Lacosamide for epilepsy

About lacosamide

Lacosamide is used alongside other medicines in the treatment of focal seizures, which are a type of epilepsy. A seizure is a short episode of symptoms which is caused by a burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. With a focal seizure, the burst of electrical activity stays in one part of the brain and therefore you tend to have localised or 'focal' symptoms. Because different parts of the brain control different functions, your symptoms will depend on which part of your brain is affected. Focal seizures can sometimes develop into seizures which affect all of your brain. These are called secondary generalised seizures.

Lacosamide is prescribed for people who have focal seizures, which may or may not be followed by secondary generalised seizures. It is prescribed alongside other anti-epilepsy medicines. It works by stabilising the electrical activity in your brain.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking lacosamide it is important that your doctor knows:

• Si estás embarazada, intentando tener un bebé o amamantando.

• If you have a heart rhythm disorder.

• Si tienes algún problema con el funcionamiento de tu hígado, o si tienes algún problema con el funcionamiento de tus riñones.

• Si está tomando o usando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que esté disponible para comprar sin receta, así como medicamentos herbales y complementarios.

• Si alguna vez has tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about lacosamide, and will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• Take lacosamide exactly as your doctor tells you to. You will be asked to take two doses daily, one dose in the morning and one in the evening. It is likely that you will be prescribed a low dose when you first start taking it, and then your dose will be increased as your body gets used to it. Your doctor or pharmacist will explain this to you, and directions will also be printed on the label of the pack to remind you about what the doctor said to you.

• You can take lacosamide either with or without meals. Swallow the tablet with a drink of water.

• If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, take it as soon as you remember unless it is within six hours of your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Make sure you take the next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

• Intenta mantener tus citas regulares con tu médico. Esto es para que tu médico pueda verificar tu progreso.

• Cuando comienzas un nuevo tratamiento para la epilepsia, puede haber un cambio en el número o tipo de convulsiones que experimentas. Tu médico te aconsejará al respecto.

• Lacosamide can make you feel dizzy, especially when you first start treatment. Take care that you do not fall or trip when moving around.

• Drinking alcohol while you are on lacosamide can increase feelings of dizziness and may not be recommended for you. Ask for your doctor's advice.

• While you are being treated for epilepsy there is a small risk that you may develop mood changes, distressing thoughts and feelings about suicide. If this happens, you must tell your doctor about it straightaway.

• People with epilepsy must stop driving at first. Your doctor will advise you about if and when it may be possible for you to resume driving again.

• Many anti-epileptic medicines can harm an unborn child. If you are a woman, make sure you have discussed with your doctor which types of contraception are suitable for you and your partner. If you want to have a family, discuss this with your doctor so that you can be given advice from a specialist antes you become pregnant.

• You need to take lacosamide regularly every day. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to stop. Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems and your doctor will want you to reduce your dose gradually if this becomes necessary.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the more common ones associated with lacosamide. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer's information leaflet in the reference section below. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Si experimenta otros síntomas que cree que pueden deberse al medicamento, hable con su médico o farmacéutico para obtener más consejos.

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

• Once a bottle of Vimpat® Syrup has been opened, it will keep for four weeks. After this time, make sure you have a fresh supply.