Patients & Caregivers

Patient Assistance Program

The Shire Patient Assistance Program is designed to provide Shire products, including Carbatrol, to patients who do not have prescription drug coverage and who meet the program’s medical and financial criteria.

If you think you may qualify for the program, please have your physician (or someone at your physician's office) call the Shire Patient Assistance Program at 1-866-325-8224. Representatives will work with your physician's office staff to determine if you qualify for the program. Upon completion of all necessary paperwork, your physician will be notified of your program eligibility. Shire US Inc. reserves the right to modify the Patient Assistance Program with respect to any patient, or in its entirety, at any time.

The Shire Patient Assistance Program is not a substitute for an insurance program. Third-party payment is affected by many factors and, therefore, Shire US Inc. cannot guarantee that you will be successful in obtaining insurance payments for your prescription medication.

If you need help getting coverage for Carbatrol, your physician can call the Shire Patient Assistance Program at 1-866-325-8224.

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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While Shire US Inc. makes reasonable efforts to include accurate, up-to-date information on the site, Shire US Inc. makes no warranties or representations as to its accuracy. Shire US Inc. assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the site.