Brivaracetam is used together with other medicines to treat epilepsy (fits or seizures).
Take Brivaracetam 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.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Brivaracetam is available as a tablet or an oral solution.
If you are taking the tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the tablet.
If you are given the oral solution, use the oral syringe supplied with each bottle to measure your dose. Refer to the package insert for directions on how the oral syringe should be used. The oral solution may be taken on its own, or mixed with water or juice. Once mixed, drink it immediately. The oral solution may also be administered through a nasogastric feeding tube.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and response to the medication.
Brivaracetam 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 Brivaracetam if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- severe kidney disease or undergoing dialysis
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. Your treatment with Brivaracetam must be reassessed by the doctor.
Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
A certain enzyme called CYP2C19 is involved in the breakdown of Brivaracetam. Individuals who are poor metabolisers of CYP2C19 may experience enhanced side effects of this medicine (e.g. dizziness, tiredness, nausea). Although not routinely done, your doctor may advise you to undergo genetic testing to check if Brivaracetam is best suited 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. complete blood count, liver and kidney 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 of depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual changes in mood or behaviour may also be needed.
Brivaracetam may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or problems with balance and coordination. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: dizziness with sensations of spinning, cough, common cold, flu, nausea, vomiting, constipation, decreased appetite, tiredness, and difficulty sleeping.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of allergic reactions e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes, mouth, or throat
- signs and symptoms of breathing problems e.g. chest pain or tightness, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing
- having thoughts of self-harm
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or aggressive)
- seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent
- frequent sore throat, mouth sores, fever, chills or sweating
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 (fits or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, an infection known as tuberculosis)
- fluvoxamine (medicine to treat depression)
- fluconazole (medicine to treat fungal infections)
- St John’s wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Brivaracetam.
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.
Do not freeze the oral solution.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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