Epilive Er 1000 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

EPILIVE ER 1000 MG TABLET

EPILIVE ER 1000 MG TABLET is an anti-epileptic medication manufactured by Lupin Ltd., primarily used for the management of seizures associated with epilepsy.

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Levetiracetam 1000 mg

Uses EPILIVE ER 1000 MG TABLET is prescribed to control and prevent various types of seizures in patients with epilepsy. These include:

• Partial-onset seizures (with or without secondary generalization)
• Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (also known as grand mal seizures)
• Myoclonic seizures associated with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy

Dosage and Administration The dosage of EPILIVE ER 1000 MG TABLET is determined by a doctor based on individual condition and response to the medication. It is typically advised for long-term use.

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet.
• It can be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to take it at the same time each day for consistent effect.
• Do not stop using this medicine without consulting your doctor, as sudden discontinuation can worsen seizure symptoms or trigger new seizures.

Side Effects Common side effects often occur during initial use and may diminish as the body adjusts.

• Common: Sleepiness, dizziness, fatigue, headache, decreased appetite, behavioral changes (e.g., aggression, irritation, agitation), nasal congestion, tremors, vertigo, lethargy, nausea, cough, infection.
• Serious: Rarely, it may cause suicidal thoughts, severe depression, or a decrease in blood cell count. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.

Precautions

• Pregnancy: Use with caution during pregnancy and only if clearly necessary, after consulting a doctor.
• Breastfeeding: Use with caution during breastfeeding. Monitor the baby for sleepiness and adequate weight gain.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase drowsiness and dizziness.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness, sleepiness, or affect vision; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Kidney/Liver Issues: Use with caution in patients with kidney problems; dosage adjustments may be required. Consultation with a doctor is advised for liver health issues.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking. Interactions can occur with other anti-epileptic drugs, certain antibiotics (like rifampin), laxatives (like macrogol), and chemotherapy medications (like methotrexate).
• Allergy: Do not take if you have a known hypersensitivity to Levetiracetam.
• Children: Caution is advised for children under 18 years of age if used alone, but it can be used in combination with other medicines under medical guidance.

Storage Store in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of sight and reach of children. Store at room temperature (below 30°C or between 10°C to 25°C).

What is EPILIVE ER 1000 MG TABLET used for?

EPILIVE ER 1000 MG TABLET is an anti-epileptic medicine primarily used to manage epilepsy and its associated seizures. It helps control various types of seizures, including partial-onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (also known as grand mal seizures). This medication can be used alone or in combination with other anti-epileptic drugs.

How does EPILIVE ER 1000 MG TABLET work?

The active ingredient in EPILIVE ER 1000 MG TABLET is Levetiracetam. It works by binding to a specific protein called synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) on the surfaces of nerve cells in the brain. This action helps to stabilize the electrical activity in the brain, suppressing abnormal nerve cell activity and preventing the spread of electrical signals that cause seizures.

What is the usual dosage for EPILIVE ER 1000 MG TABLET?

The dosage of EPILIVE ER 1000 MG TABLET is determined by your doctor based on your condition, response to the medication, age, and body weight. For adults and adolescents 16 years and older, a common starting dose for partial-onset seizures or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures is 500 mg twice a day, with adjustments made as needed, typically not exceeding 3000 mg per day. It is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions exactly and take the medicine at approximately the same time each day. The extended-release tablet should be swallowed whole and not crushed, broken, or chewed.

What are the possible side effects of EPILIVE ER 1000 MG TABLET?

Common side effects can include sleepiness, dizziness, headache, irritability, mood changes, loss of appetite, aggression, anxiety, weakness, and diarrhea. Some side effects, such as sleepiness and dizziness, are more likely to occur during the first month of treatment and may lessen over time. Serious but rare side effects can include severe skin reactions (like Stevens-Johnson syndrome), coordination problems, and changes in behavior, mood, or thoughts, including suicidal thoughts. It's important to report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

Is EPILIVE ER 1000 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is crucial to discuss this with your doctor. Suddenly stopping the medication can cause seizures, which can be dangerous for both you and the baby. Research suggests that taking Levetiracetam during pregnancy does not significantly increase the risk of major birth defects, especially when used as monotherapy, but some studies indicate a slightly higher chance of preterm birth. Taking a high dose of folic acid (5mg a day) is recommended before and during pregnancy.

Levetiracetam can pass into breast milk. While generally considered safe, there have been reports of side effects in breastfed infants, such as drowsiness, vomiting, and poor feeding, particularly if other epilepsy medicines are also being taken. Your doctor will weigh the potential benefits against the risks and monitor the infant closely if you breastfeed while taking this medication.

Can EPILIVE ER 1000 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

Levetiracetam generally does not interact with many other medications, which makes it easier to use with other seizure medicines. However, certain medications, such as some antiepileptic medicines (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin), antibiotics (e.g., rifampin), laxatives (e.g., macrogol), and chemotherapy medications (e.g., methotrexate) can interact, potentially requiring dose adjustments or careful monitoring. It is essential to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while using EPILIVE ER 1000 MG TABLET?

It is very important that your doctor monitors your progress regularly, especially during the initial months of treatment. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects. This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or problems with coordination; therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. Do not stop taking EPILIVE ER 1000 MG TABLET suddenly, as this can lead to an increase in seizures. Report any unusual changes in mood or behavior, including depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, to your doctor immediately. Individuals with kidney problems may require a lower dose.

What happens if a dose of EPILIVE ER 1000 MG TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose (e.g., less than 8 to 12 hours depending on your dosing schedule), skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects. Missing doses can trigger seizures, so consistent adherence to the medication schedule is important.

How should EPILIVE ER 1000 MG TABLET be stored?

EPILIVE ER 1000 MG TABLET should be stored at room temperature, typically between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F), away from heat and light. Keep the medicine in its original container and out of the sight and reach of children. It generally does not require refrigeration.