INTRODUCTION

EMLEVO 500MG contains Levetiracetam which is an anti-epileptic medicine used to treat seizures (fits). It is used in combination with other medications to treat certain types of seizures in adults and children with epilepsy. It decreases abnormal excitement in the brain.

This medicine is used for the form of epilepsy where the fits initially affect only one side of the brain but could thereafter extend to larger areas on both sides of the brain. It is prescribed by your doctor to reduce the number of fits. Epilepsy is a common chronic disorder that requires long-term antiepileptic drug therapy.  Seizures can happen when the electrical signals and chemicals are not working properly in brain cells. This medicine works by attaching to a protein (called SV2A) on the surface of nerve cells in the brain. This suppresses the transmission of nerve signals in the brain and prevents the spread of electrical signals causing seizures.

Before taking this medicine inform your doctor if you have kidney problems and psychotic disorders. Some common side effects of this medicine may include dizziness, headache, irritability, loss of appetite and aggression.

USES OF EMLEVO 500MG

• Treat seizures in epilepsy

HOW EMLEVO 500MG WORKS

EMLEVO 500MG works by attaching to a protein (called SV2A) on the surface of nerve cells in the brain. This suppresses the transmission of nerve signals in the brain and prevents the spread of electrical signals that causing seizures.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

This medicine should be only given by a doctor or nurse. Your healthcare provider will give you EMLEVO 500MG by injection.

SIDE EFFECTS OF EMLEVO 500MG

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Headache:

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Ask your doctor to recommend a painkiller.

Dizziness:

Get up and move around to feel awake, take small naps to edge off the sleepiness. Give your eyes a break to avoid fatigue and eat a healthy food to boost energy.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

Inform your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription or the following:

• cetirizine, oxylamine, diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine (used to relieve allergy)
• alprazolam, diazepam (used to treat anxiety)
• muscle relaxants
• codeinenarcotic (pain relievers)

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

Store at room temperature below 25°C and keep out of reach of children.

FAQs ABOUT EMLEVO 500MG

Will I get addicted to EMLEVO 500MG if I use it for a long time?

No, this medicine is not habit-forming. No physical or psychological dependence has been reported.

How long does EMLEVO 500MG take to show its effect?

It may take a few weeks to start working properly since the dose is increased slowly.

Can the use of EMLEVO 500MG cause sleepiness?

Yes, it can make you feel sleepy. Hence avoid driving, operating machinery, working at heights, or participating in potentially dangerous activities, until you know how this medicine affects you.

REFERENCES

1. KD Tripathi MD. Drugs acting on central nervous system. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology 7th ed. New Delhi, May 2013. Page – 420.

2. McNamara JO. Pharmacotherapy of the Epilepsies. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. Page - 600.

3. Porters RJ, Meldrum BS. Anti-seizure Drugs. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. Page - 411.

4. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. Page -789.

5. Bassel Abou-Khalil. Levetiracetam in the treatment of epilepsy: Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment. June 2008; [Accessed Oct 6, 2020] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2526377/

6. Keppra, U.S. Food & Drug Administration; [Revised April 2009] [Accessed Oct 6, 2020] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/021035s078s080,021505s021s024lbl.pdf

7. Haupt Pharma. Ibigen, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC); [Revised Jan 2020] [Accessed Oct 6, 2020] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8840.pdf

8. UCB Pharma SA. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC); [Revised Jan 2020] [Accessed Oct 6, 2020] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2293.pdf