The Carbatrol capsule can be sprinkled on soft foods and eaten, giving an option to patients with difficulty swallowing pills. Carbatrol capsules or their contents should not be chewed or crushed.

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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