Drugs & Vitamins

Keppra Active Ingredients: Levetiracetam Representative Names: Keppra Available Product Images: What are levetiracetam tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with levetiracetam? What side effects may I notice from taking levetiracetam? What should I watch for while taking levetiracetam? Where can I keep my medicine? What are levetiracetam tablets? (Back to top) LEVETIRACETAM (Keppra®) is effective in helping to control partial seizures (convulsions). Levetiracetam is prescribed with other medications that also help to control the convulsions. Levetiracetam may occasionally be prescribed to help control other types of seizures. Generic levetiracetam tablets are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •alcohol use •kidney disease •liver disease •an unusual or allergic reaction to levetiracetam, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take levetiracetam tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You may take this medicine with food. The tablets may be crushed if they are difficult to swallow, but they will have a bitter taste. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with levetiracetam? (Back to top) •sevelamer Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking levetiracetam? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional immediately: •difficulty breathing or tightening of the throat •rash •swelling of lips or tongue Side effects you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •agitation, restlessness, irritability, or other changes in mood •changes in seizure type or frequency •difficulty walking or controlling muscle movements •unusual weakness or tiredness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •dizziness, drowsiness What should I watch for while taking levetiracetam? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for a regular check on your progress. Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. Carry an identification card with information about your condition, medications, and prescriber or health care professional. It is important to take levetiracetam exactly as instructed by your health care professional. When first starting levetiracetam treatment, your prescriber may have to adjust your dosage. It may take weeks or months before your dose is stable. You should contact your prescriber or health care professional if your seizures get worse or if you have any new types of seizures. Do not stop taking levetiracetam or any of your seizure medicines unless instructed by your prescriber or health care professional. Stopping your medicine suddenly can increase your seizures or their severity. If you notice any unusual effects, such as anxiety, worsening of depression, agitation, irritability, anger, or thoughts of suicide or suicidal attempts, you should call your health care provider immediately. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how levetiracetam affects you. To reduce dizzy spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks or medicines containing alcohol. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking levetiracetam. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:07/10/2007 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.