Oxcarbazepine is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat epilepsy (fits or seizures).
Take Oxcarbazepine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different preparations of Oxcarbazepine may be taken differently.
Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as a conventional tablet, an extended-release tablet, or as oral suspension.
If you are taking the conventional tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water. The tablets are scored and may be divided in half to make it easier to swallow them if necessary. Do not break the tablets to take only half of the dose.
If you are taking the oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take the medicine to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring device (e.g. oral syringe) provided to measure your dose.
If you are taking the extended-release type of tablet (usually labelled as "XR"), swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Oxcarbazepine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Oxcarbazepine if you are breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of allergic reaction to carbamazepine (another medicine for epilepsy)
- heart problems e.g. heart block, irregular heartbeat
- severe kidney disease
- severe liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant. Oxcarbazepine may cause harm to your unborn child.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Oxcarbazepine therapy. Birth control medicines containing hormones may not be effective. You may wish to discuss other reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Do not switch between different brands or preparations unless advised by your doctor.
Some genetic traits can cause serious allergic reactions (e.g. rashes with peeling of the skin or blisters in the lips, mouth, or eyes) from this medicine. If you have a certain genetic variant called
HLA-B*15:02, you are more likely to develop these reactions to Oxcarbazepine. Your doctor may perform genetic testing before giving you this medicine to know if it is suitable for you. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. sodium levels in the blood, complete blood count, thyroid function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs or symptoms of suicidal thoughts and behaviour and skin or allergic reactions may also be needed.
Oxcarbazepine may cause sleepiness, dizziness, lack of concentration, or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, double vision, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, weight gain, pimples, weakness, and hair loss.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth, or eyes accompanied by fever
- signs and symptoms of low sodium level in the blood e.g. nausea, tiredness, headache, feeling confused, more frequent or severe seizures
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, persistent tiredness, dark coloured urine
- having thoughts of self-harm
- irregular or fast heartbeat
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, tongue, or throat
Oxcarbazepine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds, and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for fits or seizures e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine
- water pills or medicines for water retention
- lithium (medicine for mood disorder)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Oxcarbazepine.
Inform your doctor if you are currently taking birth control pills containing ethinylestradiol or levonorgestrel as Oxcarbazepine may reduce the effectiveness of these contraceptives. You should not stop or start any birth control pills without first informing your doctor. Your doctor may advise you to add another type of birth control or use non-hormonal birth control as an alternative while being treated with this medicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Oxcarbazepine.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Keep the extended-release tablets in their original package to protect them from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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