Product Details: Tegretol XR (Carbamazepine)

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

This medicine is an anticonvulsant used to treat 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. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not crush or chew before swallowing. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food or milk. Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking this medicine may increase the amount of this medicine in your blood, which may increase your risk for serious side effects. Talk with your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet. 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 TAKING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS OR SURGERY, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine may cause false test results with some urine glucose tests. Check with your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine or changing your diet. FOR WOMEN TAKING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS, this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pills. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control while you are taking this medicine. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. 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. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are taking this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, unsteadiness, nausea, or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience stomach pain, skin rash, unusual bleeding or bruising, swelling of ankles or fingers, fever, chills, sore throat, or mouth sores. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Carbamazepine