For the treatement of partial and generalized seizures

Carbatrol is the first carbmazepine to offer a 3-bead extended-release delivery system, providing treatment to your patients with only two doses per day.

To help caregivers better understand the challenges of epilepsy and trigeminal neuralgia, we offer the following helpful resources below.

Shire is also pleased to provide patient education materials. Health care professionals may order multiple copies of education materials through their Shire sales representative or by calling Shire Customer Service at 1-800-828-2088.

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

Important Safety Information for Health Care Professionals

  • Carbatrol® contains carbamazepine. Please ensure patient is not taking any other form of carbamazepine.
  • The most frequently observed adverse reactions, particularly during the initial phases of therapy, are dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, nausea, and vomiting. Initiating therapy at the lowest possible effective dose can minimize adverse reactions.
  • Toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported with use of carbamazepine. These skin disorders are rare, but appear to be more common in patients of Asian ancestry. A strong association between Asian ancestry and the presence of HLA-B*1502 allele in the development of toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome has been reported. Patients of ancestry in genetically at-risk populations should be screened for the presence of HLA-B*1502 prior to initiating Carbatrol. Patients testing positive for the allele should not be treated with Carbatrol unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.
  • Aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis have been reported in association with the use of carbamazepine. Reports of transient or persistent decreased platelet or white blood cell counts are not uncommon in association with the use of carbamazepine. However, the vast majority of the cases of leukopenia have not progressed to the more serious conditions of aplastic anemia or agranulocytosis. Nonetheless, complete pretreatment hematological testing should be obtained as a baseline. If a patient in the course of treatment exhibits low or decreased white blood cell or platelet counts, the patient should be monitored closely. Discontinuation of the drug should be considered if any evidence of significant bone marrow depression develops.
  • Carbamazepine should not be used in patients with a history of previous bone marrow depression, hypersensitivity to the drug, or known sensitivity to any of the tricyclic compounds.
  • Carbamazepine is Pregnancy Category D.
  • Absence seizures (petit mal) do not appear to be controlled by carbamazepine.

See Important Safety Information for Health Care Professionals

©2008 Shire US Inc., Wayne, PA 19087-5367
(800) 828-2088. All rights reserved.

This site is strictly intended for US residents and is governed solely by US laws and governmental regulations. Please see our online privacy policy for more information.

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.

Carbatrol® is registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Tegretol® is a registered trademark of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
Depakote® is a registered trademark of Abbott Laboratories.
Microtrol® is registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
C510 01/04/2008