If you or someone you know has had a seizure, you probably know how frightening it can be. Doctors have various treatments for this. Lacosamide is a special injection that can be given to control seizures. So let's talk about it in more detail today, okay?
What is this medicine called Lacosamide?
Simply put, Lacosamide is a medicine that is given to people with epilepsy to stop and control seizures. Sometimes the nerves in our brain become overactive, which is when a seizure occurs. This medicine works by calming the overactive nerves. This then controls the seizure. It is usually given as an injection.
Doctors may also use this medicine for other conditions. So if you have any further questions about this, it's best to ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine also comes under the brand name `Vimpat`.
What are the things you need to tell your medical team before taking this medication?
Okay, now before you get this Lacosamide injection, there are a few things you need to tell your doctor. These are very important, because this information will help them decide whether this medication is right for you or not, and how it should be given.
Don't forget to tell them about these things:
- If you have a heart condition (for example, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, etc.).
- If you have a kidney disease . Because the kidneys are the ones that filter out unnecessary substances and medications from our body. So if the kidneys are not working properly, medications can accumulate in the body.
- If you have liver disease . The liver is also an important organ that cleanses our body of drugs.
- If you are addicted to drugs or use alcohol excessively ( Substance use disorder ).
- If you have had suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts in the past. This is a very sensitive issue, but it is important for doctors to know this.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction or unusual reaction to lacosamide, any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Never be ashamed or afraid to say these things. They are asking for this information for your safety.
How do you use this medicine?
Lacosamide is given as an injection into your vein. This is usually done in a hospital or clinic under medical supervision. This means it is not a medicine you can take home.
Before each treatment, you will be given a special instruction leaflet (MedGuide) . It contains information about the medicine, side effects, and things to be careful about. Always read it carefully. Do you understand?
If you are giving this medicine to children, you need to talk about it specifically. Although it can be given to babies as young as one month old in some situations, there are special precautions. So talk to your doctor about this carefully and explain everything.
What happens if you take too much medicine?
Remember, if you think you've taken too much of this medication, or if you suspect an overdose , call a poison control center or the nearest hospital emergency room immediately. This is most often given in a hospital setting, so it's unlikely, but it's important to be aware.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
Since this is given in a hospital or clinic, it doesn't matter if you miss a dose. The medical staff will take care of it.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Some of the medications we take can interact with each other. That is, one medication can change the way another works. There are some medications that can interact with lacosamide. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including herbs, non-prescription drugs, and dietary supplements, as well as if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs .
Be especially careful with the following medications, as they may interact with Lacosamide:
- Atazanavir (a medicine used to treat HIV/AIDS)
- Beta-blockers , such as metoprolol and propranolol (used for high blood pressure and heart disease)
- Calcium channel blockers , such as diltiazem and verapamil (also used for high blood pressure and heart disease)
- Some medications used to treat irregular heart rhythms include amiodarone, bepridil, dofetilide, encainide, flecainide, propafenone, and quinidine .
- Some other medications given for fits, for example carbamazepine and phenytoin .
- Digoxin ( a medicine for heart disease and heart rate problems)
- Dronedarone (a medicine for heart rhythm problems)
- Lopinavir/ritonavir (a medicine used to treat HIV/AIDS)
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about all the medications you take.
Things you should be especially careful about when taking this medicine:
When you are given this medicine, your condition will be closely monitored by doctors and nurses. However, there are a few things you should know.
This medicine can sometimes cause serious skin reactions . These may occur weeks or months after starting the medicine. If you develop a rash with fever and flu-like symptoms , tell your healthcare team right away. These rashes may appear red or purple, then develop into blisters and the skin may peel. Or if you develop a red rash with swelling of the face or lips, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits, tell your doctor right away.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace with details about your medical condition. Also, keep a card with your medical condition, medications you take, and their dosages. This will be very helpful in an emergency.
This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy . Therefore , avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing other activities that require mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand up or sit up suddenly, especially if you are elderly. Doing so may reduce the risk of dizziness and falls. Avoid drinking alcoholic drinks, as alcohol can interfere with the way this medicine works.
If you or your family notice any changes in your behavior, such as new onset of depression, thoughts of self-harm, anxiety, other unusual distressing thoughts, or memory loss , contact your medical team immediately.
What side effects can you experience?
Like any medicine, Lacosamide can cause some side effects. Some are serious, some are not so serious. However, it is important to be aware of these.
Side effects that require immediate medical attention:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should tell your medical team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Heart rhythm changes: Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing.
- Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, or feelings of depression.
Side effects that do not usually require medical attention, but should be reported to a doctor if they persist or are bothersome:
These side effects are usually not serious, but if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor:
- Dizziness
- Double vision
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Nausea
This list is not all possible side effects. If you notice anything else unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
Where do you keep this medicine?
Since this medicine is given in a hospital or clinic, you don't have to take it home. So you don't have to worry about how to store it at home. At the hospital, they store this medicine exactly as it should be stored.
The most important message to take home
Okay, we've talked a lot about the Lacosamide injection, haven't we? Remember, this is an important medication that helps control seizures. It's very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly when using this medication, and to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and any other medications you're taking.
If you suspect a side effect, especially if there are serious side effects, tell your doctor immediately and never delay.
This information sheet is only a summary. If you have any further questions about this medicine, please do not hesitate to ask your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare provider. It is important to be informed about your health.
` Lacosamide, Lacosamide, fit, seizure, epilepsy, injection, medication side effects
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