Vimpat (lacosamide Tablet and Injection) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Seizures Symptoms and Types »

Generalized seizures

There are six types of generalized seizures. The most common and dramatic, and therefore the most well known, is the generalized convulsion, also called the grand-mal seizure. In this type of seizure, the patient loses consciousness and usually collapses. The loss of consciousness is followed by generalized body stiffening (called the "tonic" phase of the seizure) for 30 to 60 seconds, then by violent jerking (the "clonic" phase) for 30 to 60 seconds, after which the patient goes into a deep sleep (the "postictal" or after-seizure phase). During grand-mal seizures, injuries and accidents may occur, such as tongue biting and urinary incontinence.

Absence seizures cause a short loss of consciousness (just a few seconds) with few or no symptoms. The patient, most often a child, typically interrupts an activity and stares blankly. These seizures begin and end abruptly and may occur several times a day. Patients are usu...

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Vimpat Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking lacosamide (Vimpat)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to lacosamide.

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

kidney disease;
liver disease; or
a serious heart condition such as "AV block," heart failure, or sick sinus syndrome (unless you have a pacemaker).

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 lacosamide is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Your name may need to be listed on a antiepileptic drug pregnancy registry if you become pregnant while you are taking this medication. The purpose of this registry is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and delivery to evaluate whether lacosamide had any effect on the baby.

It is not known whether lacosamide 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.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 17 years old.

How should I take lacosamide (Vimpat)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. 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. You may also need to use an IV injection form of this medication for a short time.

Lacosamide can be taken with or without food.

Do not stop using lacosamide without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop using lacosamide 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 lacosamide.

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 lacosamide regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store lacosamide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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