Fycompa

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 Fycompa (Perampanel).

Aggressive behaviour: People taking Fycompa (Perampanel) may experience feelings of anger, irritability, agitation (restless, anxious, aggressive, hostile, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may experience new or worse aggressive behavior. If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Fycompa (Perampanel), contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Fycompa (Perampanel). Drinking alcohol while taking Fycompa (Perampanel) may increase the risk for behaviour changes.

Alcohol and other medications that cause drowsiness: Do not combine Fycompa (Perampanel) with alcohol or other medications (e.g., antidepressants, sleeping pills, anxiety medications) that cause drowsiness since additional drowsiness can occur and be dangerous. Alcohol can also worsen behavior-related side effects from Fycompa (Perampanel).

Birth control: Fycompa (Perampanel) may cause a decrease in the effectiveness of certain hormonal birth control medications. An additional, non-hormonal method of birth control, such as using condoms, is recommended for women taking Fycompa (Perampanel).

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Fycompa (Perampanel) may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Fycompa (Perampanel) affects you.

Galactose intolerance: Fycompa (Perampanel) tablets are prepared with lactose. If you have lactose or galactose intolerance you should not take the tablet form of Fycompa (Perampanel).

Hypersensitivity syndrome: A severe hypersensitivity syndrome has occurred for some people with the use of Fycompa (Perampanel). This reaction involves a number of organs in the body and may be fatal if not treated quickly. Stop taking the medication and get immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), including fever, swollen glands, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms with skin rash or blistering.

Kidney function: If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Fycompa (Perampanel) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Fycompa (Perampanel), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Fycompa (Perampanel) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Fycompa (Perampanel) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Fycompa (Perampanel), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Fycompa (Perampanel).

Stopping the medication: Fycompa (Perampanel) is effective for seizure control only as long as it is being taken regularly. Stopping Fycompa (Perampanel) may result in seizures occurring more often. If Fycompa (Perampanel) needs to be stopped, it should be done gradually, under the supervision of your doctor. If you believe you need to stop taking Fycompa (Perampanel), discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviour: Some people taking anti-seizure medications may have suicidal thoughts or behaviour. If this happens to you or you notice this in a family member who is taking Fycompa (Perampanel), contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behavioural changes while taking Fycompa (Perampanel).

Pregnancy: Fycompa (Perampanel) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Fycompa (Perampanel), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Fycompa (Perampanel) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Fycompa (Perampanel), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Fycompa (Perampanel) for children under 7 years of age have not been established for children.