equetro
Equetro (Carbamazepine) is a mood stabilizer used to treat Bipolar Disorder, Tonic-Clonic Epilepsy, Psychotic Disorders, Restless Legs Syndrome.
Carbamazepine · by Validus Pharms
Available as a generic: Teril
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Carbamazepine
- Drug class
- Mood Stabilizer
- Form
- Capsule, extended release
- Strength
- Carbamazepine 100MG · Carbamazepine 200MG · Carbamazepine 300MG
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- Manufacturer
- Validus Pharms
- Half-life
- about 12 to 17 hours once you have been taking it regularly (25 to 65 hours after the very first dose) (how long it stays in your system)
- What the pharmacy pays
- ~$7.32 for 30 — not your price
- FDA application
- NDA021710
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Equetro?
From the FDA label:1 1 DESCRIPTION EQUETRO (carbamazepine) is a mood stabilizer available for oral administration as 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg extended-release capsules of carbamazepine, USP. Carbamazepine is a white to off-white powder, practically insoluble in water and soluble in alcohol and in acetone. Its molecular weight is 236.27. The chemical name of carbamazepine is 5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine-5-carboxamide, and the structural formula is: EQUETRO ® is a multi-component capsule formulation consisting of three different types of beads: immediate-release beads, extended-release beads, and enteric-release beads. The three bead types are combined in a specific ratio to provide twice-daily dosing of EQUETRO ® . Inactive ingredients: citric acid, colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, triethyl citrate, and other ingredients. The 100 mg capsule shells contain gelatin-NF, FD&C Blue #2, Yellow Iron Oxide, and Titanium Dioxide, and are imprinted with white ink; the 200 mg capsule shells contain gelatin-NF, Yellow Iron Oxide, FD&C Blue #2, and Titanium Dioxide, and are imprinted with white ink; and the 300 mg capsule shells contain gelatin-NF, FD&C Blue #2, Yellow Iron Oxide, and Titanium Dioxide, and are imprinted with white ink. The structural formula for EQUETRO (carbamazepine) is a mood stabilizer…
How to use
When discontinuing treatment, reduce dose gradually ( 2.6 , 5.6 ) Monitoring serum carbamazepine concentrations may be useful in dose selection and minimizing risk of toxicity ( 2.7 ) Swallow capsules whole or open capsules and sprinkle beads over food ( 2.8 ) Do not crush or chew the capsule or beads ( 2.8 ) 2.1 Pretreatment Screening Prior to initiating treatment with EQUETRO, test patients with ancestry in genetically at-risk populations for the presence of the HLA-B*1502 allele. The high resolution genotype test is positive if one or two HLA-B*1502 alleles are present. Avoid use of EQUETRO in patients testing positive for the allele, unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Complete pretreatment blood counts, including platelets and possibly reticulocytes and serum iron, should be obtained as a baseline. If a patient in the course of treatment exhibits low or decreased white blood cell or platelet counts, the patient should be monitored closely. Discontinuation of EQUETRO should be considered if any evidence of significant bone marrow depression develops [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Baseline and periodic evaluations of liver function, particularly in patients with a history of liver disease, must be performed during treatment with EQUETRO because liver damage may occur. Discontinue EQUETRO in cases of…
Side effects
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Serious Dermatologic Reactions: Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) Aplastic anemia/agranulocytosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Suicidal Behavior and Ideation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Embryofetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Abrupt Discontinuation and Seizure Risk [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Hyponatremia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Cognitive and Motor Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Drug Interaction with Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Liver Damage [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] AV Heart Block [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] Hepatic Porphyria [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Increased Intraocular Pressure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )] Most common ( > 5% and 2 times placebo) adverse reactions were dizziness, somnolence, nausea, vomiting, ataxia, constipation, pruritus, dry mouth, asthenia, blurred vision, and speech disorder ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Validus Pharmaceuticals LLC at 1-866-982-5438 or FDA…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
Serious Dermatologic Reactions and HLA-B*1502 Allele Serious and sometimes fatal dermatologic reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), have occurredb in patients treated with carbamazepine. These syndromes may be accompanied by mucous membrane ulcers, fever, or painful rash. These reactions are estimated to occur in 1 to 6 per 10,000 new users in countries with mainly Caucasian populations, but the risk in patients of Asian descent is estimated to be about 10 times higher. There is a strong association between the risk of developing SJS/TEN and the presence of HLA-B*1502, an inherited allelic variant of the HLA-B gene. Test for HLA-B*1502, prior to initiating EQUETROin patients with an increased likelihood of carrying this allele. Avoid use of EQUETRO in patients testing positive for the allele unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. Discontinue EQUETRO if you suspect that the patient has a serious dermatologic reaction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Aplastic Anemia and Agranulocytosis Aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis can occurduring treatment with EQUETRO. The risk of developing these reactions with EQUETRO is 5-8 times greater than in the general population. However, the overall risk in the general population is low (6 cases in a population of one million per year for agranulocytosis and two cases in a population of one million per year for aplastic anemia). Obtain a complete blood count before beginning treatment with EQUETRO, and monitor CBC periodically. Consider discontinuing EQUETRO if significant bone marrow depression develops [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ]. WARNING:SERIOUS DERMATOLOGIC REACTIONSAND APLASTIC ANEMIA AND AGRANULOCYTOSIS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Serious Dermatologic Reactions • Serious and sometimes fatal dermatologic reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), have occurred with EQUETRO ( 5.1 ) • Patients of Asian ancestry have a 10-fold greater risk of TEN/SJS, compared to other populations. In genetically at-risk patients, test for the HLA-B*1502 allele prior to initiating EQUETRO ( 2.1 , 5.1 ) • Discontinue EQUETRO if these reactions occur ( 5.1 ) Aplastic Anemia and Agranulocytosis • Aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis occurred with EQUETRO ( 5.2 ) • Obtain complete pretreatment hematological testing. Consider discontinuing EQUETRO if significant bone marrow depression develops ( 2.1 , 5.2 )
Warnings
Important safety information
Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms : Monitor for hypersensitivity. Discontinue if another cause can not be established ( 5.3 ) Suicidal Behavior and Ideation: Monitor for depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and/or any unusual changes in mood or behavior ( 5.4 ) Embryofetal Toxicity : Advise women of child-bearing potential of possible risks to the fetus ( 5.5 , 8.1 , 8.3) Abrupt Discontinuation and Risk of Seizure : Taper the dose when discontinuing treatment ( 5.6 ). Hyponatremia: Consider discontinuing EQUETRO in patients with significant symptomatic hyponatremia ( 5.7 ). Cognitive and Motor Impairment: Advise patients not to drive or operate machinery until they have gained sufficient experience on EQUETRO to gauge whether it adversely affects these activities ( 5.8 ). Liver Damage: Monitor liver function. Discontinue EQUETRO with aggravated liver dysfunction or active liver disease ( 5.10 ). Hepatic Porphyria : Avoid EQUETRO use in patients with hepatic porphyria: can cause acute episodes of porphyria ( 5.12 ) 5.1 Serious Dermatologic Reactions Serious and sometimes fatal dermatologic reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), have been reported with carbamazepine treatment. These syndromes may be accompanied by mucous membrane ulcers, fever, or painful rash. Over 90% of carbamazepine-treated patients who experienced SJS/TEN developed these reactions within the first few months of treatment. The risk of these reactions is estimated to be about 1 to 6 per 10,000 new users in countries with mainly Caucasian populations. However, the risk in some Asian countries is estimated to be about 10 times higher. Discontinue EQUETRO if you suspect that the patient has a serious dermatologic reaction. If signs or symptoms suggest SJS/TEN, do not resume treatment with EQUETRO. SJS, TEN, and HLA-B*1502 Allele Retrospective case-control studies have found that in patients of Chinese ancestry there is a strong association between the risk of developing SJS/TEN with EQUETRO treatment and the presence of the HLA-B*1502 allele (an inherited variant of the HLA-B gene). Prior to initiating EQUETRO therapy in patients at higher likelihood for this allele, perform testing for HLA-B*1502. The high resolution genotype test is positive if one or two HLA-B*1502 alleles are present. Avoid use of EQUETRO in patients positive for the HLA-B*1502 allele unless the benefits clearly outweighs the risks of serious dermatologic reactions. Tested patients who are found to be negative for the allele are thought to have a low risk of SJS/TEN associated with carbamazepine treatment. The prevalence of the HLA-B*1502 allele may be higher in Asian populations: Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, and parts of the Philippines (greater than 15%); Taiwan (10%), North China (4%); south Asians, including Indians (2 to 4%); and Japan and Korea (less than 1%). HLA-B*1502 is largely absent in individuals not of Asian origin (e.g., Caucasians, African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans). The accuracy of estimated rates of the HLA-B*1502 allele in these populations may be limited by wide variability in rates within ethnic groups, the difficulty in ascertaining ethnic ancestry, and the likelihood of mixed ancestry. The HLA-B*1502 allele has not been found to predict risk of less severe adverse cutaneous reactions from carbamazepine, such as maculopapular eruption (MPE) or to predict Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) [ s ee Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Limited evidence suggests that HLA-B*1502 may be a risk factor for the development of SJS/TEN in patients of Chinese ancestry taking other anti-epileptic drugs associated with SJS/TEN, including phenytoin. Consideration should be given to avoiding use of other drugs associated with SJS/TEN in HLA-B*1502 positive patients, when alternative therapies are otherwise equally acceptable [se e Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )] . Hypersensitivity Reactions and HLA-A*3101 Allele Retrospective case-control studies in patients of European, Korean, and Japanese ancestry have found a moderate association between the risk of developing hypersensitivity reactions and the presence of HLA-A*3101, an inherited allelic variant of the HLA-A gene, in patients using carbamazepine. These hypersensitivity reactions include SJS/TEN, maculopapular eruptions, and Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms [ s ee Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] . HLA-A*3101 is expected to be present in the following frequencies: greater than 15% in patients of Japanese, Native American, Southern Indian (for example, Tamil Nadu) and some Arabic ancestry; up to about 10% in patients of Han Chinese, Korean, European, Latin American, and other Indian ancestry; and up to about 5% in African-Americans and patients of Thai, Taiwanese, and Chinese (Hong Kong) ancestry. The risks and benefits of EQUETRO therapy should be weighed before considering EQUETRO in patients known to be positive for HLA-A*3101. Hypersensitivity and Limitations of HLA Genotyping Application of HLA genotyping as a screening tool has important limitations and must never substitute for appropriate clinical vigilance and patient management. Many HLA-B*1502-positive and HLA-A*3101- positive patients treated with EQUETRO will not develop SJS/TEN or other hypersensitivity reactions, and these reactions can still occur infrequently in HLA-B*1502-negative and HLA-A*3101-negative patients of any ethnicity. The role of other possible factors in the development of, and morbidity from, SJS/TEN and other hypersensitivity reactions, such as AED dose, compliance, concomitant medications, co-morbidities, and the level of dermatologic monitoring have not been studied. 5.2 Aplastic Anemia and Agranulocytosis Aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis have occurred in patients treated with carbamazepine. Data from a population-based case-control study suggest that the risk of developing these reactions is 5-8 times greater than in the general population. However, the overall risk of these reactions in the untreated general population is low, approximately six patients per one million population per year for agranulocytosis and two patients per one million population per year for aplastic anemia. Although reports of transient or persistent decreased platelet or white blood cell counts are not uncommon in association with the use of carbamazepine, data are not available to estimate accurately their incidence or outcome. However, the vast majority of the cases of leukopenia have not progressed to the more serious conditions of aplastic anemia or agranulocytosis. Because of the very low incidence of agranulocytosis and aplastic anemia, the vast majority of minor hematologic changes observed in monitoring of patients on EQUETRO are unlikely to signal the occurrence of either abnormality. Nonetheless, complete pretreatment hematological testing should be obtained as a baseline. If a patient in the course of treatment exhibits low or decreased white blood cell or platelet counts, the patient should be monitored closely. Consider discontinuing EQUETRO if any evidence of significant bone marrow depression develops. Clinical features can include fever, dyspnea on exertion, fatigue, easy bruising, petechiae, epistaxis, gingival bleeding, and heavy menses. 5.3 Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), also known as Multiorgan Hypersensitivity, have occurred with carbamazepine. Some of these events have been fatal or life-threatening. DRESS typically, although not exclusively, presents with fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, and/or facial swelling, in association with other organ system involvement, such as hepatitis, nephritis, hematologic abnormalities, myocarditis, or myositis sometimes resembling an acute viral infection. Eosinophilia is often…
Who should not take Equetro
Bone marrow depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ] . Known hypersensitivity to carbamazepine, such as anaphylaxis or serious hypersensitivity reaction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] . Known hypersensitivity to any of the tricyclic compounds (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, protriptyline, and nortriptyline.) Hypersensitivity reactions include anaphylaxis and serious rash. Concomitant use of delavirdine or other non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors that are substrates for CYP3A4. EQUETRO can substantially reduce the concentrations of these drugs through induction of CYP3A4. This can lead to loss of virologic response and possible resistance to these medications [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7.2 ) ] . Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Before beginning treatment with EQUETRO, MAOIs should be discontinued for a minimum of 14 days. Concomitant use can cause serotonin syndrome. Concomitant use of nefazodone. This may result in insufficient plasma concentrations of nefazodone and its active metabolite to achieve a therapeutic effect. Bone marrow depression ( 4 ) Known hypersensitivity to carbamazepine ( 4 ) Known hypersensitivity to tricyclic antidepressants ( 4 ) Concomitant use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use within 14 days of discontinuing an MAOI ( 4 ) Concomitant use with delavirdine or other non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors that are substrates for CYP3A4. EQUETRO decreases efficacy of these drugs ( 4 , 5.9 ) Concomitant use of nefazodone ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
10.1 Human Experience Lowest known lethal dose of carbamazepine: adults, greater than 60 grams (39-year-old man). Highest known doses survived: adults, 30 grams (31-year-old woman); children, 10 grams (6-year-old boy); small children, 5 grams (3-year-old girl). Signs and Symptoms: The first signs and symptoms of carbamazepine overdose appear after 1 to 3 hours. Neuromuscular disturbances are the most prominent. Cardiovascular disorders are generally milder, and severe cardiac complications occur only when very high doses (greater than 60 grams) have been ingested. Respiration: Irregular breathing, respiratory depression. Cardiovascular System: Tachycardia, hypotension or hypertension, shock, conduction disorders. Nervous System and Muscles: Impairment of consciousness ranging in severity to deep coma. Convulsions, especially in small children. Motor restlessness, muscular twitching, tremor, athetoid movements, opisthotonos, ataxia, drowsiness, dizziness, mydriasis, nystagmus, adiadochokinesia, ballism, psychomotor disturbances, dysmetria. Initial hyperreflexia, followed by hyporeflexia. Gastrointestinal Tract: Nausea, vomiting. Kidneys and Bladder: Anuria or oliguria, urinary retention. Laboratory Findings: Isolated instances of overdosage have included leukocytosis, reduced leukocyte count, glycosuria, and acetonuria. ECG may show dysrhythmias. Combined Poisoning: When…
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Cytochrome (CYP) 3A4 inhibitors, epoxide hydrolase inhibitors, CYP3A4 inducers, drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 or CYP3A4 (oral contraceptives, delavirdine, nefazodone), phenytoin, CNS depressants, lithium, chloroquine, mefloquine ( 7.1 , 7.2 , 7.3 ) Equetro may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Use alternative form of birth control ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Pharmacokinetic Effect s of other Drugs on EQ U ETRO Drugs that Inhibit Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) EQUETRO is metabolized primarily by CYP3A4 to the active carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide, which is further metabolized to the trans-diol by epoxide hydrolase. Inhibitors of CYP 3A4 and/or epoxide hydrolase can increase plasma levels of EQUETRO and its active metabolites, increasing plasma concentrations of EQUETRO and the risk of adverse reactions. It may be necessary to reduce the EQUETRO dose if used concomitantly with inhibitors of CYP3A4 and/or epoxide hydrolase. The following drugs are CYP3A4 inhibitors: Acetazolamide, aprepitant, azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole ) , cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, dalfopristin, danazol, dantrolene, delavirdine, diltiazem, erythromycin, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, grapefruit juice, ibuprofen, isoniazid, loratadine, nefazodone, niacinamide, nicotinamide, olanzapine, omeprazole, oxybutynin, quinine, quinupristin, ticlopidine, troleandomycin, valproate, verapamil, zileuton. Drugs that Inhibit Epoxide H ydrolase and CYP3A4 Clarithromycin, erythromycin, loxapine, quetiapine, and valproate also inhibit epoxide hydrolase, resulting in increased levels of the active metabolite carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Drugs that Induce CYP3A4 CYP3A4 inducers can decrease serum concentrations of EQUETRO and decrease its effectiveness. It may be necessary to increase the dose of EQUETRO if used concomitantly with a CYP3A4 inducer. Such drugs include the following: Aminophylline, c isplatin, doxorubicin, felbamate, phosphenytoin, methsuximide , phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rifampin and theophylline. 7.2 Pharmacokinetic Effect s of EQUETRO on other Drugs EQUETRO is a potent inducer of hepatic 3A4 and is also known to be an inducer of CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C9/19 and may therefore reduce plasma concentrations of co-medications mainly metabolized by CYP 1A2, 2B6, 2C9/19 and 3A4, through induction of their metabolism. When used concomitantly with EQUETRO, monitoring of concentrations or dosage adjustment of these agents may be necessary. EQUETRO decreases the concentrations of the following drugs through induction of their metabolism: Hormonal Contraceptives (CYP3A4 Substrates) EQUETRO is a strong inducer of CYP3A4. EQUETRO can increase the metabolism of certain hormonal contraceptives (through CYP3A4 induction) such as oral and subdermal implant contraceptives, leading to significantly lower plasma concentrations of hormones. This can cause contraceptive failure or breakthrough bleeding. Consider alternatives to oral and subdermal implant contraceptives that are significantly affected by induction of CYP3A4; or consider alternatives to EQUETRO [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.3 )] . Delavirdine and other Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (CYP3A4 Substrates) Through induction of CYP3A4, EQUETRO increases the metabolism of delavirdine and certain non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and significantly reduces the plasma concentrations of these drugs. This can cause inadequate antiviral activity, loss of virologic response, and possible resistance to delavirdine or other non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Therefore, the use of EQUETRO with these non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors is contraindicated [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] . Nefazodone (CYP3A4 Substrate) The use of EQUETRO is contraindicated with the use of nefazodone because the concomitant use may result in insufficient plasma concentrations of nefazodone and its active metabolite to achieve a therapeutic effect of nefazodone. Warfarin (CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 Substrate) Through induction of CYP1A2 and CYP3A4, EQUETRO decreases the concentration of warfarin and decreases its anticoagulant effectiveness. Aripiprazole When carbamazepine is added to aripiprazole, the aripiprazole dose should be doubled. Additional dose increases should be based on clinical evaluation. If carbamazepine is later withdrawn, the aripiprazole dose should be reduced. Tacrolimus When carbamazepine is used with tacrolimus, monitoring of tacrolimus blood concentrations and appropriate dosage adjustments are recommended. Temsirolimus The use of concomitant strong CYP3A4 inducers such as carbamazepine should be avoided with temsirolimus. If patients must be coadministered carbamazepine with temsirolimus, an adjustment of temsirolimus dosage should be considered. Lapatinib The use of carbamazepine with lapatinib should generally be avoided. If carbamazepine is started in a patient already taking lapatinib, the dose of lapatinib should be gradually titrated up. If carbamazepine is discontinued, the lapatinib dose should be reduced. HIV Protease Inhibitors Due to strong induction of CYP3A4 caused by carbamazepine, use of EQUETRO with HIV protease inhibitors is not recommended. Other CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 Substrates EQUETRO induces CYP1A2 and CYP3A4, leading to decreased concentrations of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 or CYP1A2. It may be necessary to increase the doses of such drugs when used concomitantly with EQUETRO. Drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 or CYP1A2 include the following: Acetaminophen, albendazole, alprazolam, aprepitant, buprenorphone, bupropion, buspirone, citalopram, clobazam, clonazepam, clozapine, cyclosporin, delavirdine, desipramine, diazepam, dicumarol, dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (e.g., felodipine), doxycycline, ethosuximide, everolimus, felbamate, glucocorticoids, haloperidol, imatinib, itraconazole, lamotrigine, levothyroxine, lorazepam, methadone, methsuxamide, mianserin, midazolam, mirtazapine, nefazodone, olanzapine, oral and other hormonal contraceptives, oxcarbazepine, paliperidone, phenytoin, praziquantel, quetiapine, risperidone, sertraline, sirolimus, tadalafil, theophylline, topiramate, tiagabine, tramadol, triazolam, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., imipramine, amitriptyline, nortriptyline), trazodone, valproate, warfarin , ziprasidone, and zonisamide. EQUETRO increases the plasma levels of the following drugs by inhibition of their metabolism : Clomipramine, P henytoin, and P rimidone EQUETRO can increase the concentrations of clomipramine, phenytoin, and primidone. If a patient has been titrated to a stable dosage on one of these agents in this category, and then begins treatment with EQUETRO, it may be necessary to decrease the dose of these drugs. Phenytoin Phenytoin levels have been reported to increase or decrease in the presence of carbamazepine. There are multiple pharmacokinetic mechanisms for changes in phenytoin levels when used concomitantly with EQUETRO. Monitor phenytoin serum levels carefully when used concomitantly with EQUETRO. Cyclophosphamide Cyclophosphamide is an inactive prodrug and is converted to its active metabolite in part by CYP3A. The rate of metabolism and the leukopenic activity of cyclophosphamide are reportedly increased by chronic co-administration of CYP3A4 inducers. There is a potential for increased cyclophosphamide toxicity when coadministered with carbamazepine. 7.3 Pharmacodynamic Drug Interactions M onoamine O xidase I nhibitors Concomitant treatment with EQUETRO is contraindicated during use of an MAOI or within 14 days after discontinuing an MAOI. Concomitant use can cause serotonin syndrome. Lithium Concomitant administration of EQUETRO and lithium can increase the risk of neurotoxic adverse reactions. Consider reducing the dose of lithium or EQUETRO when using these drugs concomitantly. Isoniazid Concomitant use of carbamazepine and isoniazid has been reported to increase isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity. CNS Depressants The concomitant use of EQUETRO and other CNS depressants can increase the risk of respiratory depression, profound sedation, hypotension, and syncope. CNS depressants include: alcohol, opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, sedative/hypnotics, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antihistamines, anticholinergics, alpha and beta blockers, general anesthetics, muscle relaxants, and illicit CNS depressants. Consider reducing the dose of CNS depressants or EQUETRO when using these drugs concomitantly. Chloroquine and Mefloquine The anti-malarial drugs chloroquine and mefloquine can antagonize the activity of EQUETRO. N e uromuscular Blocking Agents Resistance to the neuromuscular blocking action of the nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents pancuronium, vecuronium, rocuronium and cisatracurium has occurred in patients chronically administered carbamazepine. Whether or not carbamazepine has the same effect on other nondepolarizing agents is unknown. Patients should be monitored closely for more rapid recovery from neuromuscular blockade than expected, and infusion rate requirements may be higher.
How long does Carbamazepine stay in your body?
The elimination half-life of carbamazepine is about 12 to 17 hours once you have been taking it regularly (25 to 65 hours after the very first dose) — the time it takes the body to clear about half of it. As a rule of thumb, a medicine is mostly gone after roughly 4 to 5 half-lives, though this varies from person to person with age and kidney or liver function. Carbamazepine speeds up its own breakdown — the label calls this autoinduction, and it finishes after 3 to 5 weeks on a steady dose. That is why the half-life starts long (25 to 65 hours after a single dose) and shortens to 12 to 17 hours with ongoing use. Carbamazepine has an active metabolite, carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide; this label states no half-life for it and cautions that the clinical significance of the epoxide's activity has not been established. Extended-release forms change how fast the drug is absorbed (peak at 3 to 12 hours instead of 4 to 5), not how fast it is cleared. This label gives no separate half-life for older adults or for kidney or liver impairment.
This is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t tell you when a drug test would read negative (tests detect substances for different, often longer, windows) or when it’s safe to take another dose — ask your pharmacist or prescriber. Source: TEGRETOL (carbamazepine) tablets, suspension and XR tablets — FDA prescribing information, Clinical Pharmacology (DailyMed).
Drug class
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
- bipolar disorder
- tonic-clonic epilepsy
- psychotic disorders
- restless legs syndrome
- schizophrenia
- post-traumatic stress disorders
See how Equetro ranks — best-rated mood stabilizer for:
Dosage forms
Capsule, extended release
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
Compare alternatives
A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →
Frequently asked questions
- What does Equetro treat?
- Equetro (Carbamazepine) may be used to treat bipolar disorder, tonic-clonic epilepsy, psychotic disorders, restless legs syndrome, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorders, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How much does Equetro cost?
- Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $7.32 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Equetro?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Equetro. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Equetro?
- Equetro is marketed by Validus Pharms. You can see Validus Pharms's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Equetro a brand-name or generic drug?
- Equetro is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Carbamazepine. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Carbamazepine are available — ask your pharmacist.
- Is Equetro available over the counter?
- No. Equetro is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Equetro come in?
- Equetro is currently marketed as capsule, extended release, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Equetro?
- Equetro is classified as mood stabilizer, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Equetro FDA-registered?
- Equetro is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA021710. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Equetro been recalled by the FDA?
- Equetro has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
- Is Equetro safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Equetro. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Equetro?
- Equetro's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Serious Dermatologic Reactions: Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) Aplastic anemia/agranulocytosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to write one.
People also viewed
Compare Equetro head-to-head
Browse medications A–Z
Research products from A to Z, compare independent ratings, and find alternatives.
equetro
New