Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Sodium oxybate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for
Xyrem contains the active substance sodium oxybate. Xyrem works by consolidating night-time sleep, though its exact mechanism of action is unknown. Xyrem is used to treat narcolepsy with cataplexy in adults, adolescents and children from 7 years of age. Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that may include attacks of sleep during normal waking hours, as well as cataplexy, sleep paralysis, hallucinations and poor sleep. Cataplexy is the onset of sudden muscle weakness or paralysis without losing consciousness, in response to a sudden emotional reaction such as anger, fear, joy, laughter or surprise.
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e Xyrem
Do not take Xyrem if you are allergic to sodium oxybate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6); if you have succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (a rare metabolic disorder); if you suffer from major depression; if you are being treated with opioid or barbiturate medicines.
Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Xyrem: if you have breathing or lung problems (and especially if you are obese), because Xyrem has the potential to cause difficulty in breathing; if you have or have previously had depressive illness, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, psychosis (a mental disorder that may involve hallucinations, incoherent speech, or disorganized and agitated behaviour) or bipolar disorder if you have heart failure, hypertension (high blood pressure), liver or kidney problems as your dose may need to be adjusted; if you have previously abused drugs; 1
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if you suffer from epilepsy as the use of Xyrem is not recommended in this condition; if you have porphyria (an uncommon metabolic disorder).
If any of these apply to you, tell your doctor before you take Xyrem. While you are taking Xyrem, if you experience bed wetting and incontinence (both urine and faeces), confusion, hallucinations, episodes of sleepwalking or abnormal thinking you should tell your doctor straight away. Whilst these effects are uncommon, if they do occur they are usually mild-to-moderate in nature. If you are elderly, your doctor will monitor your condition carefully to check whether Xyrem is having the desired effects. Xyrem has a well-known abuse potential. Cases of dependency have occurred after the illicit use of sodium oxybate. Your doctor will ask if you have ever abused any drugs before you start taking Xyrem and whilst you are using the medicine. Children and adolescents Xyrem can be taken by adolescents and children from 7 years of age when they are over 15 kg in weight. Xyrem cannot be taken by children below 7 years of age or below 15 kg in weight. If you are a child or adolescent, your doctor will monitor your body weight regularly. Whilst the doctor is adjusting the dose which may take a number of weeks, parent/caregivers should carefully monitor the child's breath during the first 2 hours after sodium oxybate intake to assess if there is any abnormality in breathing, for example stoppage of breathing for short periods while sleeping, noisy breathing and bluish colour of the lips and face. If abnormality in breathing is observed medical support should be sought and the doctor should be informed as soon as possible. If any abnormality is noted after the first dose, the second dose should not be administered. If no abnormality is noted the second dose can be administered. The second dose should not be given earlier than 2.5 hours or later than 4 hours after the first dose. If you have had or are having upsetting feelings particularly if you are feeling very sad or have lost interest in life it is important that you tell the doctor or caregiver.
Other medicines and Xyrem Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. In particular Xyrem should not be taken together with sleep inducing medicines and medicines that reduce central nervous system activity (the central nervous system is the part of the body related to the brain and spinal cord). Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following types of medicines:
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If you are taking Valproate, your daily dose of Xyrem will need to be adjusted (see section 3) as it may lead to interactions with Valproate Xyrem with alcohol You must not drink alcohol while taking Xyrem, as its effects can be increased. Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine. There have been very few women who have taken Xyrem sometime during their pregnancy and a few of them had spontaneous abortions. The risk of taking Xyrem during pregnancy is unknown, and, therefore, the use of Xyrem in pregnant women or women trying to become pregnant is not recommended. Patients taking Xyrem should not breast feed since it is known that Xyrem passes into breast milk. Changes in sleep patterns have been observed in breastfed infants from exposed mothers. Driving and using machines Xyrem will affect you if you drive or operate tools or machines. Do not drive a car, operate heavy machinery, or perform any activity that is dangerous or that requires mental alertness for at least 6 hours after taking Xyrem. When you first start taking Xyrem, until you know whether it makes you sleepy the next day, use extreme care while driving a car, operating heavy machinery or doing anything else that could be dangerous or needs you to be fully mentally alert. For paediatric patients, physicians, parents or caregivers are advised that the waiting time for performing activities that require mental alertness, motor co-ordination or any activities that may have a physical risk may have to be longer than 6 hours, depending on individual sensitivity. Xyrem contains sodium This medicine contains 182.24 mg sodium (main component of cooking/table salt) in each gram. This is equivalent to 9.11% of the recommended maximum daily dietary intake of sodium for an adult. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need 2 g of sodium oxybate (Xyrem) or more daily for a prolonged period, especially if you have been advised to follow a low salt (sodium) diet. 3.
How to take Xyrem
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. It is important that you only use the syringe provided in the box when preparing doses of Xyrem. The Xyrem syringe has two different measurement scales, one scale may be more helpful for you than the other depending on which dose your doctor has prescribed. By looking at each scale you will see which one provides the exact mark for your dose. Adults – taking Xyrem on its own
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Adolescents and children aged 7 years and over who weigh 15 kg or more – taking Xyrem on its own For those aged 7 years and over who weigh 15 kg or more, a doctor will work out the right dose based on your body weight. Your doctor will work out the right dose for you. Do not exceed the dose prescribed for you.
Adults – taking Xyrem with Valproate If you are taking valproate together with Xyrem, the dose of Xyrem will be adapted by your doctor. • •
For adults the recommended starting dose for Xyrem, when used together with Valproate, is 3.6 g each day, given as two separate doses of 1.8 g. Take the first dose when getting into bed and the second dose 21⁄2 to 4 hours later.
Adolescents and children aged 7 years and older who weigh 15 kg or more – taking Xyrem with Valproate If you are taking Valproate together with Xyrem, the dose of Xyrem will be adapted by your doctor. Kidney or liver problems
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Rinse out the syringe with water.
If you take more Xyrem than you should 5
Symptoms of Xyrem overdose may include agitation, confusion, impaired movement, impaired breathing, blurred vision, profuse sweating, headache, vomiting, decreased consciousness leading to coma and seizures, excessive thirst, muscle cramps and weakness. If you take more Xyrem than you were told to take, or take it by accident, get emergency medical help right away. You should take the labelled medicine bottle with you, even if it is empty. If you forget to take Xyrem If you forget to take the first dose, take it as soon as you remember and then continue as before. If you miss the second dose, skip that dose and do not take Xyrem again until the next night. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If unsure if you took Xyrem If in doubt about administration of a dose, do not re-administer the dose to reduce the risk of overdose If you stop taking Xyrem You should continue to take Xyrem for as long as instructed by your doctor. You may find that your cataplexy attacks return if your medicine is stopped and you may experience insomnia, headache, anxiety, dizziness, sleeping problems, sleepiness, hallucination and abnormal thinking. If you stop taking Xyrem for more than 14 consecutive days, you should consult your doctor as you should restart taking Xyrem at a reduced dose. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
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the medicine, a Frequently Asked Questions patient information sheet and a patient alert card. 8
This leaflet was last revised in February 2022.
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Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. These are usually mild to moderate..
Adults – most common side effects observed in clinical studies (occurring in 10% to 20% of patients):
• • • • • • •
bed wetting (18.3%) nausea (12.5%) vomiting (8.7%) weight decrease (8.7%) decreased appetite (6.7%) headache (5.8%) dizziness (5.8%)
The side effects in adults and children are the same. If you experience any of the side effects listed below, tell your doctor straight away: 6
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):
If you experience any of the side effects listed above, tell your doctor straight away.
Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via: Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 5.
Xyrem
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the bottle after (EXP). The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. After dilution in the dosing cups, the preparation should be used within 24 hours. Once you open a bottle of Xyrem, any contents that you have not used with 90 days of opening should be disposed of. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.
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What Xyrem contains The active substance is sodium oxybate. Each mL contains 500 mg of sodium oxybate. The other ingredients are purified water, malic acid and sodium hydroxyde. What Xyrem looks like and contents of the pack Xyrem is supplied in a 240 mL amber plastic bottle containing 180 mL of oral solution and closed with a child-resistant cap. When the bottle is delivered, there is a plastic covered foil seal which is on the top of the bottle, underneath the cap. Each pack contains one bottle, a press-in-bottle-adaptor (PIBA), a plastic measuring syringe and two dosing cups with child-resistant caps. Xyrem is a clear to slightly opalescent solution. Marketing Authorisation Holder UCB Pharma Limited, 208 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 3WE, United Kingdom. Manufacturer UCB Pharma S.A., Chemin du Foriest, B-1420 Braine l'Alleud, Belgium You should have received a Xyrem Information Pack from your physician, which includes a booklet on
Xyrem 500 mg/ml oral solution comes as oral solution containing 500mg/ml. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Xyrem 500 mg/ml oral solution is sodium oxybate.
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Sodium Oxybate 500 mg/ml oral solution, Sodium Oxybate 500 mg/ml oral solution. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Xyrem 500 mg/ml oral solution, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Treatment of narcolepsy with cataplexy in adult patients, adolescents and children from the age of 7 years.
Treatment should be initiated by and remain under the guidance of a physician experienced in the treatment of narcolepsy. Physicians should strictly adhere to the contraindications, warnings and precautions.
Posology
Adult
The recommended starting dose is 4.5 g/day sodium oxybate divided into two equal doses of 2.25 g/dose. The dose should be titrated to effect based on efficacy and tolerability (see section 4.4) up to a maximum of 9 g/day divided into two equal doses of 4.5 g/dose by adjusting up or down in dose increments of 1.5 g/day (i.e. 0.75 g/dose). A minimum of one to two weeks is recommended between dose increments. The dose of 9 g/day should not be exceeded due to the possible occurrence of severe symptoms at doses of 18 g/day or above (see section 4.4).
Single doses of 4.5 g should not be given unless the patient has been titrated previously to that dose level.
If sodium oxybate and valproate are used concomitantly (see section 4.5), a decrease in sodium oxybate dose by 20% is recommended. The recommended starting dose for sodium oxybate, when used concomitantly with valproate, is 3.6 g per day administered orally in two equal divided doses of approximately 1.8 g. If concomitant use is warranted, patient response and tolerability should be monitored and dose should be adapted accordingly (see section 4.4).
Discontinuation of Xyrem
The discontinuation effects of sodium oxybate have not been systematically evaluated in controlled clinical trials (see section 4.4).
If the patient stops taking the medicinal product for more than 14 consecutive days, titration should be restarted from the lowest dose.
Special populations
Elderly
Elderly patients should be monitored closely for impaired motor and/or cognitive function when taking sodium oxybate (see section 4.4).
Hepatic impairment
The starting dose should be halved in all patients with hepatic impairment, and response to dose increments monitored closely (see section 4.4 and 5.2).
Renal impairment
All patients with impaired renal function should consider a recommendation to reduce sodium intake (see section 4.4).
Paediatric population
Adolescents and children from 7 years of age with a minimum body weight of 15kg:
Xyrem is administered orally twice nightly. Dosing recommendations are provided in Table 1.
Table 1 Sodium Oxybate Recommended Dose Initiation and Titration for Paediatric Patients
Patient weight
Initial total daily dose
(taken in 2 divided doses)*
Titration regimen (to clinical effect)
Recommended maximum total daily dose
15kg - <20kg
≤ 1g/day
≤ 0.5g/day/week
0.2g/kg/day
20kg - <30kg
≤ 2g/day
≤ 1g/day/week
30kg - <45kg
≤ 3g/day
≤ 1g/day/week
≥45kg
≤ 4.5g/day
≤ 1.5g/day/week
9g/day
*At bedtime and 2.5 to 4 hours later. For children who sleep more than 8 hours per night, sodium oxybate may be given after bedtime, while the child is in bed, in two equally divided doses 2.5 to 4 hours apart.
The dose should be gradually titrated to effect based on efficacy and tolerability (see section 4.4). A minimum of one to two weeks is recommended between dosage increments. Sodium oxybate dose recommendations (initial dose, titration regimen and maximum dose) for paediatric patients are based on body weight. Therefore, patients should have their body weight checked at regular intervals especially during titration to ensure that the appropriate dose of sodium oxybate is administered.
The recommended maximum total daily dose is 0.2g/kg/day in paediatric patients weighing less than 45kg. For paediatric patients weighing 45kg or more the maximum total daily dose is 9g/day.
If sodium oxybate and valproate are used concomitantly (see section 4.5), a decrease in sodium oxybate dose by 20% is recommended e.g. 4.8g/day instead of 6g/day.
The safety and efficacy of sodium oxybate in children below 7 years of age has not been established and therefore sodium oxybate is not recommended below 7 years of age. Children below 15kg should not receive sodium oxybate.
Method of administration
Xyrem should be taken orally upon getting into bed and again between 2.5 to 4 hours later. It is recommended that both doses of Xyrem should be made up at the same time upon retiring to bed.
Xyrem is provided for use with a graduated measuring syringe and two 90 mL dosing cups with child resistant caps. Each measured dose of Xyrem must be dispensed into the dosing cup and diluted with 60 mL of water prior to ingestion. Because food significantly reduces the bioavailability of sodium oxybate, both adult and paediatric patients should eat at least several (2-3) hours before taking the first dose of Xyrem at bedtime. Adult and paediatric patients should always observe the same timing of dosing in relation to meals. Doses should be taken within 24 hours after preparation, or else discarded.
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Patients with major depression.
Patients with succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency.
Patients being treated with opioids or barbiturates.
Xyrem has the potential to induce respiratory depression
Respiratory and CNS depression
Sodium oxybate also has the potential to induce respiratory depression. Patients should be assessed before treatment for sleep apnoea and caution should be exercised when considering treatment. Apnoea and respiratory depression have been observed in a fasting healthy subject after a single intake of 4.5g (twice the recommended starting dose). During post-marketing surveillance, it has been observed that the use of sodium oxybate may predispose the patients to choking sensation during sleep. Patients should be questioned regarding signs of Central Nervous System (CNS) or respiratory depression. Special caution should be observed in patients with an underlying respiratory disorder. Patients should be monitored for signs of respiratory depression during treatment. Because of the higher risk of sleep apnoea, patients with a BMI ≥40 kg/m2 should be monitored closely when taking sodium oxybate.
Approximately 80% of patients who received sodium oxybate during clinical trials maintained CNS stimulant use. Whether this affected respiration during the night is unknown. Before increasing the sodium oxybate dose (see section 4.2), prescribers should be aware that sleep apnoea occurs in up to 50% of patients with narcolepsy.
• Benzodiazepines
Given the possibility of increasing the risk of respiratory depression, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines and sodium oxybate should be avoided.
• Alcohol and CNS depressants
The combined use of alcohol, or any CNS -depressant medicinal product, with sodium oxybate may result in potentiation of the CNS-depressant effects of sodium oxybate as well as increased risk of respiratory depression. Therefore, patients should be warned against the use of alcohol in conjunction with sodium oxybate.
• Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) dehydrogenase inhibitors
Caution is required in patients who are treated concomitantly with valproate or other GHB dehydrogenase inhibitors as pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions have been observed when sodium oxybate is co-administered with valproate (see section 4.5). If concomitant use is warranted, dose adjustment is to be considered (see section 4.2). Additionally, patient response and tolerability should be carefully monitored and dose should be adapted accordingly.
• Topiramate
There have been clinical observation(s) of coma and increased plasma GHB concentration after co-administration of sodium oxybate with topiramate. Therefore, patients should be warned against the use of topiramate in conjunction with sodium oxybate (section 4.5).
Abuse potential and dependence
Sodium oxybate, which is as the sodium salt of GHB, is a CNS depressant active substance with well-known abuse potential. Prior to treatment physicians should evaluate patients for a history of or susceptibility to drug abuse. Patients should be routinely monitored and in the case of suspected abuse, treatment with sodium oxybate should be discontinued.
There have been case reports of dependence after illicit use of GHB at frequent repeated doses (18 to 250 g/day) in excess of the therapeutic dose range. Whilst there is no clear evidence of emergence of dependence in patients taking sodium oxybate at therapeutic doses, this possibility cannot be excluded.
Patients with porphyria
Sodium oxybate is considered to be unsafe in patients with porphyria because it has been shown to be porphyrogenic in animals or in vitro systems.
Neuropsychiatric events
Patients may become confused while being treated with sodium oxybate. If this occurs, they should be evaluated fully, and appropriate intervention considered on an individual basis. Other neuropsychiatric events include anxiety, psychosis, paranoia, hallucinations, and agitation. The emergence of thought disorders including thoughts of committing violent acts (including harming others) and/or behavioural abnormalities when patients are treated with sodium oxybate requires careful and immediate evaluation.
The emergence of depression when patients are treated with sodium oxybate requires careful and immediate evaluation. Patients with a previous history of affective disorders (including depressive illness, anxiety and bipolar disorder), suicide attempt and psychosis should be monitored especially carefully for the emergence of depressive symptoms and/or suicidal ideation while taking sodium oxybate. Major depression is contraindicated for use with sodium oxybate.(see section 4.3).
If a patient experiences urinary or faecal incontinence during sodium oxybate therapy, the prescriber should consider pursuing investigations to rule out underlying aetiologies.
Sleepwalking has been reported in patients treated in clinical trials with sodium oxybate. It is unclear if some or all of these episodes correspond to true somnambulism (a parasomnia occurring during non-REM sleep) or to any other specific medical disorder. The risk of injury or self-harm should be borne in mind in any patient with sleepwalking. Therefore, episodes of sleepwalking should be fully evaluated and appropriate interventions considered.
Paediatric Population:
Monitoring during titration phase
The patient's tolerability, especially with regards to potential signs of central nervous system and respiratory depression, should be carefully monitored with each dose increase during titration. Careful monitoring should include that the parent/caregivers observe the child's breath after sodium oxybate intake to assess if there is any abnormality in breathing during the first two hours, for example rude breathing, sleep apnoea, cyanosis of lips/face. If abnormality in breathing is observed medical support should be sought. If any abnormality is noted after the first dose, the second dose should not be administered. If no abnormality is noted the second dose can be administered. The second dose should not be given earlier than 2.5 hours or later than 4 hours after the first dose. In individual cases, e.g. if it is uncertain that the parent/caregivers can manage careful monitoring as described, sodium oxybate is not recommended unless medical supervision of treatment can be organized.
If in doubt about administration of a dose, do not re-administer the dose to reduce the risk of overdose.
Weight Loss
Weight decrease is common amongst patients treated with sodium oxybate (see section 4.8). For paediatric patients it is important that their weight is checked at regular intervals especially during dose titration to ensure that the appropriate dose of sodium oxybate is being administered (see section 4.2).
Neuropsychiatric events
For children and adolescents extra care should be taken to assess any potential suicidal or depressive conditions before starting treatment with sodium oxybate (see section 4.8) and to monitor any treatment-emergent events.
Alcohol and CNS depressants
Given the risk of alcohol intake among adolescents, it is noted that alcohol may further increase the CNS and respiratory depressant effects of sodium oxybate in children – adolescents taking sodium oxybate (see section 4.5).
Elderly
There is very limited experience with sodium oxybate in the elderly. Therefore, elderly patients should be monitored closely for impaired motor and/or cognitive function when taking sodium oxybate.
Epileptic patients
Seizures have been observed in patients treated with sodium oxybate. In patients with epilepsy, the safety and efficacy of sodium oxybate has not been established, therefore use is not recommended.
Rebound effects and withdrawal syndrome
The discontinuation effects of sodium oxybate have not been systematically evaluated in controlled clinical trials. In some patients, cataplexy may return at a higher frequency on cessation of sodium oxybate therapy, however this may be due to the normal variability of the disease. Although the clinical trial experience with sodium oxybate in narcolepsy/cataplexy patients at therapeutic doses does not show clear evidence of a withdrawal syndrome, in rare cases, events such as insomnia, headache, anxiety, dizziness, sleep disorder, somnolence, hallucination, and psychotic disorders were observed after GHB discontinuation.
Educational Materials
In order to assist prescribers, and patients/caregivers about the important information for Xyrem educational materials will be provided to them. In particular the materials will reinforce that for paediatric patients, an initial assessment of the patient should be performed with regard to growth and learning ability and that in addition to any side effects, any behaviour changes (social and learning), should be reported to the child's healthcare provider.
Sodium intake
This medicinal product contains 182.24 mg sodium per 1 g of sodium oxybate dose, equivalent to 9.11% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g of sodium for an adult.
The maximum daily dose of this product is equivalent to 82% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake for sodium.
Xyrem is considered high in sodium. This should be particularly taken into account for those on a low salt diet.
A recommendation to reduce sodium intake should be carefully considered in the management of patients with heart failure, hypertension or compromised renal function (see section 4.2 and 4.9)
The combined use of alcohol with sodium oxybate may result in potentiation of the central nervous system-depressant effects of sodium oxybate. Patients should be warned against the use of any alcoholic beverages in conjunction with sodium oxybate.
Sodium oxybate should not be used in combination with sedative hypnotics or other CNS depressants.
Sedative hypnotics
Drug interaction studies in healthy adults with sodium oxybate (single dose of 2.25 g) and lorazepam (single dose of 2 mg) and zolpidem tartrate (single dose of 5 mg) demonstrated no pharmacokinetic interactions. Increased sleepiness was observed after concomitant administration of sodium oxybate (2.25 g) and lorazepam (2 mg). The pharmacodynamic interaction with zolpidem has not been assessed. When higher doses up to 9 g/d of sodium oxybate are combined with higher doses of hypnotics (within the recommended dose range) pharmacodynamic interactions associated with symptoms of CNS depression and/or respiratory depression cannot be excluded (see section 4.3).
Tramadol
A drug interaction study in healthy adults with sodium oxybate (single dose of 2.25 g) and tramadol (single dose of 100 mg) demonstrated no pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic interaction. When higher doses up to 9 g/day of sodium oxybate are combined with higher doses of opioids (within the recommended dose range) pharmacodynamic interactions associated with symptoms of CNS depression and/or respiratory depression cannot be excluded (see sections 4.3).
Antidepressants
Drug interaction studies in healthy adults demonstrated no pharmacokinetic interactions between sodium oxybate (single dose of 2.25 g) and the antidepressants protriptyline hydrochloride (single dose of 10 mg) and duloxetine (60 mg at steady state). No additional effect on sleepiness was observed when comparing single doses of sodium oxybate alone (2.25 g) and sodium oxybate (2.25 g) in combination with duloxetine (60 mg at steady state). Antidepressants have been used in the treatment of cataplexy. A possible additive effect of antidepressants and sodium oxybate cannot be excluded. The rate of adverse reactions has increased when sodium oxybate is co-administered with tricyclic antidepressants.
Modafinil
A drug interaction study in healthy adults demonstrated no pharmacokinetic interactions between sodium oxybate (single dose of 4.5 g) and modafinil (single dose of 200 mg). Sodium oxybate has been administered concomitantly with CNS stimulant agents in approximately 80% of patients in clinical studies in narcolepsy. Whether this affected respiration during the night is unknown.
Omeprazole
The co-administration of omeprazole has no clinically significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of sodium oxybate. The dose of sodium oxybate therefore does not require adjustment when given concomitantly with proton pump inhibitors.
Ibuprofen
Drug interaction studies in healthy adults demonstrated no pharmacokinetic interactions between sodium oxybate and ibuprofen.
Diclofenac
Drug interaction studies in healthy adults demonstrated no pharmacokinetic interactions between sodium oxybate and diclofenac. Co-administration of sodium oxybate and diclofenac in healthy volunteers reduced the attention deficit caused by the administration of sodium oxybate alone as measured by psychometric tests.
GHB dehydrogenase inhibitors
Since sodium oxybate is metabolised by GHB dehydrogenase there is a potential risk of an interaction with medicinal products that stimulate or inhibit this enzyme (e.g. valproate, phenytoin or ethosuximide) (see section 4.4).
The co-administration of sodium oxybate (6 g per day) with valproate (1250 mg per day) resulted in an increase in systemic exposure to sodium oxybate by approximately 25% and no significant change in Cmax. No effect on the pharmacokinetics of valproate was observed. The resulting pharmacodynamic effects, including increased impairment in cognitive function and sleepiness, were greater with co-administration than those observed with either drug alone. If concomitant use is warranted, patient response and tolerability should be monitored and dose adjustments made if required (see section 4.2).
Topiramate
Possible pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions when sodium oxybate is used concomitantly with topiramate cannot be excluded as clinical observation(s) of coma, and increased plasma GHB concentration were reported in a patient(s) under concomitant use of sodium oxybate and topiramate (section 4.4).
Studies in vitro with pooled human liver microsomes indicate that sodium oxybate does not significantly inhibit the activities of the human isoenzymes (see section 5.2).
Pregnancy
Animal studies have shown no evidence of teratogenicity but embryo lethality was seen in both rat and rabbit studies (see section 5.3).
Data from a limited number of pregnant women exposed in the first trimester indicate a possible increased risk of spontaneous abortions. To date no other relevant epidemiological data are available. Limited data from pregnant patients during second and third trimester indicate no malformative or foeto/neonatal toxicity of sodium oxybate.
Sodium oxybate is not recommended during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding
Sodium oxybate and/or its metabolites are excreted into breast milk. Changes in sleep patterns have been observed in breastfed infants from exposed mothers, which may be consistent with the effects of sodium oxybate on the nervous system. Sodium Oxybate should not be used during breastfeeding.
Fertility
There is no clinical data available on the effect of sodium oxybate on fertility. Studies in male and female rats at doses up to 1,000 mg/kg/day GHB have shown no evidence of an adverse effect on fertility.
Sodium oxybate has major influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
For at least 6 hours after taking sodium oxybate, patients must not undertake activities requiring complete mental alertness or motor co-ordination, such as operating machinery or driving.
When patients first start taking sodium oxybate, until they know whether this medicinal product will still have some carryover effect on them the next day, they should use extreme care while driving a car, operating heavy machines, or performing any other task that could be dangerous or require full mental alertness.
For paediatric patients, physicians and parents or caregivers are advised that if the daily dose to body weight ratio exceeds 0.1g/kg/day, the waiting time may be longer than 6 hours depending on individual sensitivity.
Summary of the safety profile
Clinical Studies
The safety profile was qualitatively the same in adult and paediatric studies.
In adults the most commonly reported adverse reactions were dizziness, nausea, and headache, all occurring in 10% to 20% of patients. The most serious adverse reactions are suicidal attempt, psychosis, respiratory depression and convulsion.
In adults the efficacy and safety of sodium oxybate for the treatment of narcolepsy symptoms was established in four multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trials in patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy except for one trial where cataplexy was not required for enrolment. Two Phase 3 and one Phase 2 double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled studies were performed to assess the indication of sodium oxybate for fibromyalgia in adults. Additionally, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover drug-drug interaction studies with ibuprofen, diclofenac and valproate were performed in healthy adult subjects and are summarised in section 4.5.
Post-marketing experience
In addition to the adverse reactions reported during clinical studies, adverse reactions have been reported in post-marketing experience. It is not always possible to reliably estimate the frequency of their incidence in the population to be treated.
Tabulated summary of adverse reactions
Undesirable effects are listed according to MedDRA System Organ Class.
Frequency estimate: very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1000 to < 1/100); rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1000); very rare (< 1/10,000); not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
Infections and infestations
Common: nasopharyngitis, sinusitis
Immune system disorders
Uncommon: hypersensitivity
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Common: anorexia, decreased appetite
Not known: Dehydration, increased appetite
Psychiatric disorders
Common: depression, cataplexy, anxiety, abnormal dreams, confusional state, disorientation, nightmares, sleepwalking, sleep disorder, insomnia, middle insomnia, nervousness
Uncommon: suicide attempt, psychosis, paranoia, hallucination, abnormal thinking, agitation, initial insomnia
Not known: suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, aggression, euphoric mood, sleep-related eating disorder, panic attack, mania / bipolar disorder, delusion, bruxism, irritability and increased libido
Nervous system disorders
Very common: dizziness, headache
Common: sleep paralysis, somnolence, tremor, balance disorder, disturbance in attention, hypoaesthesia, paraesthesia, sedation, dysgeusia
Uncommon: myoclonus, amnesia, restless legs syndrome
Not known: convulsion, loss of consciousness, dyskinesia
Eye disorders
Common: blurred vision
Ear and labyrinth disorders
Common: vertigo
Not known tinnitus
Cardiac disorders
Common: palpitations
Vascular disorders
Common: hypertension
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Common: dyspnoea, snoring, nasal congestion
Not known: respiratory depression, sleep apnoea, choking sensation
Gastrointestinal disorders
Very common: nausea (the frequency of nausea is higher in women than men)
Common: vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain upper,
Uncommon: faecal incontinence
Not known: dry mouth
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Common: hyperhidrosis, rash
Not known: urticaria, angioedema, seborrhea
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Common: arthralgia, muscle, spasms, back pain
Renal and urinary disorders
Common: enuresis nocturna, urinary incontinence
Not known: pollakiuria / micturition urgency, nocturia
General disorders and administration site conditions
Common: asthenia, fatigue, feeling drunk, oedema peripheral
Investigations
Common: blood pressure increased, weight decreased
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Common: fall
Description of selected adverse reactions
In some patients, cataplexy may return at a higher frequency on cessation of sodium oxybate therapy, however this may be due to the normal variability of the disease. Although the clinical trial experience with sodium oxybate in narcolepsy/cataplexy patients at therapeutic doses does not show clear evidence of a withdrawal syndrome, in rare cases, adverse reactions such as insomnia, headache, anxiety, dizziness, sleep disorder, somnolence, hallucination, and psychotic disorders were observed after GHB discontinuation.
Special Populations
Paediatric population
In the paediatric population the efficacy and safety of sodium oxybate for the treatment of narcolepsy with cataplexy symptoms was established in a phase 2/3 double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized-withdrawal multicenter study.
In a study in children and adolescents the most frequently reported related TEAEs were enuresis (18.3%), nausea (12.5%), vomiting (8.7%), and weight decreased (8.7%), decreased appetite (6.7%), headache (5.8%), dizziness (5.8%). Adverse drug reactions of suicidal ideation (1%) and of acute psychosis (1%) were also reported. (see section 4.4 and section 5).
In some children between 7 and < 18 years, postmarketing surveillance has shown that sodium oxybate was discontinued due to abnormal behaviour, aggression and mood alteration.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting of 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:
Yellow Card Scheme
Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store
Information about signs and symptoms associated with overdose with sodium oxybate is limited. Most data derives from the illicit use of GHB. Sodium oxybate is the sodium salt of GHB. Events associated with withdrawal syndrome have been observed outside the therapeutic range.
Symptoms
Patients have exhibited varying degrees of depressed consciousness that may fluctuate rapidly between a confusional, agitated combative state with ataxia and coma. Emesis (even with impaired consciousness), diaphoresis, headache, and impaired psychomotor skills may be observed. Blurred vision has been reported. An increasing depth of coma has been observed at higher doses as well as acidosis. Myoclonus and tonic-clonic seizures have been reported. There are reports of compromise in the rate and depth of respiration and of life-threatening respiratory depression, necessitating intubation and ventilation. Cheyne-Stokes respiration and apnoea have been observed. Bradycardia and hypothermia may accompany unconsciousness, as well as muscular hypotonia, but tendon reflexes remain intact. Bradycardia has been responsive to atropine intravenous administration. Events of hypernatremia with metabolic alkalosis have been reported in the context of concomitant use of NaCl infusion.
Management
Gastric lavage may be considered if co-ingestants are suspected. Because emesis may occur in the presence of impaired consciousness, appropriate posture (left lateral recumbent position) and protection of the airway by intubation may be warranted. Although gag reflex may be absent in deeply comatose patients, even unconscious patients may become combative to intubation, and rapid sequence induction (without the use of sedative) should be considered.
No reversal of the central depressant effects of sodium oxybate can be expected from flumazenil administration. There is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of naloxone in the treatment of overdose with GHB. The use of haemodialysis and other forms of extracorporeal medicinal product removal have not been studied in sodium oxybate overdose, but has been reported in cases of acidosis due to GHB overdose. However, due to the rapid metabolism of sodium oxybate, these measures may not be warranted.
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