Product Details: Keppra (Levetiracetam)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Lundbeck

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

Common Uses: This medicine is an anticonvulsant used to treat certain types of seizures. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. TO PREVENT SEIZURES, continue taking this medicine on a regular schedule. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be slowly decreased to avoid side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. Medical and/or laboratory tests may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Contact your doctor for more information. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS OR DROWSINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, or difficulty walking. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience unusual weakness or fatigue, vision changes, or signs of infection (such as fever, chills, or sore throat). CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience changes in vision, hallucinations, depression, lack of concern, anxiety, hostility, or other changes in behavior. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Levetiracetam