Ezogabine oral tablets

July 17, 2018

Ezogabine oral tablets

What is this medicine?

EZOGABINE (e ZOG a been) is used to control partial seizures in adults with epilepsy.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • blood in the urine

  • changes in skin color

  • changes in vision

  • confusion

  • feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

  • fever or chills, sore throat

  • general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms

  • hallucination, loss of contact with reality

  • irregular heartbeat

  • loss of balance or coordination

  • memory problems

  • pain in the lower back or side

  • pain when urinating

  • suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

  • trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • dizziness

  • drowsiness

  • increased hunger

  • tiredness

  • tremor

  • weight gain

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • arsenic trioxide

  • certain antipsychotics like haloperidol, pimozide, sertindole, thioridazine, ziprasidone

  • certain medicines used to treat infections like chloroquine, clarithromycin, erythromycin, pentamidine

  • certain medicines for irregular heart beat like amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, ibutilide, procainamide, propafenone, quinidine, sotalol

  • certain medicines used for nausea like chlorpromazine, droperidol

  • methadone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • alcohol

  • antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold

  • atropine

  • certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine

  • certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine and phenytoin

  • certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

  • certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine

  • certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl

  • ipratropium

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

This medicine may cause accidental overdose and death if it taken by other adults, children, or pets. Mix any unused medicine with a substance like cat litter or coffee grounds. Then throw the medicine away in a sealed container like a sealed bag or a coffee can with a lid. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • dementia

  • heart failure

  • history of a drug or alcohol abuse problem

  • history of irregular heartbeat

  • history of low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • mental illness

  • prostate disease

  • trouble passing urine

  • suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member

  • any unusual or allergic reaction to ezogabine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. This medicine needs careful monitoring. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Your vision and blood may be tested before and during use of this medicine. Tell your doctor or health care professional right away if you have any change in your eyesight. It is recommended that you receive a complete eye exam about every 6 months.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.

Women who become pregnant while using this medicine may enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. This registry collects information about the safety of antiepileptic drug use during pregnancy.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018