Keppra

Keppra is used for:

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Treating partial-onset seizures in patients with epilepsy. It is used in combination with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Keppra is an anticonvulsant. Exactly how it works is unknown, but it may work by slowing abnormal nerve impulses in the brain.

Do NOT use Keppra if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Keppra

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Keppra :

Some medical conditions may interact with Keppra . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have liver or kidney problems, or you are on dialysis
• if you have a history of mental or mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or actions

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Keppra . However, no specific interactions with Keppra are known at this time.

Ask your health care provider if Keppra may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Keppra :

Use Keppra as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Keppra is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic.
• Do not use Keppra if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
• If you miss a dose of Keppra , contact your doctor right away.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Keppra .

Important safety information:

• Keppra may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Keppra with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not suddenly stop taking Keppra or your other seizure medicines. You may have an increased risk of side effects (eg, seizures). If you need to stop Keppra or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.
• Contact your health care provider if your seizures become worse or if you have a new type of seizure.
• Keppra should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 16 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Keppra while you are pregnant. Keppra is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Keppra .

Possible side effects of Keppra :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Dizziness; drowsiness; loss of appetite; runny nose; tiredness; vomiting; weakness.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); behavioral changes (eg, aggression, agitation, anger, apathy, hostility); changes in vision; decreased coordination; depression; extreme drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; irrational thoughts or beliefs; memory loss; mental or mood changes (eg, anxiety, irritability); muscle or neck pain; new or worsening seizures; suicidal thoughts or attempts; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include aggression; agitation; difficult or slow breathing; loss of consciousness; severe drowsiness.

Store Keppra at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Keppra out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Keppra , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Keppra is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Keppra . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

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