One of the most important things to remember about epilepsy treatment is that following your neurologist’s instructions exactly is the key to achieving the best level of seizure control. If you occasionally forget to take Keppra XR®, you won’t achieve the highest level of seizure control possible.
When you’re especially busy, it can be easy to forget taking medicines. Here are some tips that may help:
- Use a daily pillbox to keep your medicines conveniently available.
- Make taking Keppra XR® at the same time each day a part of your everyday routine. For example, it may help to take Keppra XR® when you wake up, before brushing your teeth.
- Set the alarm on your watch and cellular phone to alert you when it’s time to take your medicines.
Once-daily Keppra XR® can help make it easier to remember to take your medicine every day, so you can control your epilepsy. Learn more about Keppra XR®.
Medication labels and dosage instructions can be complicated. In addition to the medication itself, the label may include your pharmacist’s contact name and address, precautions about driving or operating heavy machinery, refill information, and more. Remembering the “4Cs” is a great way to read and understand the label on your antiepileptic medications.
- Compare the new pill bottle label with the label on your last prescription.
- Check that the pills look exactly the same (size, shape, color, and imprint).
- Confirm with the pharmacist (if anything looks different) that he or she is aware of and has discussed any change with your neurologist.
- Contact your neurologist (or have your pharmacist call) if your neurologist did not request a change to your prescription.
Next: Understanding Epilepsy
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.