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In this Article

• What is rufinamide (Banzel)?
• What are the possible side effects of rufinamide (Banzel)?
• What is the most important information I should know about rufinamide (Banzel)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rufinamide (Banzel)?
• How should I take rufinamide (Banzel)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Banzel)?
• What happens if I overdose (Banzel)?
• What should I avoid while taking rufinamide (Banzel)?
• What other drugs will affect rufinamide (Banzel)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rufinamide (Banzel)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to rufinamide, or if you have a genetic heart rhythm disorder called "Short QT syndrome."

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before taking rufinamide, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease; or
• if you are on dialysis.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether rufinamide is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Rufinamide can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking rufinamide.

Rufinamide may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Rufinamide is not for use in children younger than 4 years old.

How should I take rufinamide (Banzel)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take rufinamide with food.

Do not stop taking rufinamide without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking rufinamide suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking rufinamide.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you have seizures, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.

It is important to use rufinamide regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store rufinamide at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.