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 Brivlera (Brivaracetam).
Behaviour changes: Behaviour changes may occur with many medications used to treat seizures. Some people have reported changes in behaviour associated with taking Brivlera (Brivaracetam). There have been occasional reports of aggressive behaviour or hostility, anxiousness, disorientation, or decreased memory. These behaviour changes appear to be more common for children taking Brivlera (Brivaracetam). If you experience any of these effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Brivlera (Brivaracetam), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Dizziness and drowsiness: Brivlera (Brivaracetam) may cause drowsiness or dizziness, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how you are affected by Brivlera (Brivaracetam).
Hypersensitivity syndrome: A Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) called hypersensitivity syndrome has occurred for some people with the use of Brivlera (Brivaracetam). 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: Brivlera (Brivaracetam) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If you experience fever, sore throat, fatigue, weakness, or generally feel unwell while taking Brivlera (Brivaracetam), contact your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.
Kidney function: There is little information available regarding the effect of decreased kidney function on Brivlera (Brivaracetam). If you have decreased kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Brivlera (Brivaracetam) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Brivlera (Brivaracetam), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Brivlera (Brivaracetam) is not recommended for people with end-stage renal disease who are being treated with dialysis.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Brivlera (Brivaracetam) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Brivlera (Brivaracetam) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Brivlera (Brivaracetam), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Brivlera (Brivaracetam).
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.
Mental health: In addition to behaviour changes, some people taking Brivlera (Brivaracetam) experience symptoms of psychosis and Depression. Some psychotic behaviours include experiencing hallucinations, having delusions (believing things to be something they aren't) and paranoia. People with depression often find they have poor concentration, changes in weight or sleep and they no longer find pleasure in things they used to enjoy. If you experience any of these, or notice these changes in a family member or friend, talk to your doctor.
Stopping the medication: Stopping Brivlera (Brivaracetam) suddenly may cause an increase in frequency or length of seizures. Before stopping Brivlera (Brivaracetam), talk to your doctor about the best way to gradually decrease the dose, to avoid these problems.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviour: Occasionally, people taking medications to treat seizures may experience thoughts of suicide. If you experience these symptoms or any other behaviour change while taking Brivlera (Brivaracetam), contact your doctor immediately. Family members or caregivers for people who are taking Brivlera (Brivaracetam) should contact the person's doctor immediately if they notice unusual behaviour changes.
Pregnancy: There is no information available regarding the safety and effectiveness of Brivlera (Brivaracetam) if it is taken during pregnancy. Brivlera (Brivaracetam) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Brivlera (Brivaracetam), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Brivlera (Brivaracetam) passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking Brivlera (Brivaracetam), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Brivlera (Brivaracetam) have not been established for children under 4 years old.
