Lacosamide (la-KOE-sa-mide)

Treats seizures, including partial or tonic-clonic seizures.

Brand Name(s):

Vimpat

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. The medicine must be injected slowly, so your IV tube will need to stay in place for at least 15 to 60 minutes.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how lacosamide works. Tell your doctor if you are using blood pressure medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, nerve problem caused by diabetes, heart or blood vessel disease, or heart rhythm problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or mental health problems or drug or alcohol abuse.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. This medicine may cause your baby to be more sleepy. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Changes in mood or behavior, including thoughts of suicide
  • Heart rhythm problems (including PR prolongation)
  • Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which may involve multiple organs, including your liver or kidneys
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy, or cause double vision. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bloody or cloudy urine, rapid weight gain, swelling of your face, feet, or lower legs
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Depression, unusual changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts of hurting yourself
• Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Fever, rash, swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in your neck, armpit, or groin
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Problems with walking or balance, sleepiness, blurred or double vision
• Trouble breathing, fainting

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
• Tiredness or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088