Introduction
What KEPPRA 250MG is used for?
- It is used in the treatment of Epilepsy (fits)
Warning & Precautions
Talk to Doctor
Talk to your doctor before you take this medicine, if you:
- Are allergic to levetiracetam, pyrrolidone derivatives or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
- Suffer from kidney problems
- Notice any abnormality in the growth and puberty development of your child
- Have any symptoms of depression and/or suicidal ideation
Pregnancy & Breast Feeding
- KEPPRA 250MG should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary
- Breast-feeding is not recommended during treatment
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine
Children & Adolescents
- KEPPRA 250MG is not indicated in children and adolescents below 16 years on its own (monotherapy)
Driving & Using Machines
- KEPPRA 250MG may impair your ability to drive or operate any tools or machinery, as it may make you feel sleepy. This is more likely at the beginning of treatment or after an increase in the dose
Interactions
Tell your doctor if you are taking,
- Macrogol (a medicine used for constipation)
How to Use
- Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you
- KEPPRA 250MG must be taken twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, at about the same time each day
- It is used as a chronic treatment. You should continue KEPPRA 250MG as long as your doctor has told you
- Swallow the tablets with a glass of water
- You may take this medicine with or without food
Monotherapy
Dose in adults and adolescents (from 16 years of age):
General dose:
- Between 1000 mg and 3,000 mg each day
Add-on therapy
Dose in adults and adolescents (12 to 17 years) weighing 50 kg or more:
General dose:
- Between 1,000 mg and 3,000 mg each day
- When you will first start taking KEPPRA 250MG, your doctor will prescribe you a lower dose during 2 weeks before giving you the lowest general dose
Dose in infants (1 month to 23 months), children (2 to 11 years) and adolescents (12 to 17 years) weighing less than 50 kg:
- Your doctor will prescribe the most appropriate pharmaceutical form of KEPPRA 250MG according to the age, weight and dose
- KEPPRA 250MG 100 mg/ml oral solution is a formulation more appropriate to infants and children under the age of 6 year children and adolescent (from 6 to 17 years) weighing less than 50kg and when tablets don’t allow accurate dosage
If you take more KEPPRA 250MG
- Contact your doctor if you took more tablets than you should
If you forget to take KEPPRA 250MG
- Contact your doctor if you have missed one or more doses. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose
If you stop taking KEPPRA 250MG
- Consult your doctor before stopping the medicine. If stopping treatment, KEPPRA 250MG should be discontinued gradually to avoid an increase of seizures
Side Effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them
Serious
- Allergic (anaphylactic) reaction
- Weakness
- Feel light-headed or dizzy
- Flu-like symptoms, rash on the face followed by an extended rash with a high temperature
- Increased levels in a type of white blood cell (eosinophilia) and enlarged lymph nodes
- As low urine volume, swelling in the legs, ankles or feet, as this may be a sign of sudden decrease of kidney function
Common
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Depression
- Hostility or aggression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Nervousness or irritability
- Convulsion
- Balance disorder (equilibrium disorder)
- Lethargy (lack of energy and enthusiasm)
- Tremor (involuntary trembling)
- Vertigo (sensation of rotation)
- Cough
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Dyspepsia (indigestion), vomiting, nausea
- Rash
- Asthenia/fatigue (tiredness)
- Nasopharyngitis
- Headache
Uncommon
- Decreased number of blood platelets and white blood cells
- Weight decrease or increase
- Suicide attempt and suicidal ideation
- Mental disorder or abnormal behaviour, hallucination, anger, confusion, panic attack, emotional instability/mood swings, agitation
- Amnesia (loss of memory)
- Memory impairment (forgetfulness)
- Abnormal coordination/ataxia (impaired coordinated movements)
- Paraesthesia (tingling)
- Disturbance in attention (loss of concentration)
- Diplopia (double vision), blurred vision
- Elevated/abnormal values in a liver function test
- Hair loss, eczema, pruritus
- Muscle weakness, myalgia (muscle pain)
Rare
- Severe allergic reactions (DRESS, anaphylactic reaction [severe and important allergic reaction
- Quincke’s oedema [swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat])
- Decreased blood sodium concentration
- Suicide, personality disorders (behavioural problems), thinking abnormal (slow thinking, unable to concentrate)
- Uncontrollable muscle spasms affecting the head, torso and limbs, difficulty in controlling movements, hyperkinesia (hyperactivity)
- Pancreatitis, liver failure, hepatitis
- Sudden decrease in kidney function
- Erythema multiforme
- Stevens–Johnson syndrome
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis- severe rash and skin peeling
- Rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue) and associated blood creatine phosphokinase increase
More Information
Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
- Take a healthy diet along with regular exercise.
- Practice yoga every day.
- Get enough sleep at nighttime.
- Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/ laptop.
- Take your medication on time.
Storage
- Keep this medicine out of reach of children
- Store at room temperature (15-25°C)
- Do not use this medicine after the expiry date
FAQs
Q. Will the use of Keppra affect my fertility?
Keppra is not known to affect fertility in males or females. However, talk to your doctor if you are facing fertility issues during the treatment with this medicine.
Q. Can the use of Keppra cause sleepiness?
Yes, Keppra can make you feel sleepy. Therefore, during the initial phase of treatment, avoid driving, operating machinery, working at heights, or participating in potentially dangerous activities, until you know how this medicine affects you.
Q. I have gained weight since I started taking Keppra. Is it because of Keppra? What should I do?
Weight gain is an uncommon side effect of Keppra. However, the response may vary from person to person. To prevent weight gain you should take a healthy balanced diet, avoid snacking, cut down on high-calorie food items, include more vegetables and fruits in your diet and exercise regularly. If you still have issues with your weight, consult your doctor.
Q. What should I do if I have missed a dose of Keppra?
If you have missed a dose of Keppra, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip it and take the next dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose, as this may increase the chance of side effects. If you are not sure what to do, you can contact your doctor.
Q. How long does Keppra take to show its effect?
Keppra may take a few weeks to start working properly since the dose is increased slowly. It is possible that your seizures may continue until Keppra starts working completely.
Q. For how long do I need to take Keppra?
You should continue to take Keppra for as long as your doctor advises you to. Do not stop taking it suddenly because this may increase the frequency of seizures which may be difficult to control.
Q. Will I get addicted to Keppra if I use it for a long time?
No, Keppra is not habit-forming. No physical or psychological dependence has been reported with Keppra. Consult your doctor if you experience any side effects.
Q. What symptoms can occur if someone takes an excess of Keppra?
Taking an excess of Keppra may cause sleepiness, agitation, aggression, decrease of alertness, inhibition of breathing and even a state of coma. In case of an overdose, immediate medical care should be provided to the patient in a nearby hospital.
Q. How do I come off Keppra?
The dose of Keppra should be slowly reduced. You may have to take this medicine for a few months before you can stop it completely. Do not reduce the dose without asking your doctor. Inform your doctor if you get a serious side effect, such as a severe skin reaction. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking Keppra straight away, even if you have epilepsy.
Disclaimer:The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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