Fintepla

Fenfluramine.

Clear, colourless, slightly viscous liquid, with a pH of 5.
Each mL contains 2.2 mg of fenfluramine (as 2.5 mg fenfluramine hydrochloride).
Excipient(s) with known effect: Glucose (maize): 0.627 mg/mL; Sodium ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate (E 215): 0.23 mg/mL; Sodium methyl para-hydroxybenzoate (E 219): 2.3 mg/mL; Sulfur dioxide (E 220): 0.000009 mg/mL.
Excipients/Inactive Ingredients: Sodium ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate (E 215), Sodium methyl para-hydroxybenzoate (E 219), Sucralose (E 955), Hydroxyethylcellulose (E 1525), Monosodium phosphate (E 339), Disodium phosphate (E 339), Potassium citrate (E 332), Citric acid monohydrate (E 330), Water for injections.
Cherry flavouring powder: Acacia (E 414), Glucose (maize), Ethyl benzoate, Natural flavouring preparations, Natural flavouring substances, Flavouring substances, Maltodextrin (maize), Sulfur dioxide (E 220).

Pharmacotherapeutic group: antiepileptics, other antiepileptics. ATC code: N03AX26.
Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Mechanism of action: Fenfluramine is a serotonin releasing agent, and thereby stimulates multiple 5-HT receptor sub-types through the release of serotonin. Fenfluramine may reduce seizures by acting as an agonist at specific serotonin receptors in the brain, including the 5-HT1D, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT2C receptors, and also by acting on the sigma-1 receptor. The precise mode of action of fenfluramine in Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is not known.
Clinical efficacy: Dravet syndrome: Children and young adults with Dravet syndrome: The effectiveness of fenfluramine in children and young adults with Dravet syndrome was evaluated in three randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled studies (1501, 1502, 1504).
Study 1 (n=119) and Study 3 (n=143) are the prospective, merged analyses of the first 119 patients enrolled (Study 1) and the remaining subsequent total of 143 enrolled patients (Study 3) from 2 identical double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, ZX008-1501 and ZX008-1502. Study 1501 and Study 1502 were conducted in parallel and the design was identical: 3-arm, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled studies consisting of a 6-week baseline period followed by a 2-week titration period and a 12-week maintenance period for a total of 14-weeks treatment. Patients taking concomitant stiripentol were not enrolled in these studies. Eligible patients were randomised 1:1:1 to one of two doses of fenfluramine (0.7 mg/kg/day or 0.2 mg/kg/day, maximum 26 mg/day) or placebo. The mean (standard deviation) age of patients enrolled was 9.0 (4.7) years in Study 1 and was 9.3 (4.7) years in Study 3, with a range of 2 to 18 years. The majority of patients were ≥6 years of age (73.9% in Study 1 and 74.6% in Study 3). All enrolled patients were inadequately controlled on at least one anti-epileptic medicine, with or without vagal nerve stimulation and/or ketogenic diet, the most frequently used concomitant anti-epileptic medicines (≥25% overall) being valproate, clobazam, topiramate and levetiracetam. (See Table 1.)

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Study 2 (previously known as 1504) (N=87) was a 2-arm, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled study consisting of a 6-week baseline period followed by a 3-week titration period and a 12-week maintenance period for a total of 15 weeks treatment. Eligible patients were randomised 1:1 to fenfluramine 0.4 mg/kg/day (maximum 17 mg/day) or placebo added to their stable standard of care regimen of stiripentol (plus clobazam and/or valproate) and possibly other anti-epileptic medicines. The mean (standard deviation) age of patients enrolled in Study 2 was 9.1 (4.80) years, with a range of 2 to 19 years. The majority of patients were ≥6 years of age (72.4%) and the minority <6 years (27.6%), male (57.5%) and, where reported, white (59.8%). All enrolled subjects were inadequately controlled on at least one anti-epileptic medicine, which included stiripentol, with or without vagal nerve stimulation and/or ketogenic diet. The median baseline convulsive seizure frequency per 28 days was 10.7 and 14.0 in the placebo and fenfluramine 0.4 mg/kg/day groups, respectively. (See Table 2.)

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Adults: The Dravet syndrome population in Study 1, Study 2 and Study 3 was predominantly paediatric patients, with only 11 adult patients who were 18-19 years old (3.2%), and therefore limited efficacy and safety data were obtained in the adult Dravet syndrome population.
Open-label data: Dravet syndrome patients who participated in Study 1, Study 2 and Study 3 could participate in an open-label extension study (Study 5). The primary objective of the open-label extension (OLE) study was long-term safety of fenfluramine at doses of 0.2 to 0.7 mg/kg/day, whereby the dose of fenfluramine could be titrated to optimize treatment. Data are reported for 374 patients who participated in the open-label study and received fenfluramine for up to 3 years (median treatment period: 824 days; range: 7-1280). A median percentage change from Baseline in convulsive seizure frequency (CSF) during the overall OLE Treatment Period of -66.81% (p <0.001) was observed. Of 375 study participants, 12.8% discontinued the study due to lack of efficacy, 2.9% due to adverse events, 5.3% due to physician or family request.
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: Children and adults with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: The effectiveness of fenfluramine for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in patients 2 to 35 years of age was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (Study 4 Part 1). Part 1 includes 2 independently analyzed cohorts, Cohort A and Cohort B. Cohort A is the primary analysis cohort and includes subjects from North America, Europe, and Australia, and Cohort B includes subjects from Japan.
Study 4 Part 1 Cohort A: Study 4 Part 1 Cohort A compared a 0.7 mg/kg/day (N=87) and a 0.2 mg/kg/day (N=89) dose (up to a maximum dose per day of 26 mg) of fenfluramine with placebo. Patients had a diagnosis of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and were inadequately controlled on at least one anti-epileptic medicine, with or without vagal nerve stimulation and/or ketogenic diet. The study had a 4-week baseline period, during which patients were required to have a minimum of 8 drop seizures while on stable anti-epileptic medicine therapy. Drop seizures included: generalized tonic-clonic, secondarily generalized tonic-clonic, tonic, atonic, or tonic-atonic seizures that were confirmed to result in drops. The baseline period was followed by randomization into a 2-week titration period and a subsequent 12-week maintenance period, where the dose of fenfluramine remained stable.
In Study 4 Part 1, 99% of patients were taking between 1 and 4 concomitant anti-epileptic medicines. The most frequently used concomitant anti-epileptic medicines (in at least 25% of patients) were clobazam (45.2%), lamotrigine (33.5%), and valproate (55.9%).
The primary efficacy endpoint in Study 4 Part 1 was percent change from baseline in the frequency of drop seizures per 28 days during the combined 14-week titration and maintenance periods (i.e., treatment period) in the fenfluramine 0.7 mg/kg/day group compared to the placebo group. Key secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients who achieve a ≥50% reduction from baseline in drop seizure frequency per 28 days for the fenfluramine 0.7 mg/kg/day group compared to the placebo group and proportion of patients who achieve improvement (minimally, much, or very much improved) in the Clinical Global Impression - Improvement (CGI-I) as assessed by the Principal Investigator for the fenfluramine 0.7 mg/kg/day group compared to the placebo group.
In Study 4 Part 1, the median percent change from baseline (reduction) in the frequency of drop seizures per 28 days was significantly greater for the fenfluramine 0.7 mg/kg/day group compared with the placebo group (Table 3). A reduction in drop seizures was observed within 2 weeks of initiating treatment with fenfluramine, and the effect remained consistent over the 14-week treatment period.
Among subjects with ≥124 drop seizures per 28 days during Baseline, the reduction in DSF were -19.98%, -7.37%, -11.21% for subjects in the fenfluramine 0.7 mg/kg/day group, 0.2 mg/kg/day group, and placebo group respectively. (See Table 3.)

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The median percent reduction from baseline in drop seizure frequency per 28 days for the lower dose of fenfluramine (0.2 mg/kg/day) during the Maintenance Period did not reach statistical significance compared to placebo (Median change between 0.2 group of patients and placebo in % change from baseline during Maintenance Period -11.48 [95% CI -26.61, 3.31]).
The seizure type with the greatest median percentage change from Baseline in the fenfluramine 0.7 mg/kg/day group relative to the placebo group was generalised tonic-clonic seizures (-45.7% fenfluramine 0.7 mg/kg/day [n=38] versus 3.7% placebo [n=38]).
Study 4 Part 1 Cohort B: This study compared a 0.7 mg/kg/day (N=11) and a 0.2 mg/kg/day (N=11) dose (up to a maximum dose per day of 26 mg) of fenfluramine with placebo (N=11).
The primary study endpoint was assessed from Part 1 Cohort A data only, due to the small size of Cohort B.
The results from Cohort B support the clinical benefit of fenfluramine reported for Cohort A for the adjunctive treatment of drop seizures associated with LGS in Japanese subjects. (See Table 4.)

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Open-label data: Lennox-Gastaut patients who completed Study 4 Part 1 could participate in Part 2, an open-label, 52-week, flexible-dose extension study. The primary objective of Study 4 Part 2 was to assess the long-term safety and tolerability of fenfluramine at doses of 0.2 mg/kg/day to 0.7 mg/kg/day. All patients received fenfluramine 0.2 mg/kg/day for 1 month, then the dose was titrated to optimize treatment.
Among the 172 LGS subjects treated with fenfluramine for ≥12 months, 46.5% had received a mean daily dose of 0.4 to <0.6 mg/kg/day, 33.7% received a mean daily dose ≥0.6 mg/kg/day, 19.8% received a mean daily dose of >0 to <0.4 mg/kg/day.
Data are reported for 247 patients who enrolled in Study 4 Part 2 and received fenfluramine for a median duration of 364 days (range: 19-542 days). A total of 143 subjects had completed the study, 19 subjects were ongoing, and 85 subjects had withdrawn. The most common reason for discontinuation was lack of efficacy (55 [22.3%]), adverse event (13 [5.3%]), and withdrawal by subject (13 [5.3%]).
Paediatric population: The European Medicines Agency has deferred the obligation to submit the results of studies with Fintepla in one or more subsets of the paediatric population in Dravet syndrome (see Dosage & Administration for information on paediatric use).
Pharmacokinetics: The pharmacokinetics of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine were studied in healthy subjects, in paediatric patients with Dravet syndrome, and in paediatric and adult patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Absorption: Fenfluramine has a time to maximum plasma concentration (T_max) in the range of 3 to 5 hours at steady state. The absolute bioavailability of fenfluramine is approximately 68%-83%. There was no effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of fenfluramine or norfenfluramine.
For fenfluramine, the C_max occurs ~3 h following a single oral dose in healthy volunteers and is 28.6 ng/ml following a dose of 0.35 mg/kg and 59.3 ng/ml following a dose of 0.7 mg/kg fenfluramine. The AUC_inf is 673 ng × h/ml and 1660 ng × h/ml following 0.35 mg/kg and 0.7 mg/kg, respectively. For norfenfluramine, the C_max occurs ~12 h following a single oral dose in healthy volunteers and is 11.7 ng/ml and 16.1 ng/ml following a dose of 0.35 mg/kg or 0.7 mg/kg, respectively. The AUC_inf is 798 ng × h/ml and ~800 ng × h/ml following 0.35 mg/kg and 0.7 mg/kg, respectively. C_max and AUC_inf of fenfluramine appear dose proportional over the 0.35 to 0.7 mg/kg dose range in healthy volunteers. The C_max and AUC_inf of norfenfluramine are less than dose proportional over the 0.35 to 0.7 mg/kg dose range in healthy volunteers. The AUC_inf increase was 0.5-fold for the 0.7 mg/kg dose compared to the 0.35 mg/kg dose. The C_max increase was 0.7-fold for the 0.7 mg/kg dose compared to the 0.35 mg/kg dose.
In paediatric Dravet syndrome patients following fenfluramine dosing of 0.2 mg/kg/day, administered twice daily, steady state exposure (AUC_0-24) is 371 ng*h/ml for fenfluramine and 222 ng*h/ml for norfenfluramine. In paediatric patients following fenfluramine dosing of 0.7 mg/kg/day, administered twice daily with a maximum of 26 mg/day; steady state AUC_0-24 is 1400 ng*h/ml for fenfluramine and 869 ng*h/ml for norfenfluramine following a dose of 0.7 mg/kg/day, administered twice daily. C_max,ss was 68.6 ng/ml for fenfluramine and 37.8 ng/ml for norfenfluramine. When stiripentol is given concomitantly, the steady state AUC_0-24 is 1030 ng*h/ml for fenfluramine and 139 ng*h/ml for norfenfluramine following a dose of 0.2 mg/kg/day, administered twice daily; the steady state AUC_0-24 is 3240 ng*h/ml for fenfluramine and 364 ng*h/ml for norfenfluramine following a dose of 0.35 mg/kg/day, administered twice daily.
In paediatric and adult patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome who receive fenfluramine 0.7 mg/kg/day, administered twice daily, up to a total daily dose of 26 mg fenfluramine, steady-state systemic exposure (C_max and AUC_0-24h) of fenfluramine is slightly lower on average but not considered to be meaningfully different than in patients with Dravet syndrome.
The plasma half-life of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine indicates that approximately 94% of steady-state would be reached in approximately 4 days for fenfluramine and 5 days for norfenfluramine (4 half-lives). In healthy subjects, the C_max accumulation ratio is 3.7-fold for fenfluramine and 6.4-fold for norfenfluramine and the AUC_0-24 accumulation ratio is 2.6-fold for fenfluramine and 3.7-fold for norfenfluramine.
Distribution: Fenfluramine is 50% bound to human plasma proteins in vitro and binding is independent of fenfluramine concentrations. The geometric mean (CV%) volume of distribution (V_z/F) of fenfluramine is 11.9 (16.5%) L/kg following oral administration of fenfluramine in healthy subjects.
Biotransformation: Over 75% of fenfluramine is metabolised to norfenfluramine prior to elimination, primarily by CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and CYP2D6. Norfenfluramine is then deaminated and oxidized to form inactive metabolites. The extent to which these inactive metabolites are present in plasma and urine is unknown. The involvement of enzymes other than CYPs (e.g. UGTs) in the metabolism of norfenfluramine is unknown, but literature data indicate that norfenfluramine may be glucuronidated to a significant extent.
Transporters: Fenfluramine and norfenfluramine were not in vitro substrates of P-glycoprotein, BCRP, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OATP1A2, OATP2B1, OCT1, OAT1, OAT3, OCT2, MATE1 and MATE2-K.
Elimination: Most of an orally administered dose of fenfluramine (>90%) is excreted in the urine mainly as metabolite; less than 5% is found in faeces. The geometric mean (CV%) clearance (CL/F) of fenfluramine is 6.9 L/h (29%) and the half-life is 20 hours following oral administration of fenfluramine in healthy subjects. The elimination half-life of norfenfluramine is ~30 h.
Special populations: Genetic polymorphisms: No impact of genotype in CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, or CYP3A4 on fenfluramine or norfenfluramine PK was observed.
Renal impairment: Renal elimination is the predominant route of elimination of fenfluramine, with more than 90% of the administered dose eliminated in the urine as parent or metabolites. In a study comparing the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of 0.35 mg/kg fenfluramine in subjects with severe renal impairment (determined by modification of diet in renal disease estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 ml/min/1.73m²) and matched healthy volunteers, C_max and AUC_0-t of fenfluramine increased by 20% and 87%, respectively, in severe renal impairment. These increases in fenfluramine exposures are not clinically significant. Small and insignificant changes in AUC_0-t and C_max of norfenfluramine were observed in subjects with severe renal impairment. No dose adjustment is recommended when Fintepla is administered to patients with mild to severe renal impairment, however, a slower titration may be considered. If adverse reactions are reported, a dose reduction may be needed.
Hepatic impairment: In a study comparing the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of 0.35 mg/kg fenfluramine in subjects with mild, moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A, B, or C, respectively), AUC_0-t of fenfluramine increased by 95% in subjects with mild hepatic impairment, 113% in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment, and 185% in subjects with severe hepatic impairment relative to matched subjects with normal liver function. Increases in C_max of fenfluramine ranged from 19% to 29% in hepatic impairment. Systemic exposures of norfenfluramine either increased slightly by up to 18% (AUC_0-t) or decreased by up to 45% (C_max) in subjects with hepatic impairment. In subjects with mild, moderate, and severe hepatic impairment, the mean plasma elimination half-life of fenfluramine increased to 34.5 hours, 41.1 hours, and 54.6 hours, respectively, compared to 22.8 hours in subjects with normal hepatic function. The corresponding mean plasma elimination half-life of norfenfluramine was 54.0 hours, 72.5 hours, and 69.0 hours, respectively, compared to 30.2 hours in subjects with normal hepatic function. The differences in exposures in mild and moderate hepatic impairment are not considered to be clinically meaningful. Dosage of fenfluramine should be reduced in patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Special populations under Dosage & Administration].
The retrospective analysis of steady-state exposures of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine in Study 2, Cohort 2 (n=12) indicated no clinically meaningful changes in the absence or presence of stable doses of stiripentol in patients with Dravet syndrome in the Phase 3 trials who were categorized with mild hepatic impairment as compared to those with normal hepatic function (AST/ALT and BILI ≤ ULN). Fenfluramine is not recommended for use in patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment treated with stiripentol.
Body weight: Drug clearance and PK exposure of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine are consistent across a broad range of BMI (12.3 to 35 kg/m²).
Gender: The pharmacokinetics of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine were consistent between males and females.
Race: The evaluation was limited by the small sample size of non-white subjects that no conclusion on the effect of race on the pharmacokinetics can be made. The genetic polymorphs of the enzymes that metabolize fenfluramine are similar across races, only their frequency differs. Thus, although the mean exposure may differ slightly depending on race, the range of exposure would be expected to be similar.
Toxicology: Preclinical safety data: Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenic potential, toxicity to reproduction and development.
In a lactation study, rats were dosed orally with radiolabeled dexfenfluramine at 1.2 mg/kg, and samples of plasma and milk were collected over 24 hours following the dose. Both dexfenfluramine and nordexfenfluramine were found in milk at 2 hours after dosing and levels declined over 24 hours. No dexfenfluramine was found in the milk at 24 hours. Nordexfenfluramine was present in small amounts at 24 hours. The radioactivity milk:plasma ratio was 9 ± 2 at 2 hours and 5 ± 1 at 24 hours. Based on a bodyweight comparison, the human equivalent dose (0.2 mg/kg dexfenfluramine) is less than the maximum recommended human dose of fenfluramine.
Reproduction and development: Fenfluramine and norfenfluramine crossed the placenta in pregnant rats and rabbits. Plasma exposures were higher in rat foetuses than in the dams, while plasma exposures in rabbits were comparable between does and foetuses; however the effects in human foetuses are unknown.
In an embryofoetal development study in rats, decreased foetal body weight and increased incidences of external and skeletal malformations were observed at the high dose level in association with maternal toxicity. No foetal abnormalities were noted at exposures at least five-fold the plasma AUC in humans administered the maximum recommended therapeutic dose of fenfluramine.
No fenfluramine-related external, visceral or skeletal malformations or variations were determined in an embryofoetal development study in rabbits but increased post-implantation losses were evident at all doses secondarily to fenfluramine maternal toxicity (body weight loss and decreased food consumption). Additional clinical signs of dilated pupils and increased respiration rate and tremors were observed. Plasma exposures (AUC) in rabbits were below those in humans at the maximum recommended therapeutic dose of fenfluramine.
In a pre- and post-natal study in rats, maternal toxicity was associated with an increase in stillbirths at the high dose. No adverse effects on the F₀ and F₁ generations were confirmed at five-fold higher plasma exposures (AUC) than in humans at the maximum recommended therapeutic dose of fenfluramine. In the first generation of offspring, there were no effects on overall reproductive function.
Fenfluramine did not affect the reproductive performance of male rats. In female rats, a reduction in the fertility index (defined by the proportion of matings that resulted in pregnancies) was observed at maternally toxic doses that correlated with less corpora lutea, significantly fewer implantation sites and a higher percentage of pre- and post-implantation losses. No effects on the fertility index were noticed at plasma exposures (AUC) approximately equivalent to those in humans at the maximum recommended therapeutic dose of fenfluramine.

Fintepla is indicated for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome as an add-on therapy to other anti-epileptic medicines for patients 2 years of age and older.

Fintepla should be initiated and supervised by physicians with experience in the treatment of epilepsy.
Fintepla is prescribed and dispensed according to the Fintepla controlled access programme (see Precautions).
Posology: Paediatric (children aged 2 years and older) and adult populations: See Table 5.

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If the calculated dose is 3.0 ml or less, the green printed 3 ml syringe should be used.
If the calculated dose is more than 3.0 ml, the purple printed 6 ml syringe should be used.
The calculated dose should be rounded to the nearest graduated increment. (See Table 6.)

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If the calculated dose is 3.0 ml or less, the green printed 3 ml syringe should be used.
If the calculated dose is more than 3.0 ml, the purple printed 6 ml syringe should be used.
The calculated dose should be rounded to the nearest graduated increment.
Discontinuation of treatment: When discontinuing treatment, the dose should be decreased gradually. As with all anti-epileptic medicines, abrupt discontinuation should be avoided when possible to minimize the risk of increased seizure frequency and status epilepticus. A final echocardiogram should be conducted 3-6 months after the last dose of treatment with fenfluramine.
Special populations: Patients with renal impairment: Generally, no dose adjustment is recommended when Fintepla is administered to patients with mild to severe renal impairment, however, a slower titration may be considered. If adverse reactions are reported, a dose reduction may be needed (see Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions).
Fintepla has not been studied in patients with end-stage renal disease. It is not known if fenfluramine or its active metabolite, norfenfluramine, is dialyzable.
There are no specific clinical data on the use of Fintepla with stiripentol in patients with impaired renal function. Fintepla is therefore not recommended for use in patients with impaired renal function treated with stiripentol.
Patients with hepatic impairment: Generally, no dose adjustment is recommended when Fintepla is administered without concomitant stiripentol to patients with mild and moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A and B).
In patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) not receiving concomitant stiripentol, the maximum dosage for these patients is 0.2 mg/kg twice daily, and the maximal total daily dose is 17 mg.
There are limited clinical data on the use of Fintepla with stiripentol in patients with mild impaired hepatic function (see Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions).
A slower titration may be considered in patients with hepatic impairment. If adverse reactions are reported, a dose reduction may be needed (see Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions).
There are no clinical data on the use of Fintepla with stiripentol in patients with moderate and severe impaired hepatic function. Fintepla is therefore not recommended for use in patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment treated with stiripentol.
Elderly: There are no data on the use of Fintepla in elderly patients.
Paediatric population: The safety and efficacy of Fintepla in children below 2 years of age has not yet been established. No data are available.
Method of administration: Fintepla is to be administered orally.
Fintepla may be taken with or without food.
Fintepla is compatible with commercially available gastric and nasogastric feeding tubes (see Special precautions for disposal and other handling under Cautions for Usage).
Fintepla contains a very limited amount of digestible carbohydrates and is compatible with a ketogenic diet.

Only limited data have been reported concerning clinical effects and management of overdose of fenfluramine. Agitation, drowsiness, confusion, flushing, tremor (or shivering), fever, sweating, abdominal pain, hyperventilation, and dilated non-reactive pupils were reported at much higher doses of fenfluramine than those included in the clinical trial program.
Vital functions should be monitored closely, and supportive treatment administered in case of convulsions, arrhythmias, or respiratory difficulties.

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients listed in Description.
Aortic or mitral valvular heart disease.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Within 14 days of the administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors due to an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.

Aortic or mitral valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension: Because of reported cases of valvular heart disease that may have been caused by fenfluramine at higher doses used to treat adult obesity, cardiac monitoring must be performed using echocardiography. Patients with valvular heart disease or pulmonary arterial hypertension were excluded from the controlled clinical studies of fenfluramine for the treatment of Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. No valvular heart disease was observed during these studies.
Prior to starting treatment, patients must undergo an echocardiogram to establish a baseline prior to initiating treatment (see Contraindications) and exclude any pre-existing valvular heart disease or pulmonary hypertension.
Echocardiogram monitoring should be conducted every 6 months for the first 2 years and annually thereafter. If an echocardiogram indicates pathological valvular changes, a follow-up echocardiogram should be considered at an earlier timeframe to evaluate whether the abnormality is persistent. If pathological abnormalities on the echocardiogram are observed, it is recommended to evaluate the benefit versus risk of continuing fenfluramine treatment with the prescriber, caregiver, and cardiologist.
Once treatment is discontinued for any reasons, a final echocardiogram should be conducted 3-6 months after the last dose of treatment with fenfluramine.
If treatment is stopped because of aortic or mitral valvular heart disease, appropriate monitoring and follow-up should be provided in accordance with local guidelines for the treatment of aortic or mitral valvular heart disease.
With past use in higher doses to treat adult obesity, fenfluramine was reported to be associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Pulmonary arterial hypertension was not observed in the clinical programme, but post-marketing data show that it can also occur with doses used to treat epilepsy (see Adverse Reactions).
If echocardiogram findings are suggestive of pulmonary arterial hypertension, a repeat echocardiogram should be performed as soon as possible and within 3 months to confirm these findings. If the echocardiogram finding is confirmed suggestive of an increased probability of pulmonary arterial hypertension defined as "intermediate probability" by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines, it should lead to a benefit-risk evaluation of continuation of Fintepla by the prescriber, carer, and cardiologist. If the echocardiogram finding, after confirmation, suggests of a high probability of pulmonary arterial hypertension, as defined by the ESC and ERS guidelines, it is recommended fenfluramine treatment should be stopped.
Decreased appetite and weight loss: Fenfluramine can cause decreased appetite and weight loss (see Adverse Reactions). An additive effect on decreased appetite can occur when fenfluramine is combined with other anti-epileptic medicines, for example stiripentol. The decrease in weight appears to be dose related. Most subjects resumed weight gain over time while continuing treatment. The patient's weight should be monitored. A benefit risk evaluation should be undertaken prior to commencing treatment with fenfluramine in patients with a history of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
Fintepla controlled access programme: A controlled access programme has been created to 1) prevent off-label use in weight management in obese patients and 2) confirm that prescribing physicians have been informed of the need for periodic cardiac monitoring in patients taking Fintepla.
Somnolence: Fenfluramine can cause somnolence.
Other central nervous system depressants, including alcohol, could potentiate the somnolence effect of fenfluramine (see Interactions and Effects on ability to drive and use machines as follows).
Suicidal behaviour and ideation: Suicidal behaviour and ideation have been reported in patients treated with anti-epileptic medicines in several indications. A meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials with anti-epileptic medicines that did not include fenfluramine has shown a small increased risk of suicidal behaviour and ideation. The mechanism of this risk is not known, and the available data do not exclude the possibility of an increased risk for fenfluramine. Patients and caregivers of patients should be advised to seek medical advice should any signs of suicidal behaviour and ideation emerge.
Serotonin syndrome: As with other serotonergic agents, serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, may occur with fenfluramine treatment, particularly with concomitant use of other serotonergic agents (including SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, or triptans); with agents that impair metabolism of serotonin such as MAOIs; or with antipsychotics that may affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter systems (see Contraindications and Interactions).
Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, hyperthermia), neuromuscular aberrations (e.g., hyperreflexia, incoordination), and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea).
If concomitant treatment with fenfluramine and other serotonergic agents that may affect the serotonergic systems is clinically warranted, careful observation of the patient is advised, particularly during treatment initiation and dose increases. If serotonin syndrome is suspected, a dose reduction or discontinuation of therapy with Fintepla and/or other serotonergic agents should be considered.
Increased seizure frequency: As with other anti-epileptic medicines, a clinically relevant increase in seizure frequency may occur during treatment with fenfluramine, which may require adjustment in the dose of fenfluramine and/or concomitant anti-epileptic medicines, or discontinuation of fenfluramine, should the benefit-risk be negative.
Cyproheptadine: Cyproheptadine is a potent serotonin receptor antagonist and may therefore decrease the efficacy of fenfluramine. If cyproheptadine is added to treatment with fenfluramine, patients should be monitored for worsening of seizures. If fenfluramine treatment is initiated in a patient taking cyproheptadine, fenfluramine's efficacy may be reduced.
Glaucoma: Fenfluramine can cause mydriasis and can precipitate angle closure glaucoma. Discontinue therapy in patients with acute decreases in visual acuity. Consider discontinuation if there is ocular pain and another cause cannot be determined.
Effect of CYP1A2 and CYP2B6 inducers: Co-administration with strong CYP1A2 inducers or CYP2B6 inducers will decrease fenfluramine plasma concentrations, which may lower the efficacy of fenfluramine (see Interactions). If co-administration of a strong CYP1A2 or CYP2B6 inducer with fenfluramine is considered necessary, the patient should be monitored for reduced efficacy and a dose increase of fenfluramine could be considered provided that it does not exceed twice the maximum daily dose (52 mg/day) (see Dosage & Administration). If a strong CYP1A2 or CYP2B6 inducer is discontinued during maintenance treatment with fenfluramine, consider gradual reduction of the fenfluramine dosage to the dose administered prior to initiating the inducer (see Dosage & Administration).
Effect of CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 inhibitors: Initiation of concomitant treatment with a strong CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 inhibitor may result in higher exposure and, therefore, adverse events should be monitored, and a dose reduction may be needed in some patients.
Coadministration of a single 0.35 mg/kg dose of fenfluramine with fluvoxamine (a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor) at steady state (50 mg once daily) in healthy volunteers increased the AUC0-t of fenfluramine by a ratio of 2.1-fold and the Cmax by a ratio of 1.2-fold, and decreased the AUC0-t of norfenfluramine by a ratio of 1.3-fold and the Cmax by a ratio of 1.4-fold, as compared to fenfluramine administered alone.
Coadministration of a single 0.35 mg/kg dose of fenfluramine with paroxetine (a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor) at steady state (30 mg once daily) in healthy volunteers increased the AUC0-t of fenfluramine by a ratio of 1.8-fold and the Cmax by a ratio of 1.1-fold, and decreased the AUC0-t of norfenfluramine by a ratio of 1.2-fold and the Cmax by a ratio of 1.3-fold, as compared to fenfluramine administered alone.
Excipients: This medicinal product contains sodium ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate (E 215) and sodium methyl para-hydroxybenzoate (E 219) which may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).
It also contains sulfur dioxide (E 220) which may rarely cause severe hypersensitivity reactions and bronchospasm.
Patients with rare glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per the maximum daily dose of 12 ml, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.
This medicinal product contains glucose which may be harmful to the teeth.
Effects on ability to drive and use machines: Fintepla has moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines because it may cause somnolence and fatigue. Patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery until they have gained sufficient experience to gauge whether it adversely affects their abilities (see Adverse Reactions).

Pregnancy: There are limited data (less than 300 pregnancy outcomes) from the use of fenfluramine in pregnant women.
Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity in the absence of paternal or maternal toxicity (see Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions).
As a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid the use of Fintepla during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding: It is unknown whether fenfluramine/metabolites are excreted in human milk. Available pharmacokinetic data in animals have shown excretion of fenfluramine/metabolites in milk (see Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions).
A risk to the suckling child cannot be excluded.
A decision must be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from Fintepla therapy taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.
Fertility: No effects of fenfluramine on human fertility up to clinical doses of 104 mg/day were noted. However, animal studies suggest that Fintepla may possibly affect female fertility (see Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions).

Summary of the safety profile for Dravet Syndrome: The most commonly reported adverse reactions are decreased appetite (34.7%), diarrhoea (19.9%), echocardiogram abnormal* (18.1%), fatigue (17.6%), pyrexia (17.6%), blood glucose decreased (14.4%) and somnolence (13.0%).
* Consisted of trace and mild mitral regurgitation, and trace aortic regurgitation, which are usually considered non-pathologic/physiologic.
Summary of the safety profile for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: The most commonly reported adverse reactions are decreased appetite (28.8%), fatigue (16.2%), somnolence (16.2%), diarrhoea (13.1%) and vomiting (10.8%).
Tabulated list of adverse reactions: Adverse reactions reported with fenfluramine in placebo-controlled clinical studies and from post-marketing surveillance are listed in the tables as follows by System Organ Class and frequency. Frequencies are defined as very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 to <1/10) or not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). (See Tables 7 and 8.)

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image


Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

Description of selected adverse reactions: Decreased appetite and weight loss: Fenfluramine can cause decreased appetite and weight loss. In the controlled trials of children and young adults with Dravet syndrome 34.7% of fenfluramine-treated patients had an adverse reaction of decreased appetite, compared to 7.6% of patients on placebo, and approximately 7.4% of fenfluramine-treated patients had a decrease in weight ≥7% from their baseline weight, compared to 0.8% of patients on placebo. In the controlled clinical trials of children and adults with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, 28.8% of fenfluramine-treated patients had an adverse reaction of decreased appetite, compared to 15.3% of patients on placebo, and approximately 8.1% of fenfluramine-treated patients had a decrease in weight of ≥7% from their baseline weight, compared to 3.1% of patients on placebo. The decreases in appetite and weight appeared to be dose related. Most subjects resumed weight gain over time while continuing fenfluramine treatment.
Status epilepticus and seizures: In the Dravet syndrome phase 3 clinical trials, the observed frequency of status epilepticus was 1.5% in the placebo group and 5.1% in the combined fenfluramine group. In the LGS phase 3 clinical trial, the observed frequency of status epilepticus was 1.0% in the placebo group and 1.5% in the fenfluramine group. There were no discontinuations due to status epilepticus in the Dravet syndrome and the LGS phase 3 clinical trials.
In the controlled trials in patients with Dravet syndrome seizures were reported less frequently in the fenfluramine treated patients (5.1%) than in patients on placebo (9.8%). However, seizures assessed as related to the study drug were more commonly reported in fenfluramine treated patients than placebo, 2.8% of fenfluramine-treated patients compared to 1.5% of patients on placebo. In the LGS trial, seizures were reported with a similar frequency in the fenfluramine treated patients (8.1%) and patients on placebo (6.1%). However, seizures assessed as related to the study drug were more commonly reported in fenfluramine treated patients than placebo, 5.6% of fenfluramine-treated patients compared to 1.0% of patients on placebo.
The mean days to onset of seizure events in the LGS phase 3 trial Cohort A after starting treatment was 26.3 days in the fenfluramine 0.2 mg/kg/day group, 31.3 days in the fenfluramine 0.7 mg/kg/day and 31.3 days in the placebo group.
Echocardiographic safety assessments: Valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension were evaluated in the placebo-controlled and open-label extension studies via echocardiography for 341 Dravet syndrome patients and 263 Lennox-Gastaut syndrome patients. No patient developed valvular heart disease or pulmonary arterial hypertension in the placebo-controlled studies or during the open-label extension studies with exposure of up to 3 years. In the Dravet syndrome double-blind studies, trace mitral valve regurgitation was reported in 17.9% of patients in the fenfluramine 0.2 mg/kg/day group (n=7/39), 23.3% in the fenfluramine 0.4 mg/kg/day group (n=10/43), 22.5% in the fenfluramine 0.7 mg/kg/day group (n=9/40), and in 9.5% in the placebo group (n=8/84). Mild mitral valve regurgitation was reported in 2.3% of patients in the fenfluramine 0.4 mg/kg/day group (n=1/43). Trace aortic valve regurgitation was reported in 7.9% of patients in the fenfluramine 0.7 mg/kg/day group (n=3/40). In the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome double-blind study, trace mitral valve regurgitation was reported in 14.8% of patients in the fenfluramine 0.2 mg/kg/day group (n=13/89), 17.6% in the fenfluramine 0.7 mg/kg/day group (n=15/87), (and 22.1% in the placebo group (n=19/87). Mild mitral valve regurgitation was reported in 1.1% of patients in the fenfluramine 0.7 mg/kg/day group (n=1/87). Trace aortic valve regurgitation was reported in 5.6% of patients in the fenfluramine 0.2 mg/kg/day group (n=5/89) and 2.3% in the placebo group (n=2/87). One 11-year-old patient in the fenfluramine 0.2 mg/kg/day group exhibited mild aortic valve regurgitation. No abnormalities in valve morphology were observed, and upon a diagnostic evaluation via transoesophageal echocardiogram, the finding was downgraded to absent. Trace and mild mitral regurgitation and trace aortic regurgitation are usually considered as non-pathologic findings by clinical guidelines. Where trace mitral or aortic regurgitation were observed, the results were often transient. Pulmonary arterial hypertension in a child associated with fenfluramine (10.12 mg/day) for Dravet syndrome has been reported post-marketing. The patient discontinued fenfluramine and the reaction resolved post-discontinuation (see Precautions).
Lethargy, somnolence, and fatigue: In the controlled trials in subjects with Dravet syndrome, lethargy was commonly reported in 9.7%, and somnolence and fatigue/asthenia were very commonly reported in 13.0% and 17.6%, respectively in the fenfluramine treatment groups combined. In the controlled study with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, lethargy was commonly reported in 4.5% of subjects in the fenfluramine treatment group. Fatigue/asthenia and somnolence were very commonly reported in 16.2% and 16.2% of subjects, respectively. The majority of the adverse reactions of lethargy, somnolence, and fatigue/asthenia were reported in the first 2 weeks of treatment with fenfluramine and were mild or moderate in severity. Discontinuation due to lethargy, somnolence, and fatigue/asthenia was rare and, in most cases, these adverse events resolved or improved with ongoing treatment. In the controlled trials with Dravet syndrome, 0.8% and 1.6% of subjects in the fenfluramine treatment groups combined discontinued due to lethargy and somnolence, respectively. In the LGS study 4 Cohort A, 1.7% of subjects in the fenfluramine treatment group discontinued due to somnolence.
Gastrointestinal disorders: In the Phase 3 LGS controlled trial in children and young adults, diarrhoea (13.1%) and vomiting (10.6%) were observed more frequently in the combined fenfluramine groups than in the placebo group (4.1% and 6.1%, respectively) during the 14-week titration and maintenance periods. In Study 4 Cohort A the mean time to onset of diarrhoea in the fenfluramine groups was 25.0 and 26.1 days in the 0.2 mg/kg/day and 0.8 mg/kg/day groups respectively versus 46.0 days in the placebo group while the mean time to onset of vomiting in the fenfluramine groups was 29.8 and 29.1 days in the 0.2 mg/kg/day and 0.8 mg/kg/day groups respectively versus 42.8 days in the placebo group.
In the LGS controlled trial through the open-label trial in Cohort A, diarrhoea and constipation were observed more frequently in the higher dose groups. The mean time to onset of diarrhoea was 215.7 days, 95.2 days, and 79.6 days in the >0 - <0.4 mg/kg/day, 0.4 - <0.6 mg/kg/day, and ≥0.6 mg/kg/day mean daily dose groups respectively while the mean time to onset of constipation was 113.0 days, 173.7 days, and 140.1 days in the >0 - <0.4 mg/kg/day, 0.4 - <0.6 mg/kg/day, and ≥0.6 mg/kg/day mean daily dose groups respectively.
All events reported for diarrhoea and constipation were mild or moderate in severity.
Infections and infestations disorders: Bronchitis (2.0%), influenza (2.5%), and pneumonia (2.5%) were commonly reported. Most of these infections were reported for 2 or more subjects in the fenfluramine treatment group and were not reported in the placebo group. In the LGS controlled trial through the open-label trial, gastroenteritis viral and pneumonia were observed more frequently in the higher dose groups.
All events reported for gastroenteritis viral were mild or moderate in severity. Two cases of severe pneumonia were reported in the 0.4 - <0.6 mg/kg/day mean daily dose group during the open-label part of the trial.
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 to UCB via ds.apac_sea@ucb.com and to the Hong Kong Department of Health.

Pharmacodynamic interactions: Pharmacodynamic interactions with other central nervous system depressants increase the risk of aggravated central nervous system depression. Examples of such depressants are other serotonergic agents (including SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, or triptans); agents that impair metabolism of serotonin such as MAOIs; or antipsychotics that may affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter systems (see Contraindications and Precautions).
Pharmacokinetic interactions: Clinical studies: Effect of steady state stiripentol plus clobazam and/or valproate on fenfluramine: At steady state in the Phase 3 studies, the co-administration of 0.2 mg/kg twice daily (0.4 mg/kg/day), maximum 17 mg/day, fenfluramine with a standard anti-epileptic medicine regimen of stiripentol plus clobazam and/or valproate, resulted in a 130% increase in fenfluramine AUC_0-24 and a 60% decrease in norfenfluramine AUC_0-24, as compared to 0.35 mg/kg twice daily (0.7 mg/kg/day), maximum 26 mg/day, fenfluramine without stiripentol (see Dosage & Administration).
Effect of steady state cannabidiol on fenfluramine: Co-administration of a single 0.35 mg/kg dose of fenfluramine with repeated doses of cannabidiol increased the AUC_0-INF of fenfluramine by 59% and the C_max by 10%, and decreased the AUC_0-INF of norfenfluramine by 22% and the C_max by 33%, as compared to fenfluramine administered alone. Co-administration of a single 0.35 mg/kg dose of fenfluramine, with repeated doses of cannabidiol, did not affect the pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol, as compared to cannabidiol alone. No dose adjustment is necessary when fenfluramine is co-administered with cannabidiol.
Effect of rifampicin (a strong inducer of CYP3A and 2C19 and a moderate inducer of CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C8 and 2C9), or strong CYP1A2 or CYP2B6 inducers: Rifampicin induces multiple CYP enzymes which metabolize fenfluramine and norfenfluramine. Coadministration of a single 0.35 mg/kg dose of fenfluramine with rifampicin at steady state (600 mg once daily) in healthy volunteers decreased the AUC0-t of fenfluramine by 58% and the Cmax by 40%, and decreased the AUC0-t of norfenfluramine by 50%, and increased the Cmax of norfenfluramine by 13%, as compared to fenfluramine administered alone. An increase in fenfluramine dose may be necessary when coadministered with rifampicin or a strong CYP1A2 or CYP2B6 inducer (see Precautions).
Effect of CYP1A2 or CYP2D6 inhibitors: Coadministration of a single 0.35 mg/kg dose of fenfluramine with fluvoxamine (a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor) at steady state (50 mg once daily) in healthy volunteers increased the AUC0-t of fenfluramine by a ratio of 2.1-fold and the Cmax by a ratio of 1.2-fold, and decreased the AUC0-t of norfenfluramine by a ratio of 1.3-fold and the Cmax by a ratio of 1.4-fold, as compared to fenfluramine administered alone.
Coadministration of a single 0.35 mg/kg dose of fenfluramine with paroxetine (a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor) at steady state (30 mg once daily) in healthy volunteers increased the AUC0-t of fenfluramine by a ratio of 1.8-fold and the Cmax by a ratio of 1.1-fold, and decreased the AUC0-t of norfenfluramine by a ratio of 1.2-fold and the Cmax by a ratio of 1.3-fold, as compared to fenfluramine administered alone.
In vitro studies: Effect of fenfluramine on other medicinal products: Co-administration of a single 0.7 mg/kg dose of fenfluramine, with a single dose of a stiripentol, clobazam, and valproic acid combination, did not affect the pharmacokinetics of stiripentol, nor the pharmacokinetics of clobazam or its Ndesmethyl-metabolite norclobazam, nor the pharmacokinetics of valproic acid, as compared to the stiripentol, clobazam, and valproic acid combination alone.
Effect of fenfluramine on CYP2D6 substrates: In vitro studies indicate that fenfluramine may inhibit CYP2D6. It has been reported that steady-state desipramine concentrations increase approximately 2-fold with concomitant administration of fenfluramine. Co-administration of fenfluramine with CYP2D6 substrates may increase their plasma concentrations.
Effect of fenfluramine on CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 substrates: In vitro studies indicate that fenfluramine may induce CYP2B6 and may induce intestinal CYP3A4. Co-administration of fenfluramine with CYP2B6 substrates or CYP3A4 substrates may decrease their plasma concentrations.
Effect of fenfluramine on MATE1 substrates: In vitro studies indicate that norfenfluramine (major and pharmacologically active metabolite) may inhibit MATE1 at clinically relevant concentrations. Co-administration of fenfluramine with MATE1 substrates may increase their plasma concentrations.

Special precautions for disposal and other handling: Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
Inserting the bottle adaptor: When the bottle is first opened the bottle adaptor must be pushed into the bottle.
Wash and dry hands.
Remove the bottle adaptor packaging.
Place the bottle on a flat, firm surface.
Open the bottle.
Hold the bottle firmly.
Align the bottle adaptor with the open top of the bottle.
Push the bottle adaptor into the bottle using the palm of the hand.
The bottle adaptor should be flush with the top of the bottle.
The bottle adaptor should not be removed after each use.
The bottle cap can be screwed onto the bottle with the bottle adaptor in place.
Cleaning the syringe: Separate the plunger from the syringe to rinse each part.
Rinse the oral syringe with clean water and allow it to air dry after each use.
Rinse the inside of the syringe and the plunger.
The syringe and plunger can be cleaned in a dishwasher.
Clean water can be pulled into the syringe with the plunger and pushed out several times to clean the syringe.
The syringe and plunger must be completely dry before the next use.
Feeding tubes: Fintepla oral solution is compatible with most enteral feeding tubes. To flush the feeding tube, fill the syringe used for dosing with water and flush the tube. Do this 3 times.
Incompatibilities: Not applicable.

Do not store above 25°C. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
Shelf life: 4 years.
Shelf life after first opening: This medicinal product should be used within 3 months of first opening the bottle.

Anticonvulsants

N03AX26 - fenfluramine ; Belongs to the class of other antiepileptics.

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