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The active ingredient in Equetro^® --a chemical called carbamazepine-- has been well studied and has been in use for many years for the treatment of a number of disorders. The patented Equetro extended release capsule is the only form of carbamazepine that has been studied and FDA-approved for the treatment of Bipolar I Disorder.

• Inside each Equetro capsule is the patented Microtrol^® form of carbamazepine which precisely and automatically releases the medication into your system over 12 hours. This patented, extensively researched new medication is the only form of carbamazepine approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat acute, manic, and mixed episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder.
• Equetro's patented Microtrol^® technology uses a unique system designed to help patients maintain a smooth level of medication in their system at all times. This is achieved by using three different types of time-release beads within each capsule. Equetro's Microtrol^® technology slowly releases carbamazepine, a medicine which helps stabilize the irregular moods associated with Bipolar Disorder.

It's reassuring to know that Equetro safety and tolerability have been studied over extended periods of time, and studies show that the risk of having adverse reactions to the drug diminishes substantially over the first three months of treatment.

Please see Full Prescribing Information including contraindications, warnings and boxed warnings concerning serious and sometimes fatal dermatologic reactions, aplastic anemia, and agranulocytosis. Equetro contains carbamazepine. Please ensure patient is not taking any other form of carbamazepine. The most frequently observed adverse reactions, particularly during the initial phases of therapy, are dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, nausea, and vomiting.

Aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis have been reported in association with the use of carbamazepine. Reports of transient or persistent decreased platelet or white blood cell counts are not uncommon in association with the use of carbamazepine. However, the vast majority of the cases of leukopenia have not progressed to the more serious conditions of aplastic anemia or agranulocytosis. Nonetheless, complete pretreatment hematological testing should be obtained as a baseline. If a patient in the course of treatment exhibits low or decreased white blood cell or platelet counts, the patient should be monitored closely. Discontinuation of the drug should be considered if any evidence of significant bone marrow depression develops. Carbamazepine should not be used in patients with a history of previous bone marrow depression, hypersensitivity to the drug, or known sensitivity to any of the tricyclic compounds.

Because the possibility of suicide attempts is inherent in bipolar disorder, close supervision of high-risk patients should accompany drug therapy. Before prescribing Equetro, the physician should be thoroughly familiar with the details of the product prescribing information, particularly regarding use with other drugs, especially those which accentuate toxicity potential.

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