For a woman there are a million issues that come to mind when you consider how epilepsy may affect your life. You may wonder whether you should take seizure medicine with birth control pills, or whether you can have a healthy baby. You may notice that your seizures are affected by your hormones at different points in your menstrual cycle. In the United States, more than one million women and girls have epilepsy. And, many of them struggle with the following important considerations.
When you’re taking birth control pills, you need to feel confident that their effectiveness won’t be affected by other medications, including AEDs. Generally, it depends on your pill and epilepsy treatment—but the right combination can work. Some AEDs may react to other medications you take, such as birth control pills. A test was conducted to study the reaction of Keppra® (levetiracetam) and one type of birth control pilll. Keppra® was not shown to react with the pill in the study. It is expected that the results with extended-release Keppra XR® would essentially be the same. Learn more about Keppra XR®.
If you have more seizures before or around the time of your period, you're not alone. About half of women with epilepsy have seizures during this time. It's called catamenial (KAT-uh-MEEN-ee-ul) epilepsy and it can be hard to control. Check with your neurologist to see how altering your medication can help. You can also help yourself by getting enough sleep and avoiding alcohol and stress.
Most women with epilepsy experience menopause at about the same age as other women—50 years old. However, this may occur 10 years earlier for a minority of women with epilepsy. In fact, your seizure history may be a factor in when you experience menopause. Women who experienced seizures near the time of their period or have had many seizures are more likely to go through menopause earlier.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause can relieve women of symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and trouble sleeping. It can also prevent osteoporosis. This can be very important to women with epilepsy since seizures can lead to falling and breaking weakened bones.
Unfortunately, certain types of HRT may increase the risk of stroke and breast or uterine cancer. Plus, certain types of HRT medicines may cause more seizures than others. Some epilepsy medications might affect your bone health as well. Talk with your doctor and ask questions to find the best treatment plan for you.
It’s a good idea to have medical information available in case you have a seizure when you’re not accompanied by a friend or family member who knows you have epilepsy. With our Identification and Emergency Wallet Card (PDF 70 KB), you can fill in all of the appropriate information, and carry it with you everywhere.
See how others with epilepsy are making the most of treatment and living with epilepsy on their terms. Visit EpilepsyAdvocate.com for inspiring stories, practical advice, and to connect with other people with epilepsy through L.I.V.E. speaking events, a magazine, and video diaries.
Is someone in your life dealing with epilepsy? Get some tips for being supportive and helpful. Learn how to help.
Next: Considerations for Seniors
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Keppra XR® is a prescription medicine that is used with other medicines to treat partial onset seizures in people 16 years of age and older with epilepsy.
Keppra XR® is generally well-tolerated, but may not be for everyone. Ask your doctor if Keppra XR® is right for you. Like other antiepileptic drugs, Keppra XR® may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500 people taking it. Patients should call their healthcare provider right away if they have depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behavior while taking Keppra XR®. Keppra XR® may cause extreme sleepiness, tiredness, and weakness, and problems with muscle coordination. Keppra XR® may also cause mood and behavior changes including psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and unusual behavior. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms. The most common side effects seen with Keppra XR® and other formulations of Keppra® include sleepiness, weakness, dizziness, and infection. Do not stop taking Keppra XR® unless instructed by your healthcare provider. Stopping a seizure medication all at once can cause seizures that will not stop, a very serious problem.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may also report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or go to www.fda.gov/medwatch or contact UCB, Inc. at 1-866-822-0068.
Please see Keppra XR® Medication Guide and Full Prescribing Information for additional important patient information.
*With this coupon, you pay the first $25 of your Keppra XR® or Keppra® co-pay and we pay your remaining out-of-pocket expense up to a maximum of $30. This coupon may not be reproduced and must accompany a valid, signed Keppra XR® prescription. No cash value. Offer not valid for prescriptions reimbursed or paid under any government health insurance program (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare) or any private payer in Massachusetts or where otherwise prohibited by law. Patients are responsible for reporting this rebate to any private insurer that covers any part of the prescription. Offer expires on 12/31/12. UCB may cancel or alter this program at any time without notice.