Levetiracetam oral disintegrating tablets

What is this medicine?

LEVETIRACETAM (lee ve tye RA se tam) is an antiepileptic drug. It is used with other medicines to treat certain types of seizures.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a sip of liquid. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Leave the tablet in the sealed blister pack until you are ready to take it. With dry hands, open the blister and gently remove the tablet. Do not try to push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet on the tongue, take a sip of liquid and allow it to dissolve, and then swallow. You can also take this medicine by adding a tablet to a small amount of liquid. Swirl gently and swallow the medicine after the tablet dissolves. Be sure to swallow all medicine and liquid. You may take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine or any of your seizure medicines unless instructed by your doctor or health care professional. Stopping your medicine suddenly can increase your seizures or their severity.

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 for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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

• breathing problems

• dark urine

• general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms

• problems with balance, talking, walking

• suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

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

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• headache

• loss of appetite

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• carbamazepine

• colesevelam

• probenecid

• sevelamer

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.

Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused 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:

• kidney disease

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

• an unusual or allergic reaction to levetiracetam, other medicines, food, 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 a regular check on your progress. Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have epilepsy, and carry a card that lists all your medications.

It is important to take this medicine exactly as instructed by your health care professional. When first starting treatment, your dose may need to be adjusted. It may take weeks or months before your dose is stable. You should contact your doctor or health care professional if your seizures get worse or if you have any new types of seizures.

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.