ZUNVEYL® (benzgalantamine) is a cholinesterase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer’s type in adults.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Contraindications
ZUNVEYL is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to benzgalantamine, galantamine, or any inactive ingredients in ZUNVEYL.
Warnings and Precautions
- Serious Skin Reactions: Serious skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis) have been reported in patients receiving galantamine (the active metabolite of (ZUNVEYL) tablets. If signs or symptoms suggest a serious skin reaction, use of this drug should not be resumed and alternative therapy should be considered.
- Cardiovascular conditions: Cholinesterase inhibitors, including ZUNVEYL, may have vagotonic effects on the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes. These effects may manifest as bradycardia or heart block in patients both with and without known underlying cardiac conduction abnormalities. Syncopal episodes have been reported in association with the use of donepezil.
- Peptic ulcer disease and gastrointestinal bleeding: Cholinesterase inhibitors, including ZUNVEYL, may increase gastric acid secretion. Patients should be monitored closely for active or occult gastrointestinal bleeding, especially those with a history of ulcer disease or those receiving concurrent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Genitourinary conditions: Although not observed in clinical trials of ZUNVEYL, bladder outflow obstruction may occur.
- Pulmonary conditions: Cholinesterase inhibitors, including ZUNVEYL, should be prescribed with care to patients with a history of asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease. Monitor for respiratory adverse effects.
Adverse Reactions
The most common adverse reactions with galantamine tablets (≥5%) were nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and decreased appetite.
Drug Interactions
Cholinesterase inhibitors, including galantamine, have the potential to interfere with the activity of anticholinergic medications. A synergistic effect may be expected when cholinesterase inhibitors are given concurrently with succinylcholine, similar neuromuscular blocking agents, or cholinergic agonists such as bethanechol.
These are not all of the possible side effects of ZUNVEYL. You can report side effects to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/MedWatch or call 1‑800‑FDA‑1088. Please click here for Full Prescribing Information.