WAKIX Film-coated tablet Ref.[7629] Active ingredients: Pitolisant

Source: European Medicines Agency (EU)  Revision Year: 2025  Publisher: Bioprojet Pharma, 9, rue Rameau, 75002 Paris, France, Tel: +33 (0)1 47 03 66 33, Fax: +33 (0)1 47 03 66 30, e-mail: contact@bioprojet.com

Therapeutic indications

Wakix is indicated in adults, adolescents and children from the age of 6 years for the treatment of narcolepsy with or without cataplexy (see also section 5.1).

Posology and method of administration

Treatment should be initiated by a physician experienced in the treatment of sleep disorders.

Posology

Adults

Wakix should be used at the lowest effective dose, depending on individual patient response and tolerance, according to an up-titration scheme, without exceeding the dose of 36 mg/day:

  • Week 1: initial dose of 9 mg (two 4.5 mg tablets) per day.
  • Week 2: the dose may be increased to 18 mg (one 18 mg tablet) per day or decreased to 4.5 mg (one 4.5 mg tablet) per day.
  • Week 3: the dose may be increased to 36 mg (two 18 mg tablets) per day.

At any time the dose can be decreased (down to 4.5 mg per day) or increased (up to 36 mg per day) according to the physician assessment and the patient's response.

The total daily dose should be administered as a single dose in the morning during breakfast.

Maintenance of efficacy

As long-term efficacy data are limited (see section 5.1), the continued efficacy of treatment should be regularly evaluated by the physician.

Special populations

Elderly

Limited data are available in elderly. Therefore, dosing should be adjusted according to their renal and hepatic status.

Renal impairment

In patients with renal impairment, the maximum daily dose should be 18 mg.

Hepatic impairment

In patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B) two weeks after initiation of treatment, the daily dose can be increased without exceeding a maximal dose of 18 mg (see section 5.2). Pitolisant is contra-indicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) (see section 4.3).

No dosage adjustment is required in patients with mild hepatic impairment.

Paediatric population

Wakix should be used at the optimal dose, depending on individual patient response and tolerance, according to an up-titration scheme, without exceeding the dose of 36 mg/day (18 mg/day in children weighing less than 40 kg).

  • Week 1: initial dose of 4.5 mg (one 4.5 mg tablet) per day.
  • Week 2: the dose may be increased to 9 mg (two 4.5 mg tablets) per day.
  • Week 3: the dose may be increased to 18 mg (one 18 mg tablet) per day.
  • Week 4: in children weighing 40 kg and above, the dose may be increased to 36 mg (two 18 mg tablets) per day.

At any time, the dose can be decreased (down to 4.5 mg per day) or increased (up to 36 mg per day in children weighing 40 kg and above or 18 mg per day in children weighing less than 40 kg) according to the physician assessment and the patient's response. The total daily dose should be administered as a single dose in the morning during breakfast.

Poor metabolizers

By comparison to CYP2D6 extensive metabolisers, higher systemic exposure (up to 3 fold) is observed in CYP2D6 poor metabolisers. In the up-titration scheme, dose increment should take into account this higher exposure.

Method of administration

For oral use.

Overdose

Symptoms

Symptoms of Wakix overdose may include headache, insomnia, irritability, nausea and abdominal pain.

Management

In case of overdose, hospitalisation and monitoring of the vital functions are recommended. There is no clearly identified antidote.

Shelf life

4 years.

Special precautions for storage

This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.

Nature and contents of container

High density polyethylene (HDPE) bottle with a tamper evident, child-resistant, polypropylene screw cap fitted with desiccant (silica gel).

Bottle of 30 or 90 film-coated tablets.

Wakix 4.5 mg: Available in packs containing 1 bottle of 30 tablets.

Wakix 18 mg: Available in packs containing 1 bottle of 30 tablets or packs containing 1 bottle of 90 tablets or multi-packs containing 90 (3 bottles of 30) tablets.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Special precautions for disposal and other handling

No special requirements.

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