Article Text
Abstract
Purpose To assess retention rate, seizure control and safety/tolerability of eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) as add-on to antiepileptic monotherapy in everyday clinical practice across eight European countries.
Method Eslicarbazepine acetate in Partial-Onset Seizures (EPOS) was a prospective, non-interventional study conducted in adult patients with uncontrolled partial-onset seizures under antiepileptic monotherapy, whose clinician had previously and independently decided to initiate ESL add-on therapy. Primary endpoint was retention rate after 6 months. Other assessments included responder and seizure freedom rates after 6 months, and safety/tolerability.
Results Overall, 219 patients were included (mean age 45.9 years; 57.5% male). Mean time since epilepsy diagnosis was 12.3 years. Mean ESL dose after titration was 944.8 mg/day (range 428.6–2800.0 mg/day). After 6 months, retention, responder and seizure freedom rates were 82.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 76.5–87.0%), 81.8% (95% CI 75.5–87.1%) and 39.2% (95% CI 32.2–46.5%), respectively. Adverse events (AEs) were reported for 57 (26.0%) patients (most commonly dizziness [4.6%]); eight (3.7%) patients experienced serious AEs. No AE was reported in >5% of patients.
Conclusion ESL as add-on to antiepileptic monotherapy demonstrated favourable retention and seizure control, and was well tolerated by the majority of adult patients in a real-life setting.
Supported by Eisai.