FDA News: Cenobamate (XCOPRI®) for Focal Epilepsy In Adults

On November 21, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved cenobamate (XCOPRI^®) for the treatment of focal epilepsy in adults. This medication will be available in the pharmacy by the spring or summer of 2020. XCOPRI was developed by SK Biopharmaceuticals Co. and their U.S subsidiary SK Life Science Inc.

• In research trials, XCOPRI was shown to significantly lower seizure frequency when taking the drug with other seizure medications.
• Common side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, tiredness, double vision and headache
• Like any medicine there are potentially serious side effects. These may include:
  • A severe drug allergy affecting blood cells and other body organs
  • Shortening of QT interval (change in the electrical properties of the heart that can lead to heart rhythm changes)
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Other neurological side effects

People with persistent focal seizures can talk to their neurologist about whether a trial with this medicine may be helpful for them.