Keppra (levetiracetam)

How does it work?

Keppra tablets, oral solution and injection all contain the active ingredient levetiracetam, which is a medicine used to treat epilepsy. It works by stabilising electrical activity in the brain.

The brain and nerves are made up of many nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. These signals must be carefully regulated for the brain and nerves to function properly. When abnormally rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain, it becomes over-stimulated and normal function is disturbed. This results in fits or seizures.

It is not fully understood how levetiracetam works to control seizures, but its mechanism appears to be different from other antiepileptic medicines.

Levetiracetam may be used on its own, or as an additional treatment, if other antiepileptic medicines have failed to fully control the epileptic seizures.

The medicine can be given as a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion) when administration by mouth is not possible.

What is it used for?

Partial seizures, with or without secondary generalised seizures in adults and children from four years of age with epilepsy. (Keppra can be used on its own to treat people aged 16 years and over with newly diagnosed epilepsy. In children aged four years and over it should be used as an additional medicine when other antiepileptic medicines have failed to fully control the seizures.)

Primary generalised tonic-clonic seizures in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age with idiopathic generalised epilepsy (in combination with other treatments).

Myoclonic seizures in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (in combination with other treatments).

Warning!

This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

You should not stop taking this medicine suddenly unless your doctor tells you otherwise, as this may result in your seizures returning or getting worse. If it is decided that you should stop taking this medicine, it should be withdrawn gradually, according to the instructions given by your doctor.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Severely decreased liver function.

Keppra injection contains sodium, which should be taken into consideration in people on a low sodium diet.

Not to be used in

This medicine is not recommended for children under four years of age, as there is insufficient information about its safety and efficacy in this age group.

Keppra oral solution contains maltitol and is not suitable for patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. The manufacturer states that it is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. It is very important for women with epilepsy to talk to the doctor responsible for their epilepsy treatment before becoming pregnant. Stopping antiepileptic treatment during pregnancy runs the risk of the mother having seizures, which can harm both the mother and the foetus. This risk may be higher than that from continuing the medication. It is important that all the risks and benefits of treatment are weighed up. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medicine. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Do not stop taking this medication except on your doctor's advice.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved