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
SERIOUS
- mood and behavior changes
- hallucinations
- delusions (false or strange thoughts or beliefs)
- extreme sleepiness, tiredness, and weakness
- problems with walking and moving
COMMON
- sleepiness
- dizziness
- headache
- aggression or irritability
- loss of appetite
RARE
- infection
- decreased number of all blood cell types
- severe allergic reactions
- decreased blood sodium concentration
- encephalopathy
- pancreatitis
- sudden decrease in kidney function
- skin rash
- rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue)
- limp or difficulty walking
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
PREGNANCY
EMLEVO 500MG is considered safe for use by pregnant women. It is advised to consult your doctor before receiving this medicine.
BREASTFEEDING
EMLEVO 500MG is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
EMLEVO 500MG may cause sleepiness. Do not drive or handle any machines while having this medicine.
ALCOHOL
Do not drink alcohol while receiving this medicine as it may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or difficulty in concentration.
KIDNEY
EMLEVO 500MG is not recommended in patients with active kidney diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.
LIVER
EMLEVO 500MG should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver function impairment or active liver diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.
ALLERGY
Tell your doctor if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Levetiracetam or any other ingredients in this medicine.
HEART DISEASE
EMLEVO 500MG is not recommended in patients with active heart diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.
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
| Drug | : | Levetiracetam |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Anticonvulsant |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Epilepsy, Seizures |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Injection, oral solution, syrup and suspension |
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
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