Do you or someone in your family have a condition that causes seizures, called epilepsy? If so, your doctor may have prescribed you a liquid medicine called Perampanel. It's normal for many people to have a lot of questions when using this medicine. "How exactly do I use this?", "What are the side effects?", "What should I be especially careful about?" You probably have questions like this. So today, let's talk about this medicine Perampanel (often called Fycompa) in a clear and simple way.
Simply put, what is Perampanel?
Perampanel is a medication used to control certain types of seizures in epilepsy. It works by controlling abnormal electrical activity in the brain and helping to prevent seizures. It usually comes as an oral suspension.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition, as special care should be taken when using this medication with certain medical conditions.
Remember, don't hide anything from your doctor. It's very important for your safety.
If you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Mental health problems | If you or anyone in your family has had a mental illness such as depression, bipolar disorder, suicidal thoughts or attempts. |
| Drug or alcohol use | If you are a frequent drinker of alcohol or have a history of drug addiction. |
| Other illnesses | If you have liver disease or kidney disease. |
| Allergies | If you have an allergy to perampanel or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of your medication, it is very important to use it as directed.
- Shake well: Shake the bottle well before each use.
- Take the correct dose: Use the special plastic spoon or dropper that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not use household teaspoons, as they are not accurate. If you do not have such a special spoon, ask your doctor.
- Before or after food?: This can be taken with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Take it on time: Make it a habit to take your medicine at the same time every day. Do not take more than the amount your doctor has prescribed.
- Don't stop suddenly: This is the most important thing. Don't stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may increase the frequency of your fits or make your condition worse.
What to do if you overdose?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Perampanel is a medication that can interact with other medications, such as alcohol. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
- Alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol is very dangerous. It may increase the side effects of the medication, especially drowsiness, dizziness, and mental effects.
- Other medications: Many things can interact with this medication, including cough and cold medications, allergy medications (antihistamines), antidepressants, sleeping pills, antifungals (e.g. ketoconazole), and other seizure medications (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin).
- Birth control pills: This medication may reduce the effectiveness of some birth control pills (especially those containing levonorgestrel), so it is important to talk to your doctor about using another form of birth control.
Side effects to be aware of when taking medication
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common. The important thing is to be aware of these.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Severe skin allergies | Fever, chills, and other flu-like symptoms, including red/purple rashes, blisters, or peeling skin. Swelling of the face, lips, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Sudden anger, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts, or other unusual mental changes. |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dizziness/drowsiness | Loss of balance, difficulty walking (for this reason, avoid driving). |
| Other | Headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, weight gain. |
How do you store and dispose of the medicine?
- Keep this medicine safe: Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft, as it can be misused. Do not share this medicine with others.
- Storage: Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius).
- Disposal: When disposing of unused medication, mix it with something like coffee grounds or cat litter, put it in a tightly sealed container, and discard. Any remaining medication should be discarded 90 days after opening the bottle.
Take-Home Message
- Never stop taking Perampanel suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
- Be aware of serious side effects such as severe skin allergies and mental changes. If you notice anything like this, seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication.
- Always keep the medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets.
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