Epictal 500mg Injection
Prescription Required
Product introduction
Epictal 500mg Injection is an anti-epileptic medicine used to treat seizures (fits) in epilepsy. It can be used alone or along with other medicines. It helps to prevent seizures for as long as you continue to take it.
Epictal 500mg Injection is given as an infusion (slow drip) into a vein under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is generally used for short-term control of seizures when treatment with oral medication is not feasible (eg. when the patient is unconscious). You should continue taking it for as long as your doctor has told you to, even if you feel well. If you stop or miss doses your seizures could get worse. Your doctor is likely to prescribe you oral medicines for long-term seizure control, after treatment with this injection has been completed.
Some common side effects of this medicine include dizziness, headache, infection, irritation, nasopharyngitis, sleepiness, aggressive behavior, and decreased appetite. You may also experience behavioral changes, aggressive behavior, irritation, agitation, etc. Side effects are more common during the first few days and usually lessen as your body gets used to the medicine. Most of these side effects do not need medical attention, but some of them can be serious. Let your doctor know right away if you have developed an allergic reaction (hives, itching, weakness, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, or swelling of face, tongue, and throat), a skin rash, or persistent behavioral changes like confusion, forgetfulness, feeling irritable, increased aggression or hostility. There may be ways of preventing or reducing them. A small number of people being treated with this medicine have had thoughts of harming or killing themselves. Contact your doctor if your mood changes for the worse.
Before taking it, you should tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, depression or suicidal thoughts and if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, as it may increase the risk of seizures and worsen the side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. Drowsiness and dizziness may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Your kidney function may need to be tested periodically while taking this medicine.
Epictal 500mg Injection is given as an infusion (slow drip) into a vein under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is generally used for short-term control of seizures when treatment with oral medication is not feasible (eg. when the patient is unconscious). You should continue taking it for as long as your doctor has told you to, even if you feel well. If you stop or miss doses your seizures could get worse. Your doctor is likely to prescribe you oral medicines for long-term seizure control, after treatment with this injection has been completed.
Some common side effects of this medicine include dizziness, headache, infection, irritation, nasopharyngitis, sleepiness, aggressive behavior, and decreased appetite. You may also experience behavioral changes, aggressive behavior, irritation, agitation, etc. Side effects are more common during the first few days and usually lessen as your body gets used to the medicine. Most of these side effects do not need medical attention, but some of them can be serious. Let your doctor know right away if you have developed an allergic reaction (hives, itching, weakness, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, or swelling of face, tongue, and throat), a skin rash, or persistent behavioral changes like confusion, forgetfulness, feeling irritable, increased aggression or hostility. There may be ways of preventing or reducing them. A small number of people being treated with this medicine have had thoughts of harming or killing themselves. Contact your doctor if your mood changes for the worse.
Before taking it, you should tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, depression or suicidal thoughts and if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, as it may increase the risk of seizures and worsen the side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. Drowsiness and dizziness may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Your kidney function may need to be tested periodically while taking this medicine.
Uses of Epictal Injection
Benefits of Epictal Injection
In Treatment of Epilepsy/Seizures
Epictal 500mg Injection belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants (or anti-epileptics). It works by slowing down electrical signals in the brain which cause seizures (fits). This medicine can be used to control various types of seizures—myoclonic, partial-onset, and primary generalized tonic-clonic (or grand mal). It can also help reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety. The medicine can allow you to do some activities that you would otherwise be forbidden or scared to do (such as swimming and driving). It can take a few weeks for this medicine to work (because the dose has to be increased slowly) and during this time you may still have seizures. You should continue taking it even if you feel well and are not having any seizures. Missing doses may trigger a seizure. Do not stop using this medicine until your doctor advises you.
Side effects of Epictal Injection
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Epictal
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Decreased appetite
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Behavioral changes
- Irritation
- Aggressive behavior
- Agitation
- Infection
- Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages)
How to use Epictal Injection
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Epictal Injection works
Epictal 500mg Injection is an antiepileptic medication. It works by attaching to specific sites (SV2A) on the surfaces of nerve cells. This suppresses the abnormal activity of the nerve cells in the brain and prevents the spread of electrical signals that cause seizures.
Safety advice
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Epictal 500mg Injection.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Epictal 500mg Injection may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Epictal 500mg Injection is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
Monitor the baby for sleepiness and adequate weight gain.
Monitor the baby for sleepiness and adequate weight gain.
Driving
UNSAFE
Epictal 500mg Injection may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CAUTION
Epictal 500mg Injection should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Epictal 500mg Injection may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Epictal 500mg Injection is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Epictal 500mg Injection may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
However, a lower dose may be advised in patients with severe liver disease.
However, a lower dose may be advised in patients with severe liver disease.
What if you forget to take Epictal Injection?
If you miss a dose of Epictal 500mg Injection, get the injection as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
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Quick tips
- It is given as IV infusion under the supervision of a doctor.
- Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
- Take a healthy diet along with regular exercise.
- Practice yoga every day.
- Get enough sleep at nighttime.
- Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/ laptop.
- Take your medication on time.
- It may cause sleepiness or drowsiness. If this happens to you, do not drive or use machinery.
- Inform your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with kidney disease. The dose of your medicine may need to be adjusted.
- Your doctor has prescribed Epictal 500mg Injection to reduce the frequency of seizures.
- Epictal 500mg Injection should be taken at the same time every day to maintain consistent levels in your body.
- Do not stop using Epictal 500mg Injection without talking to your doctor, even if you feel better.
- It may cause sleepiness or drowsiness. If this happens to you, do not drive or use machinery.
- Avoid consuming alcohol when taking the Epictal 500mg Injection as it may cause excessive drowsiness and calmness.
- Inform your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with kidney disease. The dose of your medicine may need to be adjusted.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
- Epictal 500mg Injection should be taken regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
- Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
- Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
- Take a healthy diet along with regular exercise.
- Practice yoga every day.
- Get enough sleep at nighttime.
- Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/ laptop.
- Take your medication on time.
Fact Box
Chemical Class
Pyrrolidinone & Acetamide Derivative
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
NEURO CNS
Action Class
Synaptic Vesicle 2A (SV2A) Protein Ligands- Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs)
Interaction with drugs
Taking Epictal with any of the following medicines can modify the effect of either of them and cause some undesirable side effects
Fosphenytoin may reduce blood levels of Levetiracetam.
Talk to your doctor if you experience blurred vision, uncontrolled eye movement, lack of muscle control, and drowsiness.
Concurrent use may cause a toxic rise in Methotrexate levels in the blood.
Talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
Concurrent use may cause a toxic rise in Methotrexate levels in the blood.
Talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
Phenytoin may reduce blood levels of Levetiracetam.
Talk to your doctor if you experience blurred vision, uncontrolled eye movement, lack of muscle control, and drowsiness.
Carbamazepine may reduce blood levels of Levetiracetam.
Talk to your doctor if you experience blurred vision, uncontrolled eye movement, lack of muscle control, and drowsiness.
Patient concerns
FAQs
Will the use of Epictal 500mg Injection affect my fertility?
Epictal 500mg Injection is not known to affect fertility in males or females. However, talk to your doctor if you are facing fertility issues during the treatment with this medicine.
Can the use of Epictal 500mg Injection cause sleepiness?
Yes, Epictal 500mg Injection can make you feel sleepy. Therefore, during the initial phase of treatment, avoid driving, operating machinery, working at heights, or participating in potentially dangerous activities until you know how this medicine affects you.
I have gained weight since I started taking Epictal 500mg Injection. Is it because of Epictal 500mg Injection? What should I do?
Weight gain is an uncommon side effect of Epictal 500mg Injection. However, the response may vary from person to person. To prevent weight gain you should take a healthy balanced diet, avoid snacking, cut down on high-calorie food items, include more vegetables and fruits in your diet, and exercise regularly. If you still have issues with your weight, consult your doctor.
How long does Epictal 500mg Injection take to show its effect?
Epictal 500mg Injection may take a few weeks to start working properly since the dose is increased slowly. Your seizures may continue until Epictal 500mg Injection starts working completely.
For how long do I need to take Epictal 500mg Injection?
You should continue to take Epictal 500mg Injection for as long as your doctor advises you to. Do not stop taking it suddenly because this may increase the frequency of seizures which may be difficult to control.
Can I drink alcohol with Epictal 500mg Injection?
Yes, you may drink alcohol while taking Epictal 500mg Injection. Alcohol itself does not affect the way Epictal 500mg Injection works. However, alcohol can increase the sleepiness or dizziness that occur as side effects of Epictal 500mg Injection in some individuals. Therefore, you should avoid alcohol while taking Epictal 500mg Injection until you know how it affects you.
Will I get addicted to Epictal 500mg Injection if I use it for a long time?
No, Epictal 500mg Injection is not habit-forming. No physical or psychological dependence has been reported with Epictal 500mg Injection. Consult your doctor if you experience any side effects.
What symptoms can occur if someone takes an excess of Epictal 500mg Injection?
Taking an excess of Epictal 500mg Injection may cause sleepiness, agitation, aggression, a decrease of alertness, inhibition of breathing, and even a state of coma. In case of an overdose, immediate medical care should be provided to the patient in a nearby hospital.
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Disclaimer:
Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.References
- Stahl SM, editor. Levetiracetam. In: Stahl's Essential Pschopharmacology: Prescriber's Guide. 5th ed. New York, New York: Cambridge University Press; 2014. pp. 333-36.
- McNamara JO. Pharmacotherapy of the Epilepsies. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 600.
- Porters RJ, Meldrum BS. Antiseizure Drugs. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 411.
- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. p. 789.
- Levetiracetam [FDA Label]. Albuquerque, New Mexico: Cardinal Health; 2006. [Accessed 25 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006. Levetiracetam. [Updated 2020 Jan 20]. [Accessed 20 Feb. 2020] (online) Available from:
- Levetiracetam [Package Insert]. Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd.; 2021. [Accessed 08 Jul. 2023]. (online) Available from:
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006. Levetiracetam. [Updated 2022 Nov 30]. [Accessed 08 Jul. 2023]. (online) Available from:
- National Health Service. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking levetiracetam. [Last Reviewed: 10 May 2022]. [Accessed 08 Jul. 2023]. (online) Available from:
Marketer details
Name: Ipca Laboratories Ltd
Address: 142 AB, Kandivli Industrial Estate, Kandivli (West), Mumbai - 400 067, Maharashtra
Country of origin: India
Expires on or after: March, 2025
A licensed vendor partner from your nearest location will deliver Epictal 500mg Injection. Once the pharmacy accepts your order, the details of the pharmacy will be shared with you. Acceptance of your order is based on the validity of your doctor's ℞ and the availability of this medicine.
Phone Number: 0124-4166666
Address: 5th Floor Tower - B of the Presidency Building, 46/4 Mehrauli Gurgaon Road, Sector 14, Gurugram, Haryana-122001, India
Expires on or after: March, 2025
A licensed vendor partner from your nearest location will deliver Epictal 500mg Injection. Once the pharmacy accepts your order, the details of the pharmacy will be shared with you. Acceptance of your order is based on the validity of your doctor's ℞ and the availability of this medicine.
In case of any issues, contact us
Email ID: [email protected]Phone Number: 0124-4166666
Address: 5th Floor Tower - B of the Presidency Building, 46/4 Mehrauli Gurgaon Road, Sector 14, Gurugram, Haryana-122001, India
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