LACOSAMIDE

Parent or patient Information Leaflet

Lacosamide is a medicine used in epilepsy to control focal onset seizures and secondarily generalized epilepsy. It can be used as a stand-alone drug or as an adjunct with another anti-epileptic medications.

Why is it important for my child to take Lacosamide ?

It is important that your child takes Lacosamide regularly to decrease the number of seizures or have no Seizures at all.

Do not stop giving Lacosamide suddenly, as it may lead to increase in number of seizures.

What is Lacosamide available as?

Lacosamide is available in the preparation of Liquid medicine and Tablets.

Brand names:

Tablet: LACOSAM

Syrup: LACOSAM

“Generic Vs Branded Drugs”

What is the ideal time to give Lacosamide?

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 the time slot according to your schedule.

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 miss the dose?

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 Lacosamide .

If your child vomits the contents of medicine within 30 minutes of taking a dose,then you can give the dose again; but if your child vomits after 30 minutes of taking the dose, then leave him be and do not give it again.

How much of the drug should I give ideally?

Your doctor will work out the right amount of Lacosamide (the dose) for your child and write it in your prescription.

When you first start giving Lacosamide to your child, you will give them a small amount 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 use to the medicine. Your doctor will give you the directions.

It is non-negotiable to follow your doctor’s instructions as to how much of the dosage should be given at what interval.

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.

How should I give it?

“Giving Medicines”

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

Liquid or syrup: Use an oral syringe or a medicine spoon to measure the accurate quantity. You can easily get these from any pharmacy nearby.

Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not give the accurate amount of the drug.

Could this medication have any side effects on my child?

“Side effects”

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

Side-effects that you must do something about

• Dizziness, nausea – feeling of vomiting

• Abnormal co-ordination
• Ataxia – abnormal gait

Some side effects may be noticed when your child starts taking Lacosamide in the first few days. They will be able to settle down within a week or so as their body gets used to the medicine. Continue to give Lacosamide to your child as your doctor has directed you to.

Liver disease: It is mandatory to monitor liver enzymes regularly. If your doctor catches any evidence of liver dysfunction, it must be taken care of immediately. If your child’s health deteriorates and falls sick every few hours, suffers from stomachache, skin and eyes are pale yellow in color, feels lethargic and sleepy or increased number of seizures take them to your doctor straight away.

Cardiac disorder: If the individual child has cardiac disorder particularly related to cardiac rhythm, a cardiac evaluation is important including an ECG before starting treatment with Lacosamide.

If your child starts developing skin Rash, Stop Medications right there and SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ADVICE from your DOCTOR

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.

Despite this long list of side effects, Lacosamide is a very effective anti-epileptic (anticonvulsant) medicine and has very little effect on the child’s level of alertness, behaviour and learning abilities.

Can other common medicines be given at the same time as Lacosamide?

• 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 used to treat epilepsy may affect how well Cannabidiol works or may cause side effects. 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 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

Disclaimer:

The medical information provided on this platform is deliberately simplified to make it conceivable for a layman. Remember the fact that, every individual has a different pathophysiology for the disease that requires individual medical attention to address the same. Content available on the internet cannot be taken as a substitute to the medical advice given by your health practitioner. Sometimes the information may not be precise and accurate, misleading at times. It is hence non-negotiable to seek medical consultation for any queries you may have.

Compiled by:

Dr. C P Ravi Kumar
Consultant Paediatric Neurologist
www.cpravikumar.com
https://www.asterbangalore.com/specialists/ravi-kumar-c-p-consultant-paediatric-neurology-56