Rufinamide is used together with other medicines to treat epilepsy (also known as fits or seizures) that are associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (rare and severe type of fits or seizures that starts in childhood).
Take Rufinamide 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.
Take this medicine together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Rufinamide is available as a tablet or as an oral suspension.
If you are taking the tablet, swallow it whole. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, you may crush the tablet and mix it with half glass of water, stir and drink immediately. Alternatively, you may use the score line to break the tablet into two equal halves.
If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the calibrated oral syringe or adapter supplied with each bottle to measure out your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition, response, and tolerability to the medication.
Rufinamide 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.
Alert your doctor if you have familial short QT syndrome (a rare inherited heart rhythm disorder) as this medicine is not suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- family history of unexplained irregular or abnormal heartbeat
- history of abnormal ECG (test used to record the electrical activity of the heart)
- liver disease
- undergoing dialysis
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. Rufinamide may cause harm to your unborn child.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Rufinamide therapy. Birth control medicines containing hormones may not be effective. You may wish to discuss other reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
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.
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 blood tests may be done while you are being treated with Rufinamide. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of depression, suicidal thoughts and skin reactions may also be needed.
Rufinamide may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or some problems with your eyesight such as 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, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion, decreased appetite, flu-like symptoms, nosebleeds, back pain, difficulty sleeping, and weight 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
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having thoughts of self-harm)
- worsening or more frequent seizures
- irregular or abnormal heartbeat
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 epilepsy e.g. valproate, phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenobarbital
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. digoxin, mexiletine
- triazolam (medicine for sleep disorders)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Rufinamide.
Inform your doctor if you are currently taking birth control pills as this medicine may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. You should not stop or start any birth control pills without first informing your doctor. Ask your doctor about using non-hormonal birth control as an alternative while being treated with Rufinamide.
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.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect the tablets from moisture.
The oral suspension should be used within 90 days after opening.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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