4.1. Therapeutic indications

Treatment-resistant schizophrenia

Denzapine is indicated in treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients and in schizophrenia patients who have severe, untreatable neurological adverse reactions to other antipsychotic agents, including atypical antipsychotics.

Treatment resistance is defined as a lack of satisfactory clinical improvement despite the use of adequate doses of at least two different antipsychotic agents, including an atypical antipsychotic agent, prescribed for adequate duration.

Psychosis during the course of Parkinson's disease

Denzapine is also indicated in psychotic disorders occurring during the course of Parkinson's disease, in cases where standard treatment has failed.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Posology

The dosage must be adjusted individually. For each patient the lowest effective dose should be used. For doses not realisable/practicable with this strength, other strengths of this medicinal product are available. Cautious titration and a divided dosage schedule are necessary to minimise the risks of hypotension, seizure, and sedation.

Initiation of Denzapine treatment must be restricted to those patients with a WBC count ≥3500/mm3 (3.5 x 109/L) and an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥2000/mm3 (2.0 x 109/L) within standardised normal limits.

Dose adjustment is indicated in patients who are also receiving medicinal products that have pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions with Denzapine, such as benzodiazepines or selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (see section 4.5).

Switching from a previous antipsychotic therapy to Denzapine

It is generally recommended that Denzapine should not be used in combination with other antipsychotics, including depot preparations, which may have a myelosuppressive effect. When Denzapine therapy is to be initiated in a patient undergoing oral antipsychotic therapy, it is recommended that the other antipsychotic should first be discontinued by tapering the dosage downwards.

The following dosages are recommended:

Treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients

Starting therapy

12.5 mg (half a 25 mg tablet) once or twice on the first day, followed by one or two 25 mg tablets on the second day. If well tolerated, the daily dose may then be increased slowly in increments of 25 to 50 mg in order to achieve a dose level of up to 300 mg/day within 2 to 3 weeks. Thereafter, if required, the daily dose may be further increased in increments of 50 to 100 mg at half-weekly or, preferably, weekly intervals.

Therapeutic dose range

In most patients, antipsychotic efficacy can be expected with 200 to 450 mg/day given in divided doses. The total daily dose may be divided unevenly, with the larger portion at bedtime. For maintenance dose, see below.

Maximum dose

To obtain full therapeutic benefit, a few patients may require larger doses, in which case judicious increments (i.e. not exceeding 100 mg) are permissible up to 900 mg/day. The possibility of increased adverse reactions (in particular seizures) occurring at doses over 450 mg/day must be borne in mind.

Maintenance dose

After achieving maximum therapeutic benefit, many patients can be maintained effectively on lower doses. Careful downward titration is therefore recommended. Treatment should be maintained for at least 6 months. If the daily dose does not exceed 200 mg, once daily administration in the evening may be appropriate.

Ending therapy

In the event of planned termination of Denzapine therapy, a gradual reduction in dose over a 1- to 2-week period is recommended. If abrupt discontinuation is necessary (e.g. because of leucopenia), the patient should be carefully observed for the recurrence of psychotic symptoms and symptoms related to cholinergic rebound, such as profuse sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea (see section 4.4).

Re-starting therapy

In patients in whom the interval since the last dose of Denzapine exceeds 2 days, treatment should be re-initiated with 12.5 mg (half a 25 mg tablet) given once or twice on the first day. If this dose is well tolerated, it may be feasible to titrate the dose to the therapeutic level more quickly than is recommended for initial treatment. However, in any patient who has previously experienced respiratory or cardiac arrest with initial dosing (see section 4.4), but was then able to be successfully titrated to a therapeutic dose, re-titration should be carried out with extreme caution.

Psychotic disorders occurring during the course of Parkinson's disease, in cases where standard treatment has failed

Starting therapy

The starting dose must not exceed 12.5 mg/day (half a 25 mg tablet), taken in the evening. Subsequent dose increases must be by 12.5 mg increments, with a maximum of two increments a week up to a maximum of 50 mg, a dose that cannot be reached until the end of the second week. The total daily amount should preferably be given as a single dose in the evening.

Therapeutic dose range

The mean effective dose is usually between 25 and 37.5 mg/day. In the event that treatment for at least one week with a dose of 50 mg fails to provide a satisfactory therapeutic response, dosage may be cautiously increased by increments of 12.5 mg/week.

Maximum dose

The dose of 50 mg/day should only be exceeded in exceptional cases, and the maximum dose of 100 mg/day must never be exceeded.

Dose increases should be limited or deferred if orthostatic hypotension, excessive sedation or confusion occurs. Blood pressure should be monitored during the first weeks of treatment.

Maintenance dose

When there has been complete remission of psychotic symptoms for at least 2 weeks, an increase in anti-parkinsonian medication is possible if indicated on the basis of motor status. If this approach results in the recurrence of psychotic symptoms, Denzapine dosage may be increased by increments of 12.5 mg/week up to a maximum of 100 mg/day, taken in one or two divided doses (see above).

Ending therapy

A gradual reduction in dose by steps of 12.5 mg over a period of at least one week (preferably two) is recommended.

Treatment must be discontinued immediately in the event of neutropenia or agranulocytosis as indicated in section 4.4. In this situation, careful psychiatric monitoring of the patient is essential since symptoms may recur quickly.

Special populations

Hepatic impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should receive Denzapine with caution along with regular monitoring of liver function tests (see section 4.4).

Paediatric population

No paediatric studies have been performed. The safety and efficacy of Denzapine in children and adolescents under the age of 16 years have not yet been established. No data are available. It should not be used in this group until further data become available

Patients 60 years of age and older

Initiation of treatment is recommended at a particularly low dose (12.5 mg given once on the first day), with subsequent dose increments restricted to 25 mg/day.

Method of Administration

Oral

4.3. Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

• This product contains lactose monohydrate. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

• Patients unable to undergo regular blood tests.

• History of toxic or idiosyncratic granulocytopenia/agranulocytosis (with the exception of granulocytopenia/agranulocytosis from previous chemotherapy).

• History of clozapine-induced agranulocytosis.

• Denzapine treatment must not be started concurrently with drugs known to have a substantial potential for causing agranulocytosis; concomitant use of depot antipsychotics is to be discouraged.

• Impaired bone marrow function.

• Uncontrolled epilepsy.

• Alcoholic and other toxic psychoses, drug intoxication, comatose conditions.

• Circulatory collapse and/or CNS depression of any cause.

• Severe renal or cardiac disorders (e.g. myocarditis).

• Active liver disease associated with nausea, anorexia or jaundice; progressive liver disease, hepatic failure.

• Paralytic ileus.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Agranulocytosis

Denzapine can cause agranulocytosis. The incidence of agranulocytosis and the fatality rate in those developing agranulocytosis have decreased markedly since the institution of white blood cell (WBC) counts and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring. The following precautionary measures are therefore mandatory and should be carried out in accordance with official recommendations.

Because of the risks associated with Denzapine, its use is limited to patients in whom therapy is indicated as set out in section 4.1 and:

• who have initially normal leucocyte findings (WBC count ≥3500/mm3 (3.5 x 109/L) and ANC ≥2000/mm3 (2.0 x 109/L), and

• in whom regular WBC counts and ANC can be performed weekly for the first 18 weeks of therapy, at least every 2 weeks between weeks 18 and 52, and at least 4-week intervals thereafter. Monitoring must continue throughout treatment and for 4 weeks after complete discontinuation of Denzapine.

Before initiating clozapine therapy patients should have a blood test (see “agranulocytosis”) and a history and physical examination. Patients with history of cardiac illness or abnormal cardiac findings on physical examination should be referred to a specialist for other examinations that might include an ECG, and the patient treated only if the expected benefits clearly outweigh the risks (see section 4.3). The treating physician should consider performing a pre-treatment ECG.

Prescribing physicians must comply fully with the required safety measures.

Prior to treatment initiation, physicians must ensure, to the best of their knowledge, that the patient has not previously experienced an adverse haematological reaction to clozapine that necessitated its discontinuation. Prescriptions should not be issued for periods longer than the interval between two blood counts.

Immediate discontinuation of Denzapine is mandatory if either the WBC count is less than 3000/mm3 (3.0 x 109 /L) or the ANC is less than 1500/mm3 (1.5 x 109 /L) at any time during Denzapine treatment. Patients in whom Denzapine has been discontinued as a result of either WBC or ANC deficiencies must not be re-exposed to Denzapine.

At each consultation, a patient receiving Denzapine must be reminded to contact the treating physician immediately if any kind of infection begins to develop. Particular attention should be paid to flu-like complaints such as fever or sore throat and to other evidence of infection, which may be indicative of neutropenia. Patients and their caregivers must be informed that, in the event of any of these symptoms, they must have a blood cell count performed immediately. Prescribers are encouraged to keep a record of all patients' blood results and to take any steps necessary to prevent these patients from accidentally being rechallenged in the future.

Patients with a history of primary bone marrow disorders may be treated only if the benefit outweighs the risk. They should be carefully reviewed by a haematologist prior to starting Denzapine.

Patients who have low WBC counts because of benign ethnic neutropenia should be given special consideration and may be started on Denzapine with the agreement of a haematologist.

White Blood Cell (WBC) Counts and Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) Monitoring

WBC and differential blood counts must be performed within 10 days prior to initiating Denzapine treatment to ensure that only patients with normal WBC counts (WBC count ≥3500/mm3 (3.5 x 109/L) and ANC ≥2000/mm3 (2.0 x 109/L)) will receive the drug. After the start of Denzapine treatment the WBC count and ANC must be monitored weekly for the first 18 weeks, at least every 2 weeks between weeks 18 and 52, and at least at four-week intervals thereafter.

Monitoring must continue throughout treatment and for 4 weeks after complete discontinuation of Denzapine or until haematological recovery has occurred (see below Low WBC count/ANC). At each consultation, the patient must be reminded to contact the treating physician immediately if any kind of infection, fever, sore throat or other flu-like symptoms develop. WBC and differential blood counts must be performed immediately if any symptoms or signs of an infection occur.

Low WBC count/ANC

If, during Denzapine therapy, either the WBC count falls to between 3500/mm3 (3.5 x 109/L) and 3000/mm3 (3.0 x 109/L) or the ANC falls to between 2000/mm3 (2.0 x 109/L) and 1500/mm3 (1.5 x 109/L), haematological evaluations must be performed at least twice weekly until the patient's WBC count and ANC stabilise within the range 3000-3500/mm3 (3.0 - 3.5 x 109/L) and 1500 - 2000/mm3 (1.5 - 2.0 x 109/L), respectively, or higher.

Immediate discontinuation of Denzapine treatment is mandatory if either the WBC count is less than 3000/mm3 (3.0 x 109/L) or the ANC is less than 1500/mm3 (1.5 x 109/L) during Denzapine treatment. WBC counts and differential blood counts should then be performed daily and patients should be carefully monitored for flu-like symptoms or other symptoms suggestive of infection. Confirmation of the haematological values is recommended by performing two blood counts on two consecutive days; however, Denzapine should be discontinued after the first blood count.

Following discontinuation of Denzapine, haematological evaluation is required until haematological recovery has occurred.

Table 1

Blood cell count

Action required

WBC/mm3 (/L)

ANC/mm3 (/L)

≥3500 (≥3.5 x 109)

≥2000 (≥2.0 x 109)

Continue Denzapine treatment

≥3000 to <3500

(≥3.0 x 109 to <3.5 x 109)

≥1500to <2000

(≥1.5 x 109 to <2.0 x 109)

Continue Denzapine treatment, sample blood twice weekly until counts stabilise or increase

<3000 (<3.0 x 109)

< 1500 (<1.5 x 109)

Immediately stop Denzapine treatment, sample blood daily until haematological abnormality is resolved, monitor for infection. Do not re-expose the patient.

If Denzapine has been withdrawn and either a further drop in the WBC count below 2000/mm3 (2.0 x 109/L) occurs or the ANC falls below 1000/mm3 (1.0 x 109/L), the management of this condition must be guided by an experienced haematologist.

Discontinuation of therapy for haematological reasons

Patients in whom Denzapine has been discontinued as a result of either WBC or ANC deficiencies (see above) must not be re-exposed to Denzapine.

Prescribers are encouraged to keep a record of all patients' blood results and to take any steps necessary to prevent the patient being accidentally rechallenged in the future.

Discontinuation of therapy for other reasons

Patients who have been on Denzapine for more than 18 weeks and have had their treatment interrupted for more than 3 days but less than 4 weeks should have their WBC count and ANC monitored weekly for an additional 6 weeks. If no haematological abnormality occurs, monitoring at intervals not exceeding 4 weeks may be resumed. If Denzapine treatment has been interrupted for 4 weeks or longer, weekly monitoring is required for the next 18 weeks of treatment and the dose should be re-titrated (see section 4.2).

Other precautions

Eosinophilia

In the event of eosinophilia, discontinuation of Denzapine is recommended if the eosinophil count rises above 3000/mm3 (3.0 x 109/L); therapy should be restarted only after the eosinophil count has fallen below 1000/mm3 (1.0 x 109/L).

Thrombocytopenia

In the event of thrombocytopenia, discontinuation of Denzapine therapy is recommended if the platelet count falls below 50 000/mm3 (50 x 109/L).

Cardiovascular disorders

Orthostatic hypotension, with or without syncope, can occur during Denzapine treatment. Rarely, collapse can be profound and may be accompanied by cardiac and/or respiratory arrest. Such events are more likely to occur with concurrent use of benzodiazepines or any other psychotropic agent (see section 4.5) and during initial titration in association with rapid dose escalation; on very rare occasions they may occur even after the first dose. Therefore, patients commencing Denzapine treatment require close medical supervision. Monitoring of standing and supine blood pressure is necessary during the first weeks of treatment in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Analysis of safety databases suggests that the use of clozapine is associated with an increased risk of myocarditis especially during, but not limited to, the first two months of treatment. Some cases of myocarditis have been fatal.

Pericarditis/pericardial effusion and cardiomyopathy have also been reported in association with clozapine use; these reports also include fatalities. Myocarditis or cardiomyopathy should be suspected in patients who experience persistent tachycardia at rest, especially in the first two months of treatment, and/or palpitations, arrhythmias, chest pain and other signs and symptoms of heart failure (e.g. unexplained fatigue, dyspnoea, tachypnoea), or symptoms that mimic myocardial infarction. Other symptoms which may be present in addition to the above include flu-like symptoms. If myocarditis or cardiomyopathy is suspected, Denzapine treatment should be promptly stopped and the patient immediately referred to a cardiologist.

In patients who are diagnosed with cardiomyopathy while on clozapine treatment, there is potential to develop mitral valve incompetence. Mitral valve incompetence has been reported in cases of cardiomyopathy related to clozapine treatment. These cases of mitral valve incompetence reported either mild or moderate mitral regurgitation on two-dimensional echocardiography (2DEcho) (see section 4.8).

Patients with clozapine-induced myocarditis or cardiomyopathy should not be re-exposed to Denzapine.

Myocardial infarction

In addition, there have been post marketing reports of myocardial infarction which may be fatal. Causality assessment was difficult in the majority of these cases because of serious pre-existing cardiac disease and plausible alternative causes.

QT interval prolongation

As with other antipsychotics, caution should be exercised in patients with cardiovascular disease or a family history of QT prolongation.

As with other antipsychotics, caution should be exercised when clozapine is prescribed with medicines known to increase QTc interval.

Cerebrovascular Adverse Events

An approximately 3-fold increased risk of cerebrovascular adverse events has been seen in randomised placebo controlled clinical trials in the dementia population with some atypical antipsychotics. The mechanism for this increased risk is not known. An increased risk cannot be excluded for other antipsychotics or other patient populations. Denzapine should be used with caution in patients with risk factors for stroke.

Risk of thromboembolism

Since Denzapine may be associated with thromboembolism, immobilisation of patients should be avoided.

Cases of venous thromboembolism (VTE) have been reported with antipsychotic drugs. Since patients treated with antipsychotics often present with acquired risk factors for VTE, all possible risk factors for VTE should be identified before and during treatment with Denzapineand preventive measures undertaken.

Seizures

Patients with a history of epilepsy should be closely observed during Denzapine therapy since dose-related convulsions have been reported. In such cases, the dose should be reduced (see section 4.2) and, if necessary, an anti-convulsant treatment should be initiated.

Anticholinergic effects

Denzapine exerts anticholinergic activity, which may produce undesirable effects throughout the body. Careful supervision is indicated in the presence of prostatic enlargement and narrow-angle glaucoma. Probably on account of its anticholinergic properties, clozapine has been associated with varying degrees of impairment of intestinal peristalsis, ranging from constipation to intestinal obstruction, faecal impaction, paralytic ileus, megacolon and intestinal infarction ischaemia (see section 4.8). On rare occasions these cases have been fatal. Particular care is necessary in patients who are receiving concomitant medications known to cause constipation (especially those with anticholinergic properties such as some antipsychotics, antidepressants and antiparkinsonian treatments), have a history of colonic disease or a history of lower abdominal surgery as these may exacerbate the situation. It is vital that constipation is recognised and actively treated.

Fever

During Denzapine therapy, patients may experience transient temperature elevations above 38°C, with the peak incidence within the first 3 weeks of treatment. This fever is generally benign. Occasionally, it may be associated with an increase or decrease in the WBC count. Patients with fever should be carefully evaluated to rule out the possibility of an underlying infection or the development of agranulocytosis. In the presence of high fever, the possibility of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) must be considered. If the diagnosis of NMS is confirmed, Denzapine must be discontinued immediately and appropriate medical measures should be administered.

Falls

Clozapine may cause seizures, somnolence, postural hypotension, motor and sensory instability, which may lead to falls and, consequently, fractures or other injuries. For patients with diseases, conditions or medications that could exacerbate these effects, fall risk assessments must be completed when initiating antipsychotic treatment and recurrently for patients on long-term antipsychotic therapy.

Metabolic changes

Atypical antipsychotic drugs, including clozapine, have been associated with metabolic changes that may increase cardiovascular/cerebrovascular risk. These metabolic changes may include hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, and body weight gain. While atypical antipsychotic drugs may produce some metabolic changes, each drug in the class has its own specific profile.

Hyperglycaemia

Impaired glucose tolerance and/or development or exacerbation of diabetes mellitus has been reported rarely during treatment with clozapine. A mechanism for this possible association has not yet been determined. Cases of severe hyperglycaemia with ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar coma have been reported very rarely in patients with no prior history of hyperglycaemia, some of which have been fatal. When follow-up data were available, discontinuation of clozapine resulted mostly in resolution of the impaired glucose tolerance, and reinstitution of clozapine resulted in its reoccurrence. Patients with an established diagnosis of diabetes mellitis who are started on atypical antipsychotics should be monitored regularly for worsening of glucose control. Patients with risk factors for diabetes mellitus (e.g. obesity, family history of diabetes) who are starting treatment with atypical antipsychotics should undergo fasting blood glucose testing at the beginning of treatment and periodically during treatment. Patients who develop symptoms of hyperglycaemia during treatment with atypical antipsychotics should undergo fasting blood glucose testing. In some cases, hyperglycaemia has resolved when the atypical antipsychotic was discontinued; however, some patients required continuation of antidiabetic treatment despite discontinuation of the suspect drug. The discontinuation of clozapine should be considered in patients where active medical management of their hyperglycaemia has failed.

Dyslipidaemia

Undesirable alterations in lipids have been observed in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics, including clozapine. Clinical monitoring, including baseline and periodic follow-up lipid evaluations in patients using clozapine, is recommended.

Weight gain

Weight gain has been observed with atypical antipsychotic use, including Denzapine. Clinical monitoring of weight is recommended.

Rebound, withdrawal effects

Acute withdrawal reactions have been reported following abrupt cessation of clozapine therefore gradual withdrawal is recommended. If abrupt discontinuation is necessary (e.g. because of leucopenia), the patient should be carefully observed for the recurrence of psychotic symptoms and symptoms related to cholinergic rebound, such as profuse sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Special populations

Hepatic impairment

Patients with stable pre-existing liver disorders may receive Denzapine, but need regular liver function tests. Liver function tests should be performed in patients in whom symptoms of possible liver dysfunction, such as nausea, vomiting and/or anorexia, develop during Denzapine therapy. If the elevation of the values is clinically relevant (more than 3 times the UNL) or if symptoms of jaundice occur, treatment with Denzapine must be discontinued. It may be resumed (see “Re-starting therapy” under section 4.2) only when the results of liver function tests are normal. In such cases, liver function should be closely monitored after re-introduction of Denzapine.

Patients aged 60 years and older

Initiation of treatment in the patients aged 60 years and older is recommended at a lower dose (see section 4.2).

Orthostatic hypotension can occur with Denzapine treatment and there have been reports of tachycardia, which may be sustained. Patients aged 60 years and older, particularly those with compromised cardiovascular function, may be more susceptible to these effects.

Patients aged 60 years and older may also be particularly susceptible to the anticholinergic effects of Denzapine, such as urinary retention and constipation.

Increased mortality in older people with dementia

Data from two large observational studies showed that older people with dementia who are treated with antipsychotics are at a small increased risk of death compared with those who are not treated. There are insufficient data to give a firm estimate of the precise magnitude of the risk and the cause of the increased risk is not known.

Denzapine is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related behavioural disturbances.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Contraindication of concomitant use

Drugs known to have a substantial potential to depress bone marrow function must not be used concurrently with Denzapine (see section 4.3). These include co-trimoxazole, chloramphenicol, sulphonamides, pyrazolone analgesics e.g. phenylbutazone, penicillamine, carbamazepine or cytotoxic agents.

Long-acting depot antipsychotics (which have myelosuppressive potential) must not be used concurrently with Denzapine because these cannot be rapidly removed from the body in situations where this may be required, e.g. neutropenia (see section 4.3).

Alcohol should not be used concomitantly with Denzapine due to possible potentiation of sedation.

Precautions including dose adjustment

Denzapine may enhance the central effects of CNS depressants such as narcotics, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines. Particular caution is advised when Denzapine therapy is initiated in patients who are receiving a benzodiazepine or any other psychotropic drug. These patients may have an increased risk of circulatory collapse, which, on rare occasions, can be profound and may lead to cardiac and/or respiratory arrest. It is not clear whether cardiac or respiratory collapse can be prevented by dose adjustment.

Because of the possibility of additive effects, caution is essential in the concomitant administration of drugs possessing anticholinergic, hypotensive, or respiratory depressant effects.

Owing to its anti-alpha-adrenergic properties, Denzapine may reduce the blood-pressure-increasing effect of norepinephrine or other predominantly alpha-adrenergic agents and reverse the pressor effect of epinephrine.

Concomitant administration of drugs known to inhibit the activity of some cytochrome P450 isozymes may increase the levels of clozapine, and the dose of clozapine may need to be reduced to prevent undesirable effects. This is more important for CYP 1A2 inhibitors such as caffeine (see below), perazine, and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluvoxamine. Some of the other serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine, paroxetine and to a lesser degree sertraline are CYP 2D6 inhibitors and, as a consequence, major pharmacokinetic interactions with clozapine are less likely. Similarly, pharmacokinetic interactions with CYP 3A4 inhibitors such as azole antimycotics, cimetidine, erythromycin, and protease inhibitors are unlikely, although some have been reported. Hormonal contraceptives (including combinations of oestrogen and progesterone or progesterone only) are CYP 1A2, CYP 3A4 and CYP 2C19 inhibitors. Therefore, initiation or discontinuation of hormonal contraceptives may require dose adjustment of clozapine according to the individual medical need. Because the plasma concentration of clozapine is increased by caffeine intake and decreased by nearly 50% following a 5-day caffeine-free period, dosage changes of clozapine may be necessary when there is a change in caffeine-drinking habit. In cases of sudden cessation of smoking, the plasma clozapine concentration may be increased, thus leading to an increase in adverse effects.

Cases have been reported of an interaction between citalopram and clozapine, which may increase the risk of adverse events associated with clozapine. The nature of this interaction has not been fully elucidated.

Concomitant administration of drugs known to induce cytochrome P450 enzymes may decrease the plasma levels of clozapine, leading to reduced efficacy. Drugs known to induce the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes and with reported interactions with clozapine include, for instance, carbamazepine (not to be used concomitantly with clozapine, due to its myelosuppresive potential), phenytoin and rifampicin. Known inducers of CYP1A2 such as omeprazole, may lead to decreased clozapine levels. The potential for reduced efficacy of clozapine should be considered when it is used in combination with these drugs.

Others

Concomitant use of lithium or other CNS-active agents may increase the risk of development of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

Rare but serious reports of seizures, including onset of seizures in non-epileptic patients, and isolated cases of delirium where Denzapine was co-administered with valproic acid have been reported. These effects are possibly due to a pharmacodynamic interaction, the mechanism of which has not been determined.

Caution is called for in patients receiving concomitant treatment with other drugs which are either inhibitors or inducers of the cytochrome P450 isozymes. With tricyclic antidepressants, phenothiazines and type IC anti-arrhythmics, which are known to bind to cytochrome P450 2D6, no clinically relevant interactions have been observed thus far.

As with other antipsychotics, caution should be exercised when clozapine is prescribed with medicines known to increase the QT interval, because they may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias, including Torsades de Pointes. Examples include certain antiarrhythmics, such as those of Class 1A (such as quinidine, disopyramide and procainamide) and Class III (such as amiodarone, sotalol and dofetilide), certain antimicrobials (sparfloxacin, moxifloxacin, erythromycin IV), tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline), certain tetracyclic antidepressants (such as maprotiline), other neuroleptics (e.g. phenothiazines, pimozide, sertindole and haloperidol), certain antihistamines (such as terfenadine), cisapride, bretylium and certain antimalarials such as quinine and mefloquine. This list is not comprehensive.

As with other antipsychotics, caution should be exercised when clozapine is prescribed with medicines known to cause electrolyte imbalance. Diuretics, in particular those causing hypokalaemia, should be avoided but, if necessary, potassium-sparing diuretics are preferred.

An outline of drug interactions believed to be most important with Denzapine is given in Table 2 below (this is not an exhaustive list).

Table 2: Reference to the most common drug interactions with Denzapine

Drug

Interactions

Comments

Bone marrow suppressants (e.g. carbamazapine, chloramphenicol, sulphonamides (e.g. co-trimoxazole), pyrazolone analgesics (e.g. phenylbutazone), penicillamine, cytotoxic agents and long-acting depot injections of antipsychotics

Interact to increase the risk and/or severity of bone marrow suppression

Denzapine must not be used concomitantly with other agents having a well known potential to suppress bone marrow function (see Section 4.3)

Benzodiazepines

Concomitant use may increase risk of circulatory collapse, which may lead to cardiac and/or respiratory arrest

Whilst the occurrence is rare, caution is advised when using these drugs together. Reports suggest that respiratory depression and collapse are more likely to occur at the start of this combination or when Denzapine is added to an established benzodiazepine regimen.

Anticholinergics

Denzapine potentiates the action of these drugs through additive anticholinergic activity

Observe patients for anticholinergic side – effects, e.g. constipation, especially when using to help control hypersalivation

Antihypertensives

Denzapine can potentiate the hypotensive effects of these drugs due to its sympathomimetic antagonistic effects

Caution is advised if Denzapine is used concomitantly with antihypertensive agents. Patients should be advised of the risk of hypotension, especially during the period of initial dose titration

Alcohol, MAOIs, CNS depressants, including narcotics and benzodiazepines

Enhanced central effects. Additive CNS depression and cognitive and motor performance interference when used in combination with these drugs

Caution is advised if Denzapine is used concomitantly with other CNS active agents. Advise patients of the possible additive sedative effects and caution them not to drive or operate machinery

Highly protein bound drugs

(e.g. warfarin and digoxin)

Denzapine may cause an increase in plasma concentration of these drugs due to displacement from plasma proteins

Patients should be monitored for the occurrence of side effects associated with these drugs, and doses of the protein bound drug adjusted, if necessary

Phenytoin

Addition of phenytoin to Denzapine drug regimen may cause a decrease in the clozapine plasma concentrations

If phenytoin must be used, the patient should be monitored closely for a worsening or recurrence of psychotic symptoms

Lithium

Concomitant use can increase the risk of development of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)

Observe for signs and symptoms of NMS

CYP1A2 inducing substances (e.g. omeprazole)

Concomitant use may decrease clozapine levels

Potential for reduced efficacy of clozapine should be considered.

CYP1A2 inhibiting substances (e.g. fluvoxamine, caffeine, ciprofloxacin) , perazine, or hormonal contraceptives (CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2C19)

Concomitant use may increase clozapine levels

Potential for increase in adverse effects. Care is also required upon cessation of concomitant CYP1A2 or CYP3A4 inhibiting medications as there will be a decrease in clozapine levels. The effect of CYP2C19 inhibition will be minimal.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

For clozapine, there are only limited clinical data on exposed pregnancies. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, embryonal/foetal development, parturition or postnatal development (see section 5.3). Caution should be exercised when prescribing to pregnant women.

Neonates exposed to antipsychotics (including Denzapine) during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk of adverse reactions including extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms that may vary in severity and duration following delivery. There have been reports of agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tremor, somnolence, respiratory distress, or feeding disorder. Consequently, newborns should be monitored carefully.

Breast-feeding

Animal studies suggest that clozapine is excreted in breast milk and has an effect in the nursing infant; therefore, mothers receiving Denzapine should not breast-feed.

Fertility

Limited data available on the effects of clozapine on human fertility are inconclusive. In male and female rats, clozapine did not affect fertility when administered up to 40mg/kg, corresponding to a human equivalence dose of 6.4mg/kg, or approximately a third of the maximum permissible human dose.

Women of child-bearing potential

A return to normal menstruation may occur as a result of switching from other antipsychotics to Denzapine. Adequate contraceptive measures must therefore be ensured in women of childbearing potential.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Denzapine has a major influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

Owing to the ability of Denzapine to cause sedation and lower the seizure threshold, activities such as driving or operating machinery should be avoided, especially during the initial weeks of treatment.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

For the most part, the adverse event profile of clozapine is predictable from its pharmacological properties. An important exception is its propensity to cause agranulocytosis (see section 4.4). Because of this risk, its use is restricted to treatment-resistant schizophrenia and psychosis occurring during the course of Parkinson's disease in cases where standard treatment has failed. While blood monitoring is an essential part of the care of patients receiving clozapine, the physician should be aware of other rare but serious adverse events, which may be diagnosed in the early stages only by careful observation and questioning of the patient in order to prevent morbidity and mortality.

The most serious adverse reactions experienced with clozapine are agranulocytosis, seizure, cardiovascular effects and fever (see section 4.4). The most common side effects are drowsiness/sedation, dizziness, tachycardia, constipation, and hypersalivation.

Data from the clinical trials experience showed that a varying proportion of clozapine-treated patients (from 7.1 to 15.6%) were discontinued due to an adverse event, including only those that could be reasonably attributed to clozapine. The more common events considered to be causes of discontinuation were leucopenia, somnolence, dizziness (excluding vertigo) and psychotic disorder.

Blood and lymphatic system

Development of granulocytopenia and agranulocytosis is a risk inherent to Denzapine treatment. Although generally reversible on withdrawal of treatment, agranulocytosis may result in sepsis and can prove fatal. Because immediate withdrawal of the drug is required to prevent the development of life-threatening agranulocytosis, monitoring of the WBC count is mandatory (see section 4.4). Table 3 below summarises the estimated incidence of agranulocytosis for each Denzapine treatment period.

Table 3: Estimated incidence of agranulocytosis1

Treatment period

Incidence of agranulocytosis per 100,000 person-weeks2 of observation

Weeks 0 - 18

32.0

Weeks 19 - 52

2.3

Weeks 53 and higher

1.8

1 From the UK Patient Monitoring Service lifetime registry experience between 1989 and 2001.

2 Person-time is the sum of individual units of time that the patients in the registry have been exposed to clozapine before experiencing agranulocytosis. For example, 100,000 person-weeks could be observed in 1,000 patients who were in the registry for 100 weeks (100*1000 = 100,000), or in 200 patients who were in the registry for 500 weeks (200*500 = 100,000) before experiencing agranulocytosis.

The cumulative incidence of agranulocytosis in the UK since monitoring began is (0 - 11.6 years between 1989 and 2001) is 0.78%. The majority of cases (approximately 70%) occur within the first 18 weeks of treatment.

Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders

Impaired glucose tolerance and/or development or exacerbation of diabetes mellitus has been reported rarely during treatment with clozapine. On very rare occasions, severe hyperglycaemia, sometimes leading to ketoacidosis/hyperosmolar coma, has been reported in patients on clozapine treatment with no prior history of hyperglycaemia. Glucose levels normalised in most patients after discontinuation of clozapine and in a few cases hyperglycaemia recurred when treatment was reinitiated. Although most patients had risk factors for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hyperglycaemia has also been documented in patients with no known risk factors (see section 4.4).

Nervous System Disorders

The very common adverse events observed include drowsiness/sedation, and dizziness.

Denzapine can cause EEG changes, including the occurrence of spike and wave complexes. It lowers the seizure threshold in a dose-dependent manner and may induce myoclonic jerks or generalised seizures. These symptoms are more likely to occur with rapid dose increases and in patients with pre-existing epilepsy. In such cases the dose should be reduced and, if necessary, anticonvulsant treatment initiated. Carbamazepine should be avoided because of its potential to depress bone marrow function, and with other anticonvulsant drugs the possibility of a pharmacokinetic interaction should be considered. In rare cases, patients treated with Denzapine may experience delirium.

Very rarely, tardive dyskinesia has been reported in patients on clozapine who had been treated with other antipsychotic agents. Patients in whom tardive dyskinesia developed with other antipsychotics have improved on clozapine.

Cardiac Disorders

Tachycardia and postural hypotension with or without syncope may occur, especially in the initial weeks of treatment. The prevalence and severity of hypotension is influenced by the rate and magnitude of dose titration. Circulatory collapse as a result of profound hypotension, in particular related to aggressive titration of the drug, with the possible serious consequences of cardiac or pulmonary arrest, has been reported with clozapine.

A minority of clozapine-treated patients experience ECG changes similar to those seen with other antipsychotic drugs, including S-T segment depression and flattening or inversion of T waves, which normalise after discontinuation of clozapine. The clinical significance of these changes is unclear. However, such abnormalities have been observed in patients with myocarditis, which should therefore be considered.

Isolated cases of cardiac arrhythmias, pericarditis/pericardial effusion and myocarditis have been reported, some of which have been fatal. The majority of the cases of myocarditis occurred within the first 2 months of initiation of therapy with clozapine. Cardiomyopathy generally occurred later in the treatment.

Eosinophilia has been co-reported with some cases of myocarditis (approximately 14%) and pericarditis/pericardial effusion; it is not known, however, whether eosinophilia is a reliable predictor of carditis.

Signs and symptoms of myocarditis or cardiomyopathy include persistent tachycardia at rest, palpitations, arrhythmias, chest pain and other signs and symptoms of heart failure (e.g. unexplained fatigue, dyspnoea, tachypnoea), or symptoms that mimic myocardial infarction. Other symptoms which may be present in addition to the above include flu-like symptoms.

Very rare events of ventricular tachycardia and QT prolongation which may be associated with Torsades de Pointes have been observed although there is no conclusive causal relationship to the use of this medicine.

Sudden, unexplained deaths are known to occur among psychiatric patients who receive conventional antipsychotic medication but also among untreated psychiatric patients. Such deaths have been reported very rarely in patients receiving clozapine.

Vascular Disorders

Rare cases of thromboembolism have been reported.

Cases of venous thromboembolism, including cases of pulmonary embolism and cases of deep vein thrombosis have been reported with antipsychotic drugs. The frequency is unknown.

Respiratory System

Respiratory depression or arrest has occurred very rarely, with or without circulatory collapse (see sections 4.4).

Gastrointestinal System

Constipation and hypersalivation have been observed very frequently, and nausea and vomiting frequently. Very rarely ileus may occur (see section 4.4). Rarely Denzapine treatment may be associated with dysphagia. Aspiration of ingested food may occur in patients presenting with dysphagia or as a consequence of acute overdosage.

Hepatobiliary Disorders

Transient, asymptomatic elevations of liver enzymes and rarely, hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice may occur. Very rarely, fulminant hepatic necrosis has been reported. If jaundice develops, Denzapine should be discontinued (see section 4.4). In rare cases, acute pancreatitis has been reported.

Renal Disorders

Isolated cases of acute interstitial nephritis have been reported in association with Denzapine therapy.

Reproductive and Breast Disorders

Very rare reports of priapism have been received.

Pregnancy, puerperium and perinatal conditions

Drug withdrawal syndrome neonatal (see section 4.6) has been reported. The frequency of this is not known.

General Disorders

Cases of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) have been reported in patients receiving clozapine either alone or in combination with lithium or other CNS-active agents.

Acute withdrawal reactions have been reported (see section 4.4).

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

The table below (Table 4) summarises the adverse reactions accumulated from reports made spontaneously and during clinical studies.

Table 4: Treatment-emergent adverse experience frequency estimate from spontaneous and clinical trial reports

Adverse reactions are ranked under headings of frequency, using the following convention: Very common (≥1/10), common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10), uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100), rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000), very rare ( < 1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Infections and infestations

Not known

Sepsis*

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Common

Leucopenia/decreased WBC/neutropenia, eosinophilia, leucocytosis

Uncommon

Agranulocytosis

Rare

Anaemia

Very rare

Thrombocytopenia, thrombocythaemia

Immune system disorders

Not known

Angioedema*, leucocytoclastic vasculitis*, Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)*

Endocrine disorders

Not known

Pseudophaeochromocytoma*

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Common

Weight gain

Rare

Impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus, obesity*

Very rare

Ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar coma, severe hyperglycaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, hypercholesterolaemia

Psychiatric disorders

Common

Dysarthria

Uncommon

Dysphemia

Rare

Restlessness, agitation

Nervous system disorders

Very common

Drowsiness/sedation, dizziness

Common

Blurred vision, headache, tremor, rigidity, akathisia, extra pyramidal symptoms, seizures/convulsions/myoclonic jerks

Uncommon

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Rare

Confusion, delirium

Very rare

Tardive dyskinesia, obsessive compulsive disorder

Not known

Cholinergic syndrome (after abrupt withdrawal)*, EEG changes*, pleurothotonus*, restless leg syndrome*

Cardiac disorders

Very common

Tachycardia

Common

ECG changes

Rare

Circulatory collapse, Ventricular arrhythmias (VF, VT), myocarditis, pericarditis/pericardial effusion

Very rare

Cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrest,

Not known

Myocardial infarction *, myocarditits *, chest pain/angina pectoris*, atrial fibrillation*, palpitations*, mitral valve incompetence associated with clozapine related cardiomyopathy*

Vascular disorders

Common

Hypertension, postural hypotension, syncope

Rare

Thromboembolism

Not known

Hypotension*, Venous thromboembolism

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Rare

Aspiration of ingested food, pneumonia and lower respiratory tract infection which may be fatal, sleep apnoea syndrome*

Very rare

Respiratory depression/arrest

Not known

Pleural effusion*, nasal congestion*

Gastrointestinal disorders

Very common

Constipation, hypersalivation

Common

Nausea, vomiting, anorexia, dry mouth

Rare

Dysphagia

Very rare

Parotid gland enlargement, intestinal obstruction/paralytic ileus/faecal impaction

Not known

Megacolon*, intestinal infarction/ischaemia*, intestinal necrosis*, intestinal ulceration* and intestinal perforation* which may all be fatal

Diarrhoea*, abdominal discomfort/heartburn/dyspepsia*, colitis*

Hepatobiliary disorders

Common

Elevated liver enzymes

Rare

Hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, pancreatitis

Very rare

Fulminant hepatic necrosis

Not known

Hepatic steatosis*, hepatic necrosis*, hepatotoxicity*, hepatic fibrosis*, hepatic cirrhosis*, liver disorders including those hepatic events leading to life-threatening consequences such as liver injury (hepatic, cholestatic and mixed), liver failure which may be fatal and liver transplant*.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Very rare

Skin reactions

Not known

Pigmentation disorder*

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Not known

Rhabdomyolysis*, muscle weakness*, muscle spasms*, muscle pain*, systemic lupus erythematous*

Renal and urinary disorders

Common

Urinary incontinence, urinary retention

Very rare

Interstitial nephritis

Not known

Renal failure*, Nocturnal enuresis*

Pregnancy, puerperium and perinatal conditions

Not known

Drug withdrawal syndrome neonatal (see section 4.6)

Reproductive system and breast disorders

Very rare

Priapism

Not known

Retrograde ejaculation*

General disorders and administration site conditions

Common

Fatigue, fever, benign hyperthermia, disturbances in sweating/temperature regulation

Very rare

Sudden unexplained death

Not known:

Polyserositis*

Investigations

Rare

Increased CPK

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications

Uncommon

Falls (associated with clozapine-induced seizures, somnolence, postural hypotension, motor and sensory instability)*

* Adverse drug reactions derived from post-marketing experience via spontaneous case reports and literature cases for the drug substance, Clozapine.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme:

Yellow Card Scheme

Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store

4.9. Overdose

In cases of acute intentional or accidental clozapine overdosage for which information on the outcome is available, mortality to date is about 12%. Most of the fatalities were associated with cardiac failure or pneumonia caused by aspiration and occurred at doses above 2000 mg. There have been reports of patients recovering from an overdose in excess of 10 000 mg. However, in a few adult individuals, primarily those not previously exposed to clozapine, the ingestion of doses as low as 400 mg led to life-threatening comatose conditions and, in one case, to death. In young children, the intake of 50 to 200 mg resulted in strong sedation or coma without being lethal.

Signs and symptoms

Drowsiness, lethargy, areflexia, coma, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, delirium, extra pyramidal symptoms, hyperreflexia, convulsions; hypersalivation, mydriasis, blurred vision, thermolability; hypotension, collapse, tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmias; aspiration pneumonia, dyspnoea, respiratory depression or failure.

Treatment

There are no specific antidotes for Denzapine.

Gastric lavage and/or administration of activated charcoal within the first 6 hours after the ingestion of the drug. Peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis are unlikely to be effective. Symptomatic treatment under continuous cardiac monitoring, surveillance of respiration, monitoring of electrolytes and acid-base balance. The use of epinephrine should be avoided in the treatment of hypotension because of the possibility of a 'reverse epinephrine' effect.

Close medical supervision is necessary for at least 5 days because of the possibility of delayed reactions.