DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Lacosamide oral solution

July 17, 2018

Lacosamide oral solution

What is this medicine?

LACOSAMIDE (la KOE sa mide) is used to control seizures caused by certain types of epilepsy.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take this medicine with or without food. 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. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 4 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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.

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

  • confusion

  • feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

  • fever

  • irregular heart beat

  • loss of memory

  • suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

  • unusually weak or tired

  • yellowing of the eyes, skin

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

  • constipation

  • diarrhea

  • drowsiness

  • dry mouth

  • headache

  • nausea

What may interact with this medicine?

  • atazanavir

  • beta-blockers like metoprolol and propranolol

  • calcium channel blockers like diltiazem and verapamil

  • digoxin

  • dronedarone

  • lopinavir/ritonavir

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 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.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Discard any unused portion remaining after 7 weeks of first opening the bottle.

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

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

  • dehydration

  • heart disease, including heart failure

  • history of a drug or alcohol abuse problem

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • phenylketonuria

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

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to lacosamide, aspartame, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. This medicine needs careful monitoring.

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