Oxcarbazepine oral suspension

What is this medicine?

OXCARBAZEPINE (ox car BAZ e peen) is used to treat people with epilepsy. It helps prevent partial seizures.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake the bottle well before each use. The suspension comes with a special oral syringe that will allow you to carefully measure the dose needed. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. The dose may be mixed in a small glass of water before it is swallowed, or you can take the medicine directly from the syringe. Be sure to take the entire dose. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine 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 medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 2 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 such as skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat

• changes in vision

• confusion

• fever

• infection

• nausea, vomiting

• problems with balance, speaking, walking

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• swelling of the feet or hands

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

• worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying

• yellowing of 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):

• constipation or diarrhea

• headache

• loss of appetite

• nervous

• stomach upset

• tremor

• trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

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

• carbamazepine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• birth control pills

• certain medicines for seizures like phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid

• certain medicines for high blood pressure like felodipine, diltiazem, verapamil

• cyclosporine

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 reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light or moisture. Store in the original container. Use within 7 weeks of first opening the bottle. 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:

• Asian ancestry

• kidney disease

• liver disease

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

• any unusual or allergic reaction to oxcarbazepine, carbamazepine, 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. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This increases the risk of seizures. Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. Carry an identification card with information about your condition, medications, and doctor or health care professional.

Rarely, serious skin allergic reactions may occur with this medicine. If you develop a skin rash, redness, itching, peeling skin inside your mouth, swollen glands, or a fever while taking this medicine, contact your health care provider immediately.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug 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 can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.

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.