*Occurring in ≥5% of patients taking Keppra XR and at least 5% more frequently than with placebo.
Keppra XR™ causes somnolence, dizziness, and behavioral abnormalities. The most common adverse reactions observed with Keppra XR™ in combination with other AEDs were somnolence and irritability.
The adverse reactions that may be seen in patients receiving Keppra XR™ are expected to be similar to those seen in patients receiving immediate-release Keppra® (levetiracetam) tablets.
Keppra® immediate-release tablets cause somnolence and fatigue, coordination difficulties, and behavioral abnormalities (e.g., psychotic symptoms, suicidal ideation, and other abnormalities), as well as hematological abnormalities. In adults experiencing partial-onset seizures, the most common adverse reactions observed with Keppra® in combination with other AEDs were somnolence, asthenia, infection, and dizziness.
Low discontinuation rates with Keppra XR
- Overall, only 5% of patients taking Keppra XR discontinued therapy due to adverse events (vs 3% for placebo), and only
1% of patients reduced their dosage (vs 1% for placebo)
- No discontinuations or dose reductions due to behavioral adverse events
A profile you can trust for your patients
†In placebo-controlled trials of Keppra® immediate-release tablets, amnesia, confusion, and abnormal thinking occurred in 1% to 1.6% of patients treated with Keppra® and in 0.3% to 1.4% of placebo-treated patients.
Favorable tolerability encourages compliance—so patients can continue to benefit from AED therapy1,4,5
- Patients who experience fewer adverse events are more likely to comply with therapy1
- Many neurologists believe that tolerability is an important factor in patient compliance6
REFERENCES
| 1. |
Buck D, Jacoby A, Baker GA, Chadwick DW. Factors influencing compliance with antiepileptic drug regimes. Seizure. 1997;6:87-93. |
| 2. |
Data on file. UCB, Inc. |
| 3. |
French J, Edrich P, Cramer JA. A systematic review of the safety profile of levetiracetam: a new antiepileptic drug. Epilepsy Res. 2001;47:77-90. |
| 4. |
Garnett WR. Antiepileptic drug treatment: outcomes and adherence. Pharmacother. 2000;20(8 pt 2):191S-199S. |
| 5. |
Steinhoff BJ, Hirsch E, Mutani R, Nakken KO. The ideal characteristics of antiepileptic therapy: an overview of old and new AEDs. Acta Neurol Scand. 2003;107:87-95. |
| 6. |
Survey data on file. UCB, Inc. |