LACOSAMIDE - ORAL

LACOSAMIDE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (la-KOE-sa-mide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Vimpat

GENERIC NAME(S): lacosamide

Uses

USES: Lacosamide is used to prevent and control seizures. It is an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug. It works by reducing the spread of seizure activity in the brain.


How to use LACOSAMIDE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking lacosamide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day with or without food. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Seizures may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed. Tell your doctor right away if your seizure control worsens (such as the number of seizures increases).

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, blurred/double vision, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, loss of balance, difficulty walking, shakiness (tremor), or memory problems may occur. These side effects are more common when you first start taking the drug and usually lessen as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fast/slow/irregular/pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath, severe dizziness, fainting. A small number of people who take anticonvulsants for any condition (such as seizure, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems. Tell your doctor right away if you or your family/caregiver notice any unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior including signs of depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, thoughts about harming yourself. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking lacosamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as propylene glycol), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as chest pain, sick sinus syndrome, heart failure, AV block, irregular heartbeat), liver problems, kidney problems (including dialysis treatment), mental/mood problems (such as depression, psychosis), personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. The liquid form of this medication may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid aspartame (or phenylalanine) in your diet, ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this medication safely. Before having surgery, tell your doctors or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. A product that may interact with this drug is: orlistat. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, marijuana, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe nausea/vomiting, difficulty waking up, confusion, irregular heartbeat, very slow breathing.

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VIMPAT 10 MG/ML SOLUTION

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VIMPAT 10 MG/ML SOLUTION

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VIMPAT 50 MG TABLET

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Faq for LACOSAMIDE - ORAL

Lacosamide is an oral medication primarily used to treat partial-onset seizures in patients with epilepsy.

Lacosamide works by inhibiting the abnormal activity in the brain that leads to seizures. It does this by blocking sodium channels, which are essential for the spread of electrical impulses in the brain.

Common side effects of Lacosamide include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, double vision, and coordination problems. These side effects are usually mild and temporary.

Lacosamide should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It is usually taken with or without food twice daily. It is important not to stop taking the medication abruptly, as this can increase the risk of seizures.

Lacosamide can interact with certain medications, including drugs that affect liver enzymes, such as rifampin. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to avoid any potential interactions.

The safety of using Lacosamide during pregnancy is not yet established. It is recommended to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Lacosamide is approved for use in children aged 4 years and older with epilepsy. The dosage and safety may vary based on the child's age and weight, so it is important to follow the doctor's instructions.

If you forget to take a dose of Lacosamide, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is already time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.

Although rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Lacosamide. Symptoms may include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.