Cerebyx (Fosphenytoin Sodium Injection) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 26, 2012

Cerebyx

Seizure (Epilepsy) »

Introduction

Few experiences match the drama of a convulsive seizure. A person having a severe seizure may cry out, fall to the floor unconscious, twitch or move uncontrollably, drool, or even lose bladder control. Within minutes, the attack is over, and the person regains consciousness but is exhausted and dazed. This is the image most people have when they hear the word epilepsy. However, this type of seizure -- a generalized tonic-clonic seizure -- is only one kind of epilepsy. There are many other kinds, each with a different set of symptoms.

Epilepsy was one of the first brain disorders to be described. It was mentioned in ancient Babylon more than 3,000 years ago. The strange behavior caused by some seizures has contributed through the ages to many superstitions and prejudices. The word epilepsy is derived from the Greek word for "attack." People once thought that those with epilepsy were being visited by demons or gods. However, in 400 B.C., the early...

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Cerebyx

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Cerebyx Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive fosphenytoin (Cerebyx)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to fosphenytoin or phenytoin (Dilantin) or if you have certain heart conditions:

slow heartbeats;
heart block;
AV block; or
Adams-Stokes syndrome (a heart rhythm disorder).

Before you receive fosphenytoin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

heart disease;
kidney disease;
liver disease;
low blood pressure;
alcoholism;
porphyria; or
diabetes.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication.

Patients of Asian ancestry may have a higher risk of developing a rare but serious skin reaction to fosphenytoin. Your doctor may recommend a blood test before you start the medication to determine your risk of this skin reaction.

Fosphenytoin can lower your blood sugar. If you are a diabetic, check your blood sugar regularly while you are using this medication.

FDA pregnancy category D. Fosphenytoin may cause harm to an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby. Do not receive fosphenytoin without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Seizure control is very important during pregnancy and the benefits of preventing seizures may outweigh any risks posed by using fosphenytoin.

If you have received fosphenytoin during pregnancy, be sure to tell the doctor who delivers your baby about your fosphenytoin use. Both you and the baby may need to receive medications to prevent excessive bleeding during delivery and just after birth.

Fosphenytoin can make birth control pills less effective. Avoid pregnancy while receiving fosphenytoin.

It is not known whether fosphenytoin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is fosphenytoin given (Cerebyx)?

Fosphenytoin is given as an injection into a muscle or through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Your heart rate will be monitored through electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG) when you are given your first dose of fosphenytoin. This machine measures electrical activity of the heart. This will help your doctor determine whether fosphenytoin is causing any harmful effects on your heart.

To be sure this medication is not causing other harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested at regular intervals.

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