Release date: December 1, 2006
(Accreditation Expired)

Program Description

Combination therapy with antiepileptic drugs is associated with a variety of complications, including toxicity and the potential for drug interactions. In addition, many patients who do not respond to sequential monotherapy, will not become seizure-free with polytherapy. Monotherapy has several advantages over polytherapy, including a reduced risk of side effects and complications due to drug interactions, lower cost, and better compliance. Well-controlled trials have established the efficacy of some newer antiepileptic drugs as monotherapy, therefore, clinicians may consider switching some patients on polytherapy to a monotherapy regimen with newer agents. There is no consensus about the best “switch” strategy and treatment decisions are influenced by the specific epilepsy syndrome, seizure frequency and patterns, prior treatments, and non-disease issues such as age, occupation, etc. Evidence suggests that seizures generally do not worsen or return during a transition from polytherapy to monotherapy, however, protocols can be implemented to address the possibility. In this monograph, a panel of experts highlights issues relating to the use of newer antiepileptic drugs as monotherapy in the treatment of adults and children with epilepsy.

Target Audience

This activity is intended for neurologists and other health care providers that treat patients with epilepsy.

Educational Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Outline the potential benefits and risks of polytherapy treatment for patients with epilepsy versus monotherapy, including the rationale and practical considerations for eliminating polytherapy
• Describe newer versus older antiepilepsy pharmacologic options for persons with epilepsy, including the risks and benefits of each
• Understand how to utilize newer AEDs in patients with epilepsy
• Convey key factors to consider when switching from AED polytherapy to monotherapy, including considerations to keep in mind when choosing an agent as primary monotherapy for epilepsy
• Review newer AEDs that have been efficacious in epilepsy as well as other comorbid disorders

Disclaimer

©2006 Scinexa, LLC / CMEdiscovery.com. All rights reserved. None of the contents may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from Scinexa, LLC.

The views and opinions expressed in this activity are those of the faculty. They do not reflect the views of Ortho-McNeil Janssen Scientific Affairs, any other manufacturer of pharmaceuticals, ArcMesa Educators, or Scinexa, LLC.

The recommendations made in this program are based upon a combination of randomized clinical trials, current guidelines, and the clinical practice experience of the participating faculty. Any medications, diagnostic procedures or treatments discussed by the faculty should not be utilized without evaluation of their patient’s conditions. Participants are urged to consult the full prescribing information on any drug mentioned in this activity for recommended dosage, indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse effects before prescribing any medication.

Printer settings may vary. Please use landscape layout option.

Copyright © 2006 Scinexa, LLC / CMEdiscovery.com. All rights reserved.