KEPPRA

Drug Name: KEPPRA

KEPPRA DESCRIPTION:
LEVETIRACETAM - ORAL (lev-eh-turr-RASS-ih-tam)

COMMON KEPPRA BRAND NAME(S):
Keppra

KEPPRA SIDE EFFECTS:
Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, headache, loss of coordination (e.g., difficulty walking, muscle control) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects: mental/mood changes, unusual weakness (e.g., anemia), vision problems. In most patients, if side effects occur with KEPPRA, they usually occur in the first month of treatment. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE KEPPRA:
KEPPRA: Take KEPPRA by mouth, usually twice daily; or take as directed by your doctor. KEPPRA may be taken with or without food. Levetiracetam is best taken at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day to ensure a constant level of drug in the body. Do not take KEPPRA more often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Do not stop taking KEPPRA suddenly without your doctor's approval since seizures may reoccur. If KEPPRA does not control your seizures, notify your doctor.

KEPPRA USES:
KEPPRA is used in combination with other medications to treat seizures disorders (epilepsy).

KEPPRA PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies, kidney disease, blood disorders (anemia), depression, or recent seizures. KEPPRA may make you dizzy or drowsy, especially during the first month of treatment. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using KEPPRA in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of KEPPRA. KEPPRA should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether KEPPRA passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using KEPPRA is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

KEPPRA DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially drugs that cause drowsiness such as medicine for sleep; sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., lorazepam, alprazolam); narcotic pain relievers (e.g., hydrocodone, codeine); psychiatric medicine, other anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine); muscle relaxants, and antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

KEPPRA OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness.

KEPPRA NOTES:
Do not share KEPPRA with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED KEPPRA DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

KEPPRA STORAGE:
Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-20 degrees C) is permitted. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert (TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.