Friday, November 11, 2011

What are the possible side effects of Keppra XR®?


See the Safety section for the most important information you should Forzest know about Keppra XR®.
Keppra XR® can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you get any of these symptoms:
  • mood and behavior changes such as aggression, agitation, anger, anxiety, apathy, mood swings, depression, hostility, and irritability. A few people may get psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are really not there), delusions (false or strange thoughts or beliefs) and unusual behavior.
  • extreme sleepiness, tiredness, and weakness
  • problems with muscle coordination (problems walking and moving)
Common side effects seen in people who take Keppra XR® and other formulations of Keppra® include:
  • sleepiness
  • weakness
  • dizziness
  • infection
These side effects could happen at any time but happen most often within the first four weeks of treatment.
These are not all the possible side effects of Keppra XR®. For more information, ask your neurologist or pharmacist. If you get any side effects that concern you, call your neurologist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may also report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Keppra XR® is a prescription medicine that is used with other medicines to treat partial onset seizures in people 16 years of age and older with epilepsy.
Keppra XR® is generally well-tolerated, but may not be for everyone. Ask your doctor if Keppra XR® is right for you. Like other antiepileptic drugs, Keppra XR®may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500 people taking it. Patients should call their healthcare provider right away if they have depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behavior while taking Keppra XR®. Keppra XR® may cause extreme sleepiness, tiredness, and weakness, and problems with muscle coordination. Keppra XR® may also cause mood and behavior changes including psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and unusual behavior. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms. The most common side effects seen with Keppra XR® and other formulations of Keppra® include sleepiness, weakness, dizziness, and infection. Do not stop taking Keppra XR® unless instructed by your healthcare provider. Stopping a seizure medication all at once can cause seizures that will not stop, a very serious problem. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may also report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or go to www.fda.gov/medwatch or contact UCB, Inc. at 1-866-822-0068.
Please see Keppra XR® Medication Guide and Full Prescribing Information for additional important patient information.
*With this coupon, you pay the first $25 of your Keppra XR® or Keppra® co-pay and we pay your remaining out-of-pocket expense up to a maximum of $30. This coupon may not be reproduced and must accompany a valid, signed Keppra XR®prescription. No cash value. Offer not valid for prescriptions reimbursed or paid under any government health insurance program (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare) or any private payer in Massachusetts or where otherwise prohibited by law. Patients are responsible for reporting this rebate to any private insurer that covers any part of the prescription. Offer expires on 12/31/11. UCB may cancel or alter this program at any time without notice.

Keppra Oral


Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant used in combination with other medications to treat seizure disorders (epilepsy). Levetiracetam has been shown to decrease the number of seizures in adults and children. It is not known how it works to prevent seizures.
How to use Keppra Oral
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using levetiracetam and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take the liquid and regular-release tablets by mouth as directed by Zenegra your doctor, usually twice daily with or without food. Crushing or chewing the tablet may cause a bitter taste.
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.
If you are using the extended-release tablets, take this medication as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Do not split tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.
Dosage is based on your medical condition, kidney function, and response to treatment. The dosage in children is also based on weight. To reduce your risk of side effects (such as dizziness and drowsiness), your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often than prescribed.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. This drug works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. To help you remember and to keep a constant level, take it at the same time(s) each day.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your seizures may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose should be gradually decreased.
Tell your doctor if your seizures persist, change, or worsen.

Drowsiness, dizziness, and weakness may occur. These side effects are more common during the first 4 weeks and usually lessen as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor.
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.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these serious side effects occur: loss of coordination (such as difficulty walking and controlling muscles), mental/mood changes (such as irritability, aggression, agitation, anger, anxiety).
A small number of people who take anticonvulsants for any condition (such as seizures, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression, suicidalthoughts/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: 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.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.