Do you or someone you know have seizures or epilepsy? It can be very difficult at times, isn't it? But don't worry, there are good medications that can help control these conditions. One such medication is Brivaracetam. Shall we talk a little more about this drug?
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, Brivaracetam is a liquid medicine that helps prevent and control seizures in people with epilepsy . Sometimes the nerves in our body become a little too active. At such times, this medicine calms down those overactive nerves. It is like gently calming someone who is agitated. Then the seizures decrease.
A well-known name for this in the market is BRIVIACT .
Sometimes doctors may use this medicine for other conditions as well. So if you have any questions, it's best to ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What should I tell the doctor before using this medicine?
Before you start taking Brivaracetam, it's important to tell your doctor or other members of your healthcare team some important information. This is because your doctor will use that information to decide whether this medicine is right for you and how much to give you. So, don't forget to tell them all of this, okay?
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you or someone in your family has had suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts, this is very important, so don't hide it.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to this medicine, any other medicine, any food, certain dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
How exactly do I use this medicine?
The way you use this medicine is very important. As the doctor says, taking it at the right time and in the right amount is the best way to get the best results.
- This is a liquid medicine that you take by mouth .
- Take this medicine at the same time every day , just as the doctor prescribed. That way, your body will get used to the medicine. Think of it like eating at the same time every day.
- Measure the amount of medicine, using a specially designed oral syringe, a medicine spoon, or a dropper . It is difficult to measure the exact amount with ordinary teaspoons at home. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacist for one.
- This medicine can be taken with or without food . However, if you feel a little upset stomach, it is better to eat some food before taking it.
- You should continue to take this medicine until your doctor or someone caring for you tells you to stop . It's best not to stop suddenly. We'll talk about that in a bit.
Pay special attention to: MedGuide
Every time you get this medicine from the pharmacy, whether it's a new one or a refill, you'll be given a special leaflet called a MedGuide . It contains a lot of important information about the medicine, like a medicine ID card. Always remember to read it carefully .
If you give this medicine to small children
Doctors may prescribe this medicine to children as young as one month old in some special cases. However, there are some things to be careful about when giving it to your child. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to your doctor or someone who is taking care of you about it and find out the details.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest public hospital emergency room immediately, or call a poison control center . Don't waste time.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else. The right medicine and dosage for each person is different.
What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?
If you suddenly forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember . However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled . Never take a double dose, that is, take two doses at once . Doing so can cause problems by increasing the dose.
What other interactions may occur with this medicine?
There are some things that can cause problems when combined with this Brivaracetam drug. So it's good to be aware of this as well.
- Alcohol: Consuming alcohol while taking this medication can increase the side effects. So stay away from alcohol as much as possible.
- Some types of medications:
- Carbamazepine
- Phenytoin
- Rifampin
This list is not all-inclusive. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including those prescribed by other doctors and those you buy over-the-counter), herbs, and dietary supplements you take. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs . Some of these things can interact with your medications, so it is for your own safety to tell them everything.
What are the things to be careful about when using this medicine?
You need to be a little more careful about your health while taking this medicine.
- See your doctor regularly: Have regular check-ups with your doctor or caregiver to see how you are doing and if the medication is working.
- Tell your doctor or caregiver if your symptoms don't improve or seem to be getting worse.
- Coordination, reaction time, and judgment: This medicine may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment . Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: To reduce the feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness, sit up or stand up slowly . Standing up suddenly can cause dizziness.
- Be careful with alcohol: If you consume alcohol while taking this medication, the side effects mentioned above (such as dizziness and fainting) are more likely to occur.
Very important: Do not suddenly stop taking your medication for any reason. Doing so may cause a severe reaction. Your doctor or other caregiver will tell you how much medication you should take and when to stop.
Special attention to mental health
This is also very important. While taking this medicine, watch carefully for new or worsening thoughts of suicide or depression . This means that you suddenly have a big change in your mood, behaviors, or thoughts . These changes can happen at any time, but they are most common when you first start taking the medicine or after changing the dose . If you have these thoughts or feel that your depression is getting worse, talk to your doctor or someone who is caring for you right away . Don't suffer alone.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like all medicines, Brivaracetam can cause some side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Some are serious, while others are mild.
Side effects that you should report to your doctor as soon as possible:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should tell your doctor or those taking care of you as soon as possible.
- Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If these occur, seek immediate medical attention.
- Mood and behavior changes: anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome:
These usually subside within a few days, but if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor or someone taking care of you.
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Feeling tired (Fatigue)
- Feeling like you are losing your balance, or having trouble walking (Loss of balance or coordination)
- Nausea
- Uncontrollable eye movements
- Vomiting
This list is not all-inclusive. If you notice anything unusual, please consult your doctor. In some countries, you can report side effects to agencies such as the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration), but in Sri Lanka, it is best to report them to your doctor.
How should I store this medicine? How do I remove it?
It is very important to store medications properly and dispose of them properly after use.
- Keep out of the reach of children and pets . This is very important, as they can be harmed by this.
- This medicine can be abused by some people, so keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft .
- This is a medicine given to you only. Do not share it with anyone else . Sharing such medicine is dangerous and against the law.
- Store at room temperature, between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit) . Do not expose to extreme heat or cold.
- Any unused medicine should be discarded after it expires or 5 months after the bottle is used (whichever comes first) .
The correct way to dispose of unused medication
This medicine can cause serious harm or even death if it is taken by other adults, children, or pets. Therefore, if you no longer need this medicine or if it has expired, you should dispose of it properly immediately . There are two ways to do this:
1. Take this medicine to a medication take-back program . You can find out about such a place at your pharmacy or at your local health department office.
2. If there is no way to return it, check the medicine label or the leaflet inside to see if it should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet . If you are not sure, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or someone who is caring for you .
- If it says it's safe to throw in the trash, take the medicine out of the bottle and mix it with cat litter, soil, coffee grounds, or other similar waste . Then , put the mixture in a tightly sealed bag or container and throw it in the trash .
Note: This leaflet is only a summary of this medicine. It may not contain all the information you need. If you have any further questions about this medicine, please talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
So, what are the things to remember?
We hope you now have a good understanding of the Brivaracetam liquid drug that we have discussed. Finally, let's remind you of these points again:
- Brivaracetam is a medicine that helps control epilepsy. Take it exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about your health conditions and any other medications you are taking. Don't hide anything.
- Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Tell your doctor right away about any new or worsening mental thoughts (especially thoughts of suicide) or changes in your mood. This is very important.
- If you experience serious side effects (such as allergies), seek medical advice immediately.
- Keep medicines in a safe place out of the reach of children. Dispose of unused medicines properly.
If you want to know anything more about this medicine, don't be afraid to ask your doctor. Stay healthy!
` Brivaracetam, Epilepsy, seizures, medicine, medication, side effects, BRIVIACT
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