levetiracetam (Intravenous route)

lee-va-tye-RA-se-tam

Commonly used brand name(s):

In the U.S.

• Keppra

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Anticonvulsant

Uses For levetiracetam

Levetiracetam injection is used to control some types of seizures in patients with epilepsy. levetiracetam cannot cure epilepsy and will only work to control seizures for as long as you continue to use it.

levetiracetam is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before Using levetiracetam

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For levetiracetam, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to levetiracetam or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of levetiracetam injection in children below 16 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of levetiracetam injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, which may require caution or an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving levetiracetam injection.

Pregnancy

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Using levetiracetam with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Carbamazepine
• Ginkgo

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of levetiracetam. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Kidney problems—Higher blood levels of levetiracetam may occur, which may increase the chance of unwanted effects.

Proper Use of levetiracetam

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you levetiracetam. Levetiracetam is given through a needle that is placed in one of your veins.

Your doctor will give you a few doses of levetiracetam until your condition improves, and then switch you to an oral medicine that works the same way. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.

Precautions While Using levetiracetam

It is very important that your doctor check your progress while you are receiving levetiracetam to see if the medicine is working properly.

Levetiracetam may cause changes in mood or behavior, problems with coordination, or unusual tiredness or weakness. Tell your doctor right away if you start to feel depressed, anxious, or angry, or if you have thoughts about hurting yourself. Report any unusual thoughts or behavior that trouble you, especially if they are new or getting worse quickly.

levetiracetam may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to levetiracetam before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or not alert.

levetiracetam Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Cough or hoarseness
• fever or chills
• lower back or side pain
• painful or difficult urination

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

• Anxiety
• attack, assault, or force
• decrease, loss, or change in consciousness
• difficult or troubled breathing
• dry mouth
• hyperventilation
• irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
• irregular heartbeats
• irritability
• nervousness
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• restlessness
• shaking
• shortness of breath
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• trouble with sleeping

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Body aches or pain
• congestion
• dizziness
• dryness or soreness of the throat
• headache
• lack or loss of strength
• pain
• runny nose
• tender, swollen glands in the neck
• trouble with swallowing
• voice changes

• Aggressive or angry
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• crying
• depersonalization
• discouragement
• double vision or seeing double
• dysphoria
• euphoria
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• feeling sad or empty
• lightheadedness
• loss of interest or pleasure
• loss of memory
• loss or lack of appetite
• mental depression
• pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• paranoia
• problems with memory
• quick to react or overreact emotionally
• rapidly changing moods
• rash
• sensation of spinning
• shakiness and unsteady walk
• sneezing
• stuffy nose
• tightness of the chest or wheezing
• tiredness
• trouble concentrating
• troubled breathing
• unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
• weight loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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