 |
| Generic Name: | levetiracetam |
| Pronounced: | lev e tear AH seh tam |
| Brand Name: | Keppra |
What is the most important information I should know about levetiracetam? |
|
 | Do not stop taking levetiracetam without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better.
It is important to continue taking levetiracetam to prevent the seizures from recurring. Stopping
levetiracetam suddenly may result in increased seizure frequency. If the medication needs to be
stopped, your doctor may need to lower the dosage gradually. |
|
| Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in
the case of an emergency. |
 | Levetiracetam may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination. Do
not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or perform other hazardous activities until you know how
levetiracetam affects you. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination,
avoid these activities. |
|
|
What is levetiracetam? |
| Levetiracetam is used to control seizures. The exact way that it works is unknown. |
| Levetiracetam may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. |
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
levetiracetam? |
| Before taking levetiracetam, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. You may not be
able to take levetiracetam, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during
treatment. |
 | Levetiracetam is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known
whether levetiracetam will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first
talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. |
|
 | It is not known whether levetiracetam passes into breast milk. Do not take levetiracetam
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
|
|
How should I take levetiracetam? |
|
| Take levetiracetam exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. |
 | Take the oral tablets with a full glass of water. |
|
| To ensure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of levetiracetam with a
dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring
device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. |
| Levetiracetam can be taken with or without food. |
| It is important to take levetiracetam regularly to get the most benefit. |
| Do not stop taking levetiracetam without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better.
It is important to continue taking levetiracetam to prevent the seizures from recurring. Stopping
levetiracetam suddenly may result in increased seizure frequency. If the medication needs to be
stopped, your doctor may need to lower the dosage gradually. |
|
| If treatment with levetiracetam is stopped for any reason, contact your doctor before restarting
the medication. A lower dose may be needed to prevent side effects from occurring. |
| Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment
with levetiracetam to monitor progress and side effects. |
| Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in
the case of an emergency. |
 | Store levetiracetam at room temperature away from moisture and heat. |
|
|
What happens if I miss a dose? |
| Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose,
skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not
take a double dose of this medication. |
What happens if I overdose? |
 | Seek emergency medical treatment if an overdose is suspected. |
|
| Symptoms of a levetiracetam overdose are unknown but might include drowsiness. |
|
What should I avoid while taking levetiracetam? |
 | Do not drink alcohol while taking levetiracetam. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or
dizziness caused by levetiracetam. Alcohol may also increase the risk of seizures. |
|
| Levetiracetam may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination. Do
not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or perform other hazardous activities until you know how
levetiracetam affects you. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination,
avoid these activities. |
|
What are the possible side effects of levetiracetam? |
|
| If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking levetiracetam and
seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately: |
|
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
-
increasing frequency or worsening of seizures.
|
| Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take levetiracetam and talk to your doctor if you experience |
-
dizziness;
-
drowsiness;
-
weakness or a loss of strength;
-
poor coordination or difficulty walking; or
-
changes in behavior or mood (agitation, hostility, anxiety,
apathy, or depression).
|
| Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. |
|
What other drugs will affect levetiracetam? |
| Levetiracetam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including
antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety
medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if
levetiracetam is taken with any of these medications. |
| Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with levetiracetam. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products. |
Where can I get more information? |
| Your pharmacist has additional information about levetiracetam written for health professionals
that you may read. |
What does my medication look like? |
| Levetiracetam is available with a prescription under the brand name Keppra. Other brand or
generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this
medicine, especially if it is new to you. |
-
Keppra 250 mg--blue, oblong tablets
-
Keppra 500 mg--yellow, oblong tablets
-
Keppra 750 mg--orange, oblong tablets
-
Keppra oral solution 100 mg/mL-clear, colorless,
grape-flavored liquid
|
|
|
|
| Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. |
|
|
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner
Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee
is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time
sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare
practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does
not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless
specifically indicated otherwise.
Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or
recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource
designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their
patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to,
and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of
healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug
combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug
combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum
does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered
with the aid of information Multum provides.
The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses,
directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions,
or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking,
check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
|
|
|
|
|
