BRIVARACETAM

Parent or patient Information Leaflet

Dr. C. P. Ravi Kumar

Consultant Paediatric Neurologist
MRCPCH, CCT in Paediatrics (U.K.)
Fellow in Paediatric Epilepsy &
Neurology (London)

Brand names :
Tablet : BRIVIACT

BRIVARACETAM is a medicine used in the treatment of epilepsy to control Focal seizures or rarely as an additional drug in generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Brivaracetam is the new molecule similar to Levetiracetam. Both of them act in the same way, however, Brivaracetam reportedly has fewer side effects.

Why is Brivaracetam important for epilepsy treatment?

It is important that your child takes BRIVARACETAM regularly, so that the seizures stop or have fewer seizures.

What is BRIVARACETAM available as?

BRIVARACETAM is available in the form of Tablets and Syrup in the name Briviact.

“Generic Vs Branded Drugs”

What is the right time to take BRIVARACETAM ?

Twice a day; morning and evening. Ideally, 10-12 hours apart.

For example, anytime between 7 to 8 am and right after 12 hours between 7 to 8 pm. You can adjust it according to your convenience.

However, there are some exceptions, when your doctor may advise you to give it thrice a day. Please follow your doctor’s advice in such conditions.

It should ideally be given at the same time every day to establish a routine as it decreases the chances of missing a dose.

What if I forget and miss the dosage?

Tablets & liquids: The child can be given the missed dose, if you remember to give it within a lapse of 6 hours. If you fail to give the missed dose within 6 hours, then might as well leave it. It is advisable to wait until the time of next routine dose.

Never give a double dose of BRIVARACETAM.

If, within 30 minutes of taking the medication, the child vomits, then the dose can be repeated. However, if the child vomits 30 minutes after taking the dose, then the dose must not be repeated.

How much of the drug should be given?

Your doctor will advise the correct dosage of the drug that is required for your child. The dose will be provided in the prescription.

When you first start giving BRIVARACETAM to your child, you are supposed to give them a small amount of it and then increase the dose little by little over a course of few days or weeks. This will help your child’s body to get adapted to the medicine. The whole course will be explained by your doctor.

It is important that you understand why the medication has been prescribed and must adhere to the advice given by your doctor.

Ultimately, when your child is free of seizures or convulsions (fits) and has no obvious side effects, you will know that the dosage is just correct.

Could this medication have any side effects on my child? “Giving Medicines”

Although medicines are given to make children feel better, sometimes, they may cause some unwanted side effects.

Tablets: A whole tablet must be swallowed with a glass of water, juice or milk, as a whole tablet. You may give it by crushing and mixing it in water/ juice or small serving of yogurt / Curd.

Liquid or syrup: Pour out the correct measured amount using an oral syringe or a medicine spoon. You can get these from your pharmacist. A teaspoon from the kitchen should not be used as it does not give the correct amount.

Are there any possible side effects? “Side effects”

Although medicines are given to make children feel better, they may sometimes cause unwanted side effects.

Side-effects that you must do something about

• Brivaracetam can cause behavioral changes, depression or mood swings. The Risk is HIGH in people who already have the above mentioned concerns, but generally, these are less common in children.
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing of things that are not there for real).
• If your child has Kidney problems or failure; please inform the doctor as the use and dose of this medication must be re-considered.

On the off chance that you notice any of the above after effects, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR URGENTLY .

There are some other side-effects you need to be aware about

• Your child may seem unusually sleepy, or his/her behaviour may change.
• Your child may feel sick (nausea) or be sick (vomit). These problems can be avoided by starting with a small dose with food and gradually increasing the given dosage.

Your child may experience these side-effects when they first start taking BRIVARACETAM. They will be able to settle down within a week or so as their body gets used to the medicine. Continue to give BRIVARACETAM to your child as your doctor has directed you to.

If you notice any of the above side effects, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.

Sometimes your child may experience other side-effects that are not listed above. If you notice any abnormalities with your child’s body or behavior, do not hesitate and immediately contact your doctor.

Can I give my child other medicines, at the same time as BRIVARACETAM?

• Medications like ibuprofen, paracetamol, antibiotics or any of the other over the counter medicines can be given when necessary, except the ones your doctor has prohibited you from.
• Consult with your doctor before giving any other medicines to your child. This includes herbal or complementary medicines.
• Some other medicines that are used in treating epilepsy may affect how well BRIVARACETAM works or may cause side effects for your child.

If your child is experiencing more fits or seizures, or any other side effects after using other medications, talk to your doctor immediately.

Where should I keep this medicine?

• Keep the medicine in a cupboard, secured away from heat and direct sunlight. It is not a must to keep the medicine in the refrigerator though.
• Make sure the medicine is out of your child’s reach.
• Store the medication in the same box it was packed in.

For the complete information please see the manufacturer’s information leaflet.

References :

1. IAP Drug Formulary Web Update 2020(3) Edition 58, https://www.iapdrugformulary.com/Home
2. Consumer Medicines Information (CMI), https://www.tga.gov.au/consumer-medicines-information-cmi
3. British National Formulary for Children (BNFC)
4. Food and Drug Administration, USA https://www.fda.gov