Keppra Tablets

GENERIC NAME: LEVETIRACETAM (LEE-va-tye-RA-se-tam)

COMMON USES: This medicine is an anticonvulsant usually used with other medicines to treat certain types of seizures in adults and children over the age of four. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine has a MEDICATION GUIDE approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time(s) each day will help you to remember. TO PREVENT SEIZURES, continue taking this medicine on a regular schedule. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

CAUTIONS: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. You may have an increased risk of seizure if this medicine is suddenly stopped. If you need to stop this medicine or add a new medicine, your dose may need to be slowly decreased to avoid side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. Medical and/or laboratory tests, including kidney function, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Contact your doctor for more information. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR if your seizures become worse or you have a new kind of seizure. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS OR DROWSINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. PATIENTS WHO TAKE THIS MEDICINE MAY BE AT INCREASED RISK FOR SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR ACTIONS. The risk may be greater in patients who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. Watch patients who take this medicine closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially drowsiness, weakness, and mood or behavioral changes. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while using this medicine include dizziness, drowsiness, irritability, runny nose, sore throat, tiredness, vomiting, or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience abnormal thoughts; dark urine; decreased coordination; extreme drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, or weakness; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; hallucination; memory loss; mouth sores; new or worsening mental, mood, or behavior changes (eg, aggression, agitation, anger, anxiety, apathy, depression, hostility, restlessness, irritability, panic attacks); new or worsening seizures; suicidal thoughts or attempts; trouble sleeping; unusual bruising or bleeding; vision changes; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE: Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney problems, dialysis, or a history of mental or mood problems (such as depression), suicidal thoughts or actions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Use of this medicine in children under age 4 is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness, aggression, agitation, difficult or slow breathing, or loss of consciousness.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF YOU WILL BE TAKING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out.

The information in this monograph is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This information is generalized and is not intended as specific medical advice. If you have questions about the medicines you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.