INTRODUCTION

LACOSET contains Lacosamide which belongs to a group of medicines called antiepileptic medicines. It is used to treat epilepsy and controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain. Epilepsy is a disorder of central nervous system in which the activity of brain becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior and sometimes loss of consciousness.

Lacosamide acts by enhancing Na+ channel inactivation and suppressing repetitive firing of neurons. By inactivating the sodium gated channels, this medicine decreases the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain and controls seizures or fits. This medicine is not recommended for children under 4 years of age. It is used to treat a certain type of epilepsy characterized by the occurrence of partial-onset seizure with or without secondary generalisation. It may be used on its own or with other antiepileptic medicines.

It should be given under the guidance of a doctor or a nurse. Inform your doctor if you have any heart-related problems, pregnant or breastfeeding before starting your treatment with this LACOSET. The common side effects are headache, dizziness, nausea and blurred or double vision. Most of these side effects are self-limiting and they usually improve with time. Monitor your weight, as using of this medicine can cause weight gain. Eat healthily and exercise regularly to manage it.

USES OF LACOSET

• Treats epilepsy (seizures)

HOW LACOSET WORKS

LACOSET works slowly by inactivating the sodium gated channels, which decreases the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain and controls seizures or fits.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

LACOSET will be administered by a doctor or nurse. Your doctor will decide the dose and frequency depending on your condition. 

SIDE EFFECTS OF LACOSET

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Headache:

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol.

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.

Feeling sick (nausea) or indigestion:

Stick to simple routine meals and do not eat rich or spicy foods.

Constipation:

Add fruits, vegetables whole grains and other high-fiber foods to your diet.

Diarrhoea:

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. ORS can also be used to prevent dehydration.

Vomiting:

Drink clear or ice-cold drinks. Eat light, bland foods and avoid fried, greasy, or sweet foods.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

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

• medicines to treat heart problems
• carbamazepine, lamotrigine and pregabalin
• fluconazole, itraconazole and ketoconazole
• ritonavir (used for HIV)
• clarithromycin, rifampicin (used to treat bacterial infections)

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

Store below 20-25°C and keep out of reach of children.

FAQs ABOUT LACOSET

What LACOSET is used to treat for?

It is used alone and in combination with other medications to control certain types of seizures in adults and children 4 years of age and older. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Does LACOSET have any effect on fertility?

It does not affect fertility in males or females. However, if you are concerned, consult the doctor.

Can I take LACOSET if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Avoid using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult your doctor for advice.

REFERENCES

1. 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 - 602.

2. Porters RJ, Meldrum BS. Anti-seizure Drugs. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. Page - 410-11.

3. 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 - 766-67.

4. KD Tripathi MD. Anti- epileptic drugs.  Essentials of Medical Pharmacology 7th ed. New Delhi, May 2013. Page - 421.

5. Aesica Pharmaceuticals GmbH, (Germany), UCB Pharma S.A. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC); [Revised Sep 2019] [Accessed Oct 12, 2020] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2286.pdf

6. UCB, Inc. Smyrna, 2008, U.S. Food & Drug Administration; [Revised Nov 2017] [Accessed Oct 12, 2020] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/022253s039,022254s030,022255s022lbl.pdf

7. Jonathan J Halford and Marc Lapointe. Clinical Perspectives on Lacosamide: Epilepsy currents. Jan 2009, [Accessed Oct 12, 2020] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2668106/