Efficacy and safety of adjunctive treatment with perampanel in epilepsy patients

INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy is a neurological disease with high global prevalence. Almost one-third of epilepsy patients continue having seizures despite adequate treatment. Perampanel has been widely used in the Western countries as an adjunctive therapy for both generalized and focal seizures. Owing to its high cost, the use of perampanel is limited in our country.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive, retrospective study among epilepsy patients treated with perampanel. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of perampanel as an adjunctive in our hospital.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: From our cohort of 25 patients, most of the patients were either on one or three anti-seizure medications (ASMs) prior to initiation of perampanel. Perampanel was added in 88% of them due to persistent seizures. Twenty-two (88%) patients experienced reduction in seizure frequency. 12% experienced mild side effects, which were leg cramps, hyponatremia and drowsiness. Only 1 patient stopped perampanel due to its side effects.

CONCLUSION: Perampanel is a well-tolerated ASM that should be widely used as an adjunctive. More studies with regards to its efficacy and safety involving more centres are encouraged in Malaysia.