Purpose To investigate eslicarbazapine acetate (ESL) in patients transitioning from carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine in clinical practice.

Method Euro-Esli was a pooled analysis of 14 European studies. Data were analysed for patients transitioning from carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine to ESL due to lack of efficacy or poor tolerability. Responder rate (≥50% seizure frequency reduction) and seizure freedom rate (seizure freedom at least since prior visit) were assessed after 3, 6 and 12 months of ESL treatment, and at last visit. Safety/tolerability analysis evaluated adverse events (AEs) and ESL discontinuation due to AEs.

Results Euro-Esli included 2058 patients; 233 (11.3%) transitioned from carbamazepine and 134 (6.5%) transitioned from oxcarbazepine. After 12 months, responder and seizure freedom rates for patients transitioning from carbamazepine due to lack of efficacy (n=163) were 70.0% and 30.9%, respectively. Corresponding values for patients transitioning from oxcarbazepine due to lack of efficacy (n=90) were 57.1% and 25.0%, respectively. Among patients who transitioned from carbamazepine (n=64) and oxcarbazepine (n=61) due to poor tolerability, 26.6% and 39.5% experienced AEs; 8.3% and 6.8% discontinued ESL due to AEs, respectively.

Conclusion ESL may be a useful option for patients experiencing intolerable AEs or not achieving adequate control with carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine.

Supported by Eisai.