Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine).
Anemia: Similar medications to treat seizures may cause low levels of red blood cells. It is not known if Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) will cause the same effect. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia), such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells, including red blood cells, in your blood.
Birth control: Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine), like other anticonvulsants, may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Women taking Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) should use an alternative, non-hormonal birth control method such as condoms. If you become pregnant while taking Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine), contact your doctor immediately.
Bleeding: Similar medications to treat seizures may cause a reduced number of platelets in the blood, which can make it difficult to stop cuts from bleeding. It is not known if Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) will cause the same effect. If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will order routine blood tests to make sure potential problems are caught early.
Bone strength: Long-term use of antiepileptic medications has been associated with a risk of weakened or brittle bones. If you have Osteoporosis, are at risk for developing osteoporosis, or have a history of disease affecting your bones, discuss with your doctor how Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) may cause dizziness and drowsiness affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these and other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) affects you.
Heart rhythm: Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) can cause changes to the normal rhythm of the heart. If you have heart block, irregular heart rhythm, Angina, or ischemic heart disease, Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) may make these conditions worse. If you have heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Hypersensitivity syndrome: A Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) called hypersensitivity syndrome has occurred for some people with the use of Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine). Stop taking the medication and get immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including fever, swollen glands, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms with skin rash or blistering.
Infection: Similar medications to treat seizures can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). It is not known if Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) will cause the same effect. If you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness, contact your doctor. Let your doctor know if you are experiencing more frequent infections than normal. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or decreased kidney function can cause Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have kidney disease or decreased kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Laboratory tests: Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) may cause low sodium levels. Get immediate medical attention if you notice the symptoms of very low sodium, such as nausea, headache, weakness, sluggishness, confusion, or a general feeling of being unwell. Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) may also affect the results of Thyroid tests.
Liver function: Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) can cause decreased liver function and may cause liver failure. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine).
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Skin reactions: In uncommon instances, Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) has been linked to serious skin reactions. If you experience symptoms of a serious skin reaction (such as skin rash; redness of the skin; skin peeling; or blisters on the lips, eyes, or mouth) with fever, chills, headache, cough, or body aches, contact your physician immediately.
Stopping the medication: Suddenly stopping Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) can cause increased seizures. If Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) needs to be stopped, discuss with your doctor how you should gradually reduce the dose.
Suicidal or agitated behaviour: People with seizure disorders sometimes experience Depression. If you have depression or bipolar disorder, you may be at an increased risk of feeling agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like yourself), or wanting to hurt yourself or others. If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine), contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: The potential risk to a developing baby is not known if the mother takes Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) during pregnancy. It is possible that the medication may cause birth defects to the unborn baby. Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine), contact your doctor immediately
Breast-feeding: Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) have not been established for children under the age of 6 years.
