Perampanel is used together with other medicines to treat epilepsy (also known as fits or seizures).
Take Perampanel 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. It is best to take it in the evening. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Perampanel is available as a tablet or an oral suspension.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.
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 measuring device (e.g. oral syringe) provided to measure your dose. Refer to the package insert for directions on how the oral syringe should be used.
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 your response to the medication.
Perampanel 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.
If you miss a dose, do not take the missed dose. Take only at your next scheduled dose.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- at risk of falls
- history of drug or alcohol abuse
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Perampanel to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
It is important for you or your family members to monitor your condition, especially at the start of treatment and if your dosage is still being adjusted. If you experience new or sudden changes in mood, behaviour, thoughts, or feelings, or suicidal thoughts or attempts and harm to others, contact your doctor immediately.
Perampanel may cause drowsiness and dizziness. 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: nausea, increased or decreased appetite, tiredness, back pain, dizziness with sensations of spinning, blurred vision, double vision, confusion, problems walking normally or with muscle coordination, and weight gain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- swollen glands, fever, rash, chest pain, unable to pass urine or change in amount of urine passed, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark coloured urine
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, aggressive, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour), having thoughts of self-harm or harm to others
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
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. carbamazepine, phenytoin, oxcarbazepine
- midazolam (medicine for sleep disorder or anxiety)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- ketoconazole (medicine to treat fungal infection)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Perampanel.
Inform your doctor if you are taking birth control pills. This medicine can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills that contain levonorgestrel. You should not stop or start any birth control pills without first informing your doctor. Your doctor may advise you to use an additional non-hormonal form of birth control (e.g. condoms, diaphragm) during treatment with Perampanel and for 1 month after stopping the treatment.
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 Perampanel.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
The oral suspension should be used within 90 days after opening.
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