This medicine is used for the following purposes:
Brand Name(s): Vimpat
Generic Name: Lacosamide
Instructions
This medicine is given as an IV injection into a vein.
Carefully follow the instructions for preparing this medicine before injection.
Read and make sure you understand the instructions for measuring your dose and using the syringe before using this medicine.
Follow package direction for diluting medicine with IV fluids or as instructed by your doctor or nurse.
The liquid should be clear and colorless.
Check the medicine before each use. If the liquid medicine has any particles in it, appears discolored, or if the vial appears damaged, do not use it.
Keep this medicine at room temperature.
Keep the medicine in its original container.
Before medicine is mixed, it may be stored at room temperature - below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C).
Do not freeze the medicine.
Never use any medicine that has expired.
Discard any remaining medicine after your dose is given.
Please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to discard unused medicines safely.
Space doses evenly to keep a steady amount of medicine in the body.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Contact your doctor if your seizures do not improve or worsen while on this medicine.
Talk to your doctor before taking other medicines, including aspirins and ibuprofen containing products. Speak to your doctor about which medicines are safe to use while you are on this medicine.
If you need to stop this medicine, your doctor may wish to gradually reduce the dosage before stopping.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.
Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed, has thoughts of suicide, or shows changes in behavior.
This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
Always carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet indicating your medical condition.
Call your doctor right away if you notice slow or shallow breathing.
Ask your pharmacist how to properly throw away used needles or syringes.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- loss of balance
- dizziness or drowsiness
- lack of energy and tiredness
- pain, redness, swelling near injection
- memory problems or loss
- nausea and vomiting
- shakiness
- blurring or changes of vision
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- depression or feeling sad
- fainting
- fever
- fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
- mood changes
- shortness of breath
- suicidal thoughts
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
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Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
