Levetiracetam (Systemic)
Brand Names : Keppra
Before Using This MedicineIn 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. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist
if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives,
or dyes.
Pregnancy - Levetiracetam has not been studied in pregnant
women. However, studies in animals have shown that levetiracetam causes birth
defects. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are
pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding - It is not known whether levetiracetam passes
into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts,
many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking
this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children - Studies on this medicine have been done only in
adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of levetiracetam
in children with use in other age groups.
Older adults - This medicine has been tested in a limited number
of patients 65 years of age and older and has not been shown to cause different
side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines - Although certain medicines should not be used
together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together
even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to
change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care
professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter
[OTC]) medicine.
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; your doctor may need to
change your dose.
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