Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Lucentis


Pronunciation: RA-ni-BIZ-oo-mab
Generic Name: Ranibizumab
Brand Name: Lucentis


Lucentis is used for:

Treating neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is also used for treating another certain eye problem known as macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO).


Lucentis is a selective vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antagonist. It works by decreasing the growth of certain cells in the eye. It also helps to keep blood vessels in the eye from leaking and decreases the formation of new blood vessels in the eye. This slows or stops wet AMD and macular edema following RVO.


Do NOT use Lucentis if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Lucentis

  • you have an infection in or around the eye

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Lucentis:


Some medical conditions may interact with Lucentis. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

  • if your condition has also been treated with a certain type of light therapy (verteporfin photodynamic therapy)

  • if you have a history of glaucoma or other eye problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Lucentis. However, no specific interactions with Lucentis are known at this time.


Ask your health care provider if Lucentis may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Lucentis:


Use Lucentis as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • Lucentis is usually given as an injection into the eye at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic.

  • Do not use Lucentis if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.

  • Lucentis is for injection into the eye only.

  • If you miss a dose of Lucentis, contact your doctor right away.


Important safety information:


  • Lucentis may cause vision changes. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Lucentis.

  • If you develop eye pain or redness, eye or eyelid swelling, sensitivity to light, or vision changes (eg, decreased vision), contact your doctor right away.

  • Lab tests, including eye exams and eye pressure measurements, may be performed while you use Lucentis. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

  • Lucentis should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is not known if Lucentis can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Lucentis while you are pregnant. It is not known if Lucentis is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Lucentis, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.


Possible side effects of Lucentis:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Dry eye; eye discomfort; feeling of something in the eye; headache; increased tears; nausea; nose or throat irritation; seeing floaters or spots.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest, jaw, or left arm pain; decreased vision or other vision changes; eye or eyelid swelling; eye pain, pressure, redness, bleeding, or discharge; sensitivity to light; symptoms of infection (eg, fever, chills, persistent sore throat); symptoms of a stroke (eg, one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion).



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Lucentis side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include eye swelling. Lucentis may be harmful if swallowed.


Proper storage of Lucentis:

Lucentis is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Lucentis at home, store Lucentis as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Lucentis out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Lucentis, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Lucentis is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Lucentis. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Lucentis resources


  • Lucentis Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Lucentis Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Lucentis Drug Interactions
  • Lucentis Support Group
  • 1 Review for Lucentis - Add your own review/rating


  • Lucentis Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Lucentis Monograph (AHFS DI)

  • Lucentis Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Lucentis Consumer Overview



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Monday, October 24, 2016

Minocin Injection



minocycline hydrochloride

Dosage Form: injection
MINOCIN®

Minocycline For Injection

100 Mg/Vial Intravenous

Rx Only

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of MINOCIN® (minocycline) Injection and other antibacterial drugs, MINOCIN® (minocycline) injection should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.



DESCRIPTION


MINOCIN, minocycline for injection, a sterile formulation of a semisynthetic derivative of tetracycline, is 4,7 - Bis(dimethylamino) - 1,4,4a,5,5a,6,11,12a - octahydro - 3,10,12,12a - tetrahydroxy - 1,11 - dioxo - 2 - naphthacenecarboxamide monohydrochloride.


Its structural formula is:



C23H27N3O7•HCl   M.W. 493.94


Each vial, dried by cryodesiccation, contains minocycline HCl equivalent to 100 mg minocycline. When reconstituted with 5 mL of Sterile Water for Injection USP the pH ranges from 2.0 to 2.8.



CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY


Following a single dose of Minocin 200 mg administered intravenously to 10 healthy male subjects, serum concentrations of minocycline ranged from 2.52 to 6.63 mcg/mL (average 4.18 mcg/mL) at the end of infusion and 0.82 to 2.64 mcg/mL (average 1.38 mcg/mL) after 12 hours. In a group of 5 healthy male subjects, serum concentrations of minocycline ranged from 1.4 to 1.8 mcg/mL at the end of the dosing interval following administration of Minocin 100 mg every 12 hours for three days. When Minocin 200 mg once daily was administered for three days, serum concentrations of minocycline were approximately 1 mcg/mL at 24 hours. The serum elimination half-life of minocycline following administration of either Minocin 100 mg every 12 hours or 200 mg once daily was not significantly different and ranged from 15 to 23 hours.


The serum elimination half-life of minocycline ranged from 11 to 16 hours in subjects with hepatic impairment (n=7) and 18 to 69 hours in subjects with renal impairment (n=5). In comparison, the serum elimination half-life of minocycline ranged from 11 to 17 hours following a single dose of oral minocycline 200 mg in healthy subjects (n=12).



Microbiology


The tetracyclines are primarily bacteriostatic and are thought to exert their antimicrobial effect by the inhibition of protein synthesis. The tetracyclines, including minocycline, have a similar antimicrobial spectrum of activity against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Cross-resistance of these bacteria to tetracyclines is common.


Minocycline has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following bacteria, both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section:


GRAM-POSITIVE BACTERIA


Because many isolates of the following Gram-positive bacteria have been shown to be resistant to tetracyclines, culture and susceptibility testing are especially recommended.


Bacillus anthracis1

Listeria monocytogenes1

Staphylococcus aureus

Streptococcus pneumoniae


GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA


Bartonella bacilliformis

Brucella species

Klebsiella (Calymmatobacterium) granulomatis

Campylobacter fetus

Francisella tularensis

Vibrio cholerae

Yersinia pestis


Because many isolates of the following Gram-negative bacteria have been shown to be resistant to tetracyclines, culture and susceptibility testing are especially recommended.


Acinetobacter species

Enterobacter aerogenes

Escherichia coli

Haemophilus influenzae

Klebsiella species

Neisseria meningitidis1

Shigella species


"OTHER" MICROORGANISMS


Actinomyces species1

Borrelia recurrentis

Chlamydia psittaci

Chlamydia trachomatis

Clostridium species1

Entamoeba species

Fusobacterium nucleatum subspecies fusiforme1

Mycobacterium marinum

Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Propionibacterium acnes

Rickettsiae

Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum1

Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue1

Ureaplasma urealyticum


1 When penicillin is contraindicated, tetracyclines are alternative drugs in the treatment of infections caused by the cited bacteria.



Susceptibility Tests


When available, the clinical microbiology laboratory should provide the results of in vitro susceptibility test results for antimicrobial drugs used in resident hospitals to the physician as periodic reports that describe the susceptibility profile of nosocomial and community-acquired pathogens. These reports should aid the physician in selecting an antibacterial drug for treatment.*


Broth microdilution and agar dilution susceptibility testing should be performed with tetracycline except when testing Neisseria meningitidis (see below) since it predicts susceptibility to minocycline. However, certain bacteria (e.g. Acinetobacter species) may be more susceptible to minocycline and doxycycline than to tetracycline.


Dilution techniques:


Quantitative methods are used to determine antimicrobial minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs). These MICs provide estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The MICs should be determined using a standardized procedure. Standardized procedures are based on a dilution method1,3 (broth or agar) or equivalent with standardized inoculum concentrations and standardized concentrations of tetracycline powder (Note: minocycline powder should be used for testing Neisseria meningiditis). The MIC values should be interpreted according to the following criteria:


For Enterobacteriaceae, Acinetobacter species, Staphylococcus aureus, and Vibrio cholerae










MIC (mcg/mL)Interpretation
≤4.0Susceptible (S)
8.0Intermediate (I)
≥16.0Resistant (R)

For Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae










MIC (mcg/mL)Interpretation
≤2.0Susceptible (S)
4.0Intermediate (I)
≥8.0Resistant (R)

For Neisseria meningiditis (use minocycline powder for testing)






MIC (mcg/mL)Interpretation
≤2.0Susceptible (S)

For Bacillus anthracis






MIC (mcg/mL)Interpretation
≤1.0Susceptible (S)

For Francisella tularensis






MIC (mcg/mL)Interpretation
≤4.0Susceptible (S)

A report of "Susceptible" indicates that the pathogen is likely to be inhibited if the antimicrobial compound in the blood reaches the concentrations usually achievable. A report of "Intermediate" indicates that the result should be considered equivocal, and, if the microorganism is not fully susceptible to alternative, clinically feasible drugs, the test should be repeated. This category implies possible clinical applicability in body sites where the drug is physiologically concentrated or in situations where high dosage of drug can be used. This category also provides a buffer zone which prevents small uncontrolled technical factors from causing major discrepancies in interpretation. A report of "Resistant" indicates that the pathogen is not likely to be inhibited if the antimicrobial compound in the blood reaches the concentrations usually achievable; other therapy should be selected.


Standardized susceptibility test procedures require the use of laboratory control bacteria to control the technical aspects of the laboratory procedures. Standard tetracycline powder should provide the following MIC values:












MicroorganismMIC Range (mcg/mL)
Escherichia coli ATCC 259220.5-2.0
Haemophilus influenzae ATCC 492474-32
Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 292130.06-0.5
Streptococcus pneumoniae ATCC 496190.12-0.5

Diffusion techniques:


Quantitative methods that require measurement of zone diameters also provide reproducible estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. One such standardized procedure2,3 requires the use of standardized inoculum concentrations. This procedure uses paper disks impregnated with 30 mcg tetracycline (class disk) or 30 mcg minocycline to test the susceptibility of bacteria to minocycline.


Reports from the laboratory providing results of the standard single-disk susceptibility test with a 30 mcg tetracycline or 30 mcg minocycline disk should be interpreted according to the following criteria:


For Enterobacteriaceae and Acinetobacter species with tetracycline disk










Zone Diameter (mm)Interpretation
≥15Susceptible (S)
12-14Intermediate (I)
≤11Resistant (R)

For Enterobacteriaceae and Acinetobacter species with minocycline disk










Zone Diameter (mm)Interpretation
≥16Susceptible (S)
13-15Intermediate (I)
≤12Resistant (R)

For Haemophilus influenzae with tetracycline disk










Zone Diameter (mm)Interpretation
≥29Susceptible (S)
26-28Intermediate (I)
≤25Resistant (R)

For Streptococcus pneumoniae with tetracycline disk










Zone Diameter (mm)Interpretation
≥23Susceptible (S)
19-22Intermediate (I)
≤18Resistant (R)

For Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio cholerae with tetracycline disk










Zone Diameter (mm)Interpretation
≥19Susceptible (S)
15-18Intermediate (I)
≤14Resistant (R)

For Neisseria meningitidis with minocycline disk






Zone Diameter (mm)Interpretation
≥26Susceptible (S)

As with standardized dilution techniques, diffusion methods require the use of laboratory control bacteria that are used to control the technical aspects of the laboratory procedures. For the diffusion technique, the 30 mcg tetracycline disk or 30 mcg minocycline disk should provide the following zone diameters in these laboratory test quality control strains:



















MicroorganismZone Diameter Range (mm)
TetracyclineMinocycline 
Escherichia coli ATCC 2592218-2519-25
Haemophilus influenzae ATCC 4924714-22-
Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 2592324-30-
Streptococcus pneumoniae ATCC 4961927-31-

INDICATIONS AND USAGE


MINOCIN® Intravenous is indicated in the treatment of the following infections due to susceptible isolates of the designated bacteria:


Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus fever and the typhus group, Q fever, rickettsialpox and tick fevers caused by rickettsiae.

Respiratory tract infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Lymphogranuloma venereum caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

Psittacosis (Ornithosis) due to Chlamydia psittaci.

Trachoma caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, although the infectious agent is not always eliminated, as judged by immunofluorescence.

Inclusion conjunctivitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

Nongonococcal urethritis, endocervical, or rectal infections in adults caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum or Chlamydia trachomatis.

Relapsing fever due to Borrelia recurrentis.

Plague due to Yersinia pestis.

Tularemia due to Francisella tularensis.

Cholera caused by Vibrio cholerae.

Campylobacter fetus infections caused by Campylobacter fetus.

Brucellosis due to Brucella species (in conjunction with streptomycin).

Bartonellosis due to Bartonella bacilliformis.

Granuloma inguinale caused by Klebsiella (Calymmatobacterium) granulomatis.


Minocycline is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by the following Gram-negative bacteria when bacteriologic testing indicates appropriate susceptibility to the drug:


Escherichia coli.

Enterobacter aerogenes.

Shigella species.

Acinetobacter species.

Respiratory tract infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae.

Respiratory tract and urinary tract infections caused by Klebsiella species.


MINOCIN® Intravenous is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by the following Gram-positive bacteria when bacteriologic testing indicates appropriate susceptibility to the drug:


Upper respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (Note: Minocycline is not the drug of choice in the treatment of any type of staphylococcal infection.)


When penicillin is contraindicated, minocycline is an alternative drug in the treatment of the following infections:


Meningitis due to Neisseria meningitidis.

Syphilis caused by Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum.

Yaws caused by Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue.

Listeriosis due to Listeria monocytogenes.

Anthrax due to Bacillus anthracis.

Vincent's infection caused by Fusobacterium fusiforme.

Actinomycosis caused by Actinomyces israelii.

Infections caused by Clostridium species.


In acute intestinal amebiasis, minocycline may be a useful adjunct to amebicides.


In severe acne, minocycline may be useful adjunctive therapy.


To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of MINOCIN® (minocycline) Injection and other antibacterial drugs, MINOCIN® (minocycline) Injection should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.



CONTRAINDICATIONS


This drug is contraindicated in persons who have shown hypersensitivity to any of the tetracyclines or to any of the components of the product formulation.



WARNINGS


MINOCIN, LIKE OTHER TETRACYCLINE-CLASS ANTIBIOTICS, CAN CAUSE FETAL HARM WHEN ADMINISTERED TO A PREGNANT WOMAN. IF ANY TETRACYCLINE IS USED DURING PREGNANCY, OR IF THE PATIENT BECOMES PREGNANT WHILE TAKING THESE DRUGS, THE PATIENT SHOULD BE APPRISED OF THE POTENTIAL HAZARD TO THE FETUS. THE USE OF DRUGS OF THE TETRACYCLINE CLASS DURING TOOTH DEVELOPMENT (LAST HALF OF PREGNANCY, INFANCY, AND CHILDHOOD TO THE AGE OF 8 YEARS) MAY CAUSE PERMANENT DISCOLORATION OF THE TEETH (YELLOW-GRAY-BROWN).


This adverse reaction is more common during long-term use of the drugs but has been observed following repeated short-term courses. Enamel hypoplasia has also been reported. TETRACYCLINE DRUGS, THEREFORE, SHOULD NOT BE USED DURING TOOTH DEVELOPMENT UNLESS OTHER DRUGS ARE NOT LIKELY TO BE EFFECTIVE OR ARE CONTRAINDICATED.


All tetracyclines form a stable calcium complex in any bone-forming tissue. A decrease in the fibula growth rate has been observed in premature human infants given oral tetracycline in doses of 25 mg/kg every six hours. This reaction was shown to be reversible when the drug was discontinued.


Results of animal studies indicate that tetracyclines cross the placenta, are found in fetal tissues, and can have toxic effects on the developing fetus (often related to retardation of skeletal development). Evidence of embryotoxicity has been noted in animals treated early in pregnancy.


Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) including fatal cases have been reported with minocycline use. If this syndrome is recognized, the drug should be discontinued immediately.


The anti-anabolic action of the tetracyclines may cause an increase in BUN. While this is not a problem in those with normal renal function, in patients with significantly impaired function, higher serum levels of tetracycline may lead to azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, and acidosis. Under such conditions, monitoring of creatinine and BUN is recommended, and the total daily dosage should not exceed 200 mg in 24 hours (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). If renal impairment exists, even usual oral or parenteral doses may lead to systemic accumulation of the drug and possible liver toxicity.


Photosensitivity manifested by an exaggerated sunburn reaction has been observed in some individuals taking tetracyclines. This has been reported with minocycline.


Central nervous system side effects including light-headedness, dizziness or vertigo have been reported. Patients who experience these symptoms should be cautioned about driving vehicles or using hazardous machinery while on minocycline therapy. These symptoms may disappear during therapy and usually disappear rapidly when the drug is discontinued.


Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including MINOCIN®, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.


C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.


If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.



PRECAUTIONS



General


As with other antibiotic preparations, use of this drug may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi. If superinfection occurs, the antibiotic should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.


Pseudotumor cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension) in adults has been associated with the use of tetracyclines. The usual clinical manifestations are headache and blurred vision. Bulging fontanels have been associated with the use of tetracyclines in infants. While both of these conditions and related symptoms usually resolve soon after discontinuation of the tetracycline, the possibility for permanent sequelae exists.


Hepatotoxicity has been reported with minocycline; therefore, minocycline should be used with caution in patients with hepatic dysfunction and in conjunction with other hepatotoxic drugs.


Incision and drainage or other surgical procedures should be performed in conjunction with antibiotic therapy when indicated.


Prescribing MINOCIN® Injection in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.



Information for Patients


Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including MINOCIN® (minocycline) Injection should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (eg, the common cold). When MINOCIN® (minocycline) Injection is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by MINOCIN® (minocycline) Injection or other antibacterial drugs in the future.


Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.



Laboratory Tests


Periodic laboratory evaluation of organ systems, including hematopoietic, renal and hepatic studies should be performed.


All patients with gonorrhea should have a serologic test for syphilis at the time of diagnosis. Patients treated with minocycline should have a follow-up serologic test for syphilis after 3 months.



Drug Interactions


Because tetracyclines have been shown to depress plasma prothrombin activity, patients who are on anticoagulant therapy may require downward adjustment of their anticoagulant dosage.


Since bacteriostatic drugs may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillin, it is advisable to avoid giving tetracyclines in conjunction with penicillin.


The concurrent use of tetracyclines and methoxyflurane has been reported to result in fatal renal toxicity.


Concurrent use of tetracyclines with oral contraceptives may render oral contraceptives less effective.


Administration of isotretinoin should be avoided shortly before, during, and shortly after minocycline therapy. Each drug alone has been associated with pseudotumor cerebri (See PRECAUTIONS).


Increased risk of ergotism when ergot alkaloids or their derivatives are given with tetracyclines.



Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions


False elevations of urinary catecholamine levels may occur due to interference with the fluorescence test.



Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility


Dietary administration of minocycline in long-term tumorigenicity studies in rats resulted in evidence of thyroid tumor production. Minocycline has also been found to produce thyroid hyperplasia in rats and dogs. In addition, there has been evidence of oncogenic activity in rats in studies with a related antibiotic, oxytetracycline (ie, adrenal and pituitary tumors). Likewise, although mutagenicity studies of minocycline have not been conducted, positive results in in vitro mammalian cell assays (ie, mouse lymphoma and Chinese hamster lung cells) have been reported for related antibiotics (tetracycline hydrochloride and oxytetracycline). Segment I (fertility and general reproduction) studies have provided evidence that minocycline impairs fertility in male rats.



Pregnancy


Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category D (See WARNINGS)


All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defects, loss, or other adverse outcome regardless of drug exposure. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on the use of minocycline in pregnant women. Minocycline, like other tetracycline-class antibiotics, crosses the placenta and may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Rare spontaneous reports of congenital anomalies including limb reduction have been reported in post-marketing experience. Only limited information is available regarding these reports; therefore, no conclusion on causal association can be established. If minocycline is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.


Nonteratogenic Effects (See WARNINGS)



Labor and Delivery


The effect of tetracyclines on labor and delivery is unknown.



Nursing Mothers


Tetracyclines are excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from tetracyclines, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. (See WARNINGS.)



Pediatric Use


Minocycline is not recommended for use in children below 8 years of age unless the expected benefits of therapy outweigh the risks (See WARNINGS).



Geriatric Use


Clinical studies of intravenous minocycline did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy (See WARNINGS, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).


MINOCIN® IV (sterile minocycline hydrochloride, USP) does not contain sodium.



ADVERSE REACTIONS


The following adverse reactions have been observed in patients receiving tetracyclines.


Body as a whole: Fever, and discoloration of secretions.


Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia, stomatitis, glossitis, dysphagia, enamel hypoplasia, enterocolitis, pseudomembranous colitis, pancreatitis, inflammatory lesions (with monilial overgrowth) in the oral and anogenital regions. These reactions have been caused by both the oral and parenteral administration of tetracyclines.


Genitourinary: Vulvovaginitis.


Hepatic toxicity: Hyperbilirubinemia, hepatic cholestasis, increases in liver enzymes, fatal hepatic failure, and jaundice. Hepatitis, including autoimmune hepatitis, and liver failure have been reported (See PRECAUTIONS).


Skin: Alopecia, erythema nodosum, hyperpigmentation of nails, pruritus, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and vasculitis, maculopapular and erythematous rashes. Exfoliative dermatitis has been reported. Fixed drug eruptions have been reported. Lesions occurring on the glans penis have caused balanitis. Erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported. Photosensitivity is discussed above (See WARNINGS). Pigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes has been reported.


Local Reactions: Injection site erythema and injection site pain.


Respiratory: Cough, dyspnea, bronchospasm, exacerbation of asthma, and pneumonitis.


Renal toxicity: Interstitial nephritis. Elevations in BUN have been reported and are apparently dose related (See WARNINGS). Acute renal failure has been reported.


Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia, arthritis, bone discoloration, myalgia, joint stiffness, and joint swelling.


Hypersensitivity reactions: Urticaria, angioneurotic edema, polyarthralgia, anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reaction (including shock and fatalities), anaphylactoid purpura, myocarditis, pericarditis, exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus, and pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia have been reported. A lupus-like syndrome and serum sickness-like reactions also have been reported.


Blood: Agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, pancytopenia, and eosinophilia have been reported.


Central Nervous System: Convulsions, dizziness, hypesthesia, paresthesia, sedation, and vertigo. Pseudotumor cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension) in adults and bulging fontanels in infants (See PRECAUTIONS - General). Headache has also been reported.


Other: Thyroid cancer has been reported in the post-marketing setting in association with minocycline products. When minocycline therarapy is given over prolonged periods, monitoring for signs of thyroid cancer should be considered. When given over prolonged periods, tetracyclines have been reported to produce brown-black microscopic discoloration of the thyroid gland. Cases of abnormal thyroid function have been reported.


Tooth discoloration in pediatric patients less than 8 years of age (see WARNINGS) and in adults has been reported.


Oral cavity discoloration (including tongue, lip, and gum) have been reported.


Tinnitus and decreased hearing have been reported in patients on MINOCIN® (minocycline for injection).


The following syndromes have been reported. In some cases involving these syndromes, death has been reported. As with other serious adverse reactions, if any of these syndromes are recognized, the drug should be discontinued immediately:


Hypersensitivity syndrome consisting of cutaneous reaction (such as rash or exfoliative dermatitis), eosinophilia, and one or more of the following: hepatitis, pneumonitis, nephritis, myocarditis, and pericarditis. Fever and lymphadenopathy may be present.


Lupus-like syndrome consisting of positive antinuclear antibody; arthralgia, arthritis, joint stiffness, or joint swelling; and one or more of the following: fever, myalgia, hepatitis, rash, and vasculitis.


Serum sickness-like syndrome consisting of fever; urticaria or rash; and arthralgia, arthritis, joint stiffness, or joint swelling. Eosinophilia may be present.



OVERDOSAGE


The adverse events more commonly seen in overdose are dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.


No specific antidote for minocycline is known.


In case of overdosage, discontinue medication, treat symptomatically, and institute supportive measures. Minocycline is not removed in significant quantities by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.



DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION


THE USUAL DOSAGE AND FREQUENCY OF ADMINISTRATION OF MINOCYCLINE DIFFERS FROM THAT OF THE OTHER TETRACYCLINES. EXCEEDING THE RECOMMENDED DOSAGE MAY RESULT IN AN INCREASED INCIDENCE OF SIDE EFFECTS.


Note: Rapid administration is to be avoided. Parenteral therapy is indicated only when oral therapy is not adequate or tolerated. Oral therapy should be instituted as soon as possible. If intravenous therapy is given over prolonged periods of time, thrombophlebitis may result.



For Pediatric Patients above 8 years of Age


Usual pediatric dose: Initial dose of 4 mg/kg, then 2 mg/kg every 12 hours, not to exceed the usual adult dose



Adults


Usual adult dose: Initial dose of 200 mg, then 100 mg every 12 hours and should not exceed 400 mg in 24 hours. The cryodesiccated powder should be reconstituted with 5 mL Sterile Water for Injection USP and immediately further diluted to 500 mL to 1,000 mL with Sodium Chloride Injection USP, Dextrose Injection USP, Dextrose and Sodium Chloride Injection USP, Ringer's Injection USP, or Lactated Ringer's Injection USP, but not with other solutions containing calcium because a precipitate may form especially in neutral and alkaline solutions. When further diluted in 500 mL to 1,000 mL of compatible solutions (except Lactated Ringer's), the pH usually ranges from 2.5 to 4.0. The pH of MINOCIN® IV 100 mg in Lactated Ringer's 500 mL to 1,000 mL usually ranges from 4.5 to 6.0.


Final dilutions (500 mL to 1,000 mL) should be administered immediately but product and diluents are compatible at room temperature for 24 hours without a significant loss of potency. Any unused portions must be discarded after that period.


The pharmacokinetics of minocycline in patients with renal impairment (CLCR <80 mL/min) have not been fully characterized. Current data are insufficient to determine if a dosage adjustment is warranted. The total daily dosage should not exceed 200 mg in 24 hours in patients with renal impairment. However, due to the anti-anabolic effect of tetracyclines, BUN and creatinine should be monitored (See WARNINGS).


Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.



Incompatibilities


MINOCIN® IV should not be mixed before or during administration with any solutions containing: adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), aminophylline, amobarbital sodium, amphotericin B, bicarbonate infusion mixtures, calcium gluconate or chloride, carbenicillin, cephalothin sodium, cefazolin sodium, chloramphenicol succinate, colistin sulfate, heparin sodium, hydrocortisone sodium succinate, iodine sodium, methicillin sodium, novobiocin, penicillin, pentobarbital, phenytoin sodium, polymyxin, prochlorperazine, sodium ascorbate, sulfadiazine, sulfisoxazole, thiopental sodium, vitamin K (sodium bisulfate or sodium salt), whole blood.



HOW SUPPLIED


MINOCIN® (minocycline for injection) Intravenous is supplied as 100 mg vials of sterile cryodesiccated powder.


Product No. NDC 14290-545-92


Store at Controlled Room Temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).



ANIMAL PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY


Minocycline hydrochloride has been observed to cause a dark discoloration of the thyroid in experimental animals (rats, minipigs, dogs, and monkeys). In the rat, chronic treatment with minocycline hydrochloride has resulted in goiter accompanied by elevated radioactive iodine uptake and evidence of thyroid tumor production. Minocycline hydrochloride has also been found to produce thyroid hyperplasia in rats and dogs.



REFERENCES


  1. Clinical and Laboratory Standards (CLSI). Methods for Dilution Susceptibility Tests for Bacteria that Grow Aerobically; Approved Standard - 8th ed. CLSI document M07-A8. CLSI, 940 West Valley Rd., Suite 1400, Wayne, PA 19087-1898, 2009

  2. CLSI. Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Disk Susceptibility Tests; Approved Standard-10th ed. CLSI document M02-A10, 2009.

  3. CLSI. Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing; 19th Informational supplement. CLSI document M100-S19, 2009.

This product's label may have been updated. For current package insert and further product information, please visit www.triaxpharma.com or call our toll-free number: 800 978 5060. Call between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.




Manufactured for Triax Pharmaceuticals, LLC

Cranford, NJ 07016


By Patheon Italia S.p.A

Monza (Milan), Italy


Marketed and Distributed by

Triax Pharmaceuticals, LLC.

152F504

08/10



PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL


MINOCIN® Intravenous 100 mg Vial (10 Vials per Carton)


NDC 14290-545-92



 









MINOCIN 
minocycline hydrochloride  injection










Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGNDC Product Code (Source)14290-545
Route of AdministrationINTRAVENOUSDEA Schedule    








Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
MINOCYCLINE HYDROCHLORIDE (MINOCYCLINE)MINOCYCLINE100 mg





Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
No Inactive Ingredients Found


















Product Characteristics
Color    Score    
ShapeSize
FlavorImprint Code
Contains      










Packaging
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
114290-545-9210 VIAL In 1 CARTONNone










Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
NDANDA05044408/01/2009


Labeler - Triax Pharmaceuticals, LLC (194481409)









Establishment
NameAddressID/FEIOperations
Archimica Srl387975308API MANUFACTURE









Establishment
NameAddressID/FEIOperations
IDT Australia Limited753286384MANUFACTURE









Establishment
NameAddressID/FEIOperations
Patheon Italia SPA338336589MANUFACTURE
Revised: 08/2010Triax Pharmaceuticals, LLC

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Oxibron




Oxibron may be available in the countries listed below.


Ingredient matches for Oxibron



Clenbuterol

Clenbuterol hydrochloride (a derivative of Clenbuterol) is reported as an ingredient of Oxibron in the following countries:


  • Argentina

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Thursday, October 20, 2016

Lassie




In some countries, this medicine may only be approved for veterinary use.

Ingredient matches for Lassie



Pyrantel

Pyrantel embonate (a derivative of Pyrantel) is reported as an ingredient of Lassie in the following countries:


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Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Limbitrol DS


Generic Name: amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide (a mi TRIP ti leen and klor dye az e POX ide)

Brand Names: Limbitrol, Limbitrol DS


What is Limbitrol DS (amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide)?

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic (try-SYE-klik) antidepressants. Amitriptyline affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced.


Chlordiazepoxide is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Chlordiazepoxide affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.


The combination of amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide is used to treat depression and anxiety.


Amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about Limbitrol DS (amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide)?


You should not use this medication if you have recently had a heart attack, or if you are allergic to amitriptyline (Elavil), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), or to Valium, Xanax, or any other benzodiazepine. Do not use this medication if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide if you are pregnant.

You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.



Video: Treatment for Depression







Treatments for depression are getting better everyday and there are things you can start doing right away.





Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Limbitrol DS (amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide)?


You should not use this medication if you have recently had a heart attack, or if you are allergic to amitriptyline (Elavil), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), or to any benzodiazepine such as alprazolam (Xanax), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax). Do not use this medication if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.

To make sure you can safely take amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:



  • epilepsy or seizure disorder;




  • a thyroid disorder;




  • kidney or liver disease;




  • heart disease;




  • bipolar disorder (manic-depression);




  • a history of suicidal thoughts or behavior;




  • history of drug or alcohol addiction;




  • narrow-angle glaucoma; or




  • problems with urination.



You may have thoughts about suicide while taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Tell your doctor if you have worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.


Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.


This medication can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use effective birth control while you are using this medication. It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide.

The sedative effects of this medication may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide.


How should I take Limbitrol DS (amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide)?


Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.


It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment. If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

If you use this medication long-term, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.


Do not stop using amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the medicine. Amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Never share this medication with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Benzodiazepines are drugs of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?


Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide can be fatal, especially if taken with alcohol.

Overdose symptoms may include irregular heartbeats, extreme drowsiness, overactive reflexes, stiff muscles, dilated pupils, vomiting, feeling hot or cold, feeling like you might pass out, or seizure (convulsions).


What should I avoid while taking Limbitrol DS (amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide)?


Do not drink alcohol. Amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide can increase the effects of alcohol, which could be dangerous. This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Limbitrol DS (amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide) side effects


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;




  • feeling light-headed, fainting;




  • seizure (convulsions);




  • weak or shallow breathing;




  • chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling; or




  • sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance.



Less serious side effects may include:



  • dry mouth, stuffy nose, blurred vision;




  • dizziness, drowsiness;




  • feeling restless or tired;




  • constipation, bloating, loss of appetite;




  • strange dreams or nightmares; or




  • decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.



This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What other drugs will affect Limbitrol DS (amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide)?


Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have used an "SSRI" antidepressant in the past 5 weeks, such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft).


Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other antidepressant.

Many drugs can interact with amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:



  • celecoxib (Celebrex);




  • cimetidine (Tagamet);




  • darifenacin (Enablex);




  • ropinirole (Requip);




  • terbinafine (Lamisil);




  • ADHD medications (Adderall, Ritalin, Strattera);




  • anti-malaria medication such as chloroquine (Arelan), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil, Quinaprox), or quinine (Qualaquin);




  • cancer medications such as gefitinib (Iressa), imatinib (Gleevec), or nilotinib (Tasigna);




  • a heart rhythm medication such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), flecainide (Tambocor), propafenone (Rythmol), or quinidine (Quin-G);




  • HIV medication such as delavirdine (Rescriptor) or ritonavir (Norvir);




  • medicine to treat or prevent nausea and vomiting, such as metoclopramide (Reglan) or promethazine (Pentazine, Phenergan);




  • medicine to treat psychiatric disorders, such as aripiprazole (Abilify), chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Permitil), haloperidol (Haldol), perphenazine (Trilafon), or thioridazine (Mellaril);




  • a narcotic such as methadone (Methadose, Dolophine) or propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet).




This list is not complete and there are many other drugs that can interact with amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

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Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide.

See also: Limbitrol DS side effects (in more detail)


Latuda



Generic Name: lurasidone (Oral route)

loo-RAS-i-done

Oral route(Tablet)

Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death compared to placebo. Although the causes of death in clinical trials were varied, most of the deaths appeared to be either cardiovascular (eg, heart failure, sudden death) or infectious (eg, pneumonia) in nature. Observational studies suggest that antipsychotic drugs may increase mortality. It is unclear from these studies to what extent the mortality findings may be attributed to the antipsychotic drug as opposed to patient characteristics. Lurasidone hydrochloride is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis .



Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.


  • Latuda

Available Dosage Forms:


  • Tablet

Therapeutic Class: Antipsychotic


Uses For Latuda


Lurasidone is used to treat symptoms of psychotic (mental) disorders, such as schizophrenia. This medicine should not be used to treat behavioral problems in elderly patients who have dementia.


This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.


Before Using Latuda


In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:


Allergies


Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.


Pediatric


Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of lurasidone in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.


Geriatric


Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of lurasidone in the elderly. However, this medicine should not be used for behavioral problems in older adults with dementia.


Pregnancy








Pregnancy CategoryExplanation
All TrimestersBAnimal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus.

Breast Feeding


There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.


Interactions with Medicines


Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.


Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.


  • Ketoconazole

  • Metoclopramide

  • Rifampin

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.


  • Diltiazem

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.


  • Digoxin

  • Lithium

  • Midazolam

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol


Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.


Other Medical Problems


The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


  • Alzheimer's disease or dementia or

  • Dehydration or

  • Heart attack, history of or

  • Heart failure or

  • Heart or blood vessel disease or

  • Heart rhythm problems or

  • Hypotension (low blood pressure) or

  • Hypovolemia (low amount of blood) or

  • Stroke, history of or—May cause side effects to become worse.

  • Blood or bone marrow problems (e.g., agranulocytosis, leukopenia, neutropenia) or

  • Diabetes or

  • Dyslipidemia (high cholesterol or fats in the blood) or

  • Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or

  • Hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin in the blood) or

  • Seizures, history of—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

  • Kidney disease or

  • Liver disease—You may need a dose adjustment. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this.

Proper Use of Latuda


Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor even if you feel well. Do not take more of this medicine and do not take it more often than your doctor ordered. This medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To keep blood levels constant, take this medicine at the same time each day and do not miss any doses.


You must take this medicine with food (containing at least 350 calories).


Dosing


The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.


The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.


  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For schizophrenia:
      • Adults—At first, 40 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 80 mg per day.

      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.



Missed Dose


If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.


Storage


Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.


Keep out of the reach of children.


Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.


Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.


Precautions While Using Latuda


It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.


This medicine should not be used with certain other medications such as ketoconazole (Nizoral®) or rifampin (Rifadin®, Rimactane®). Make sure your doctor knows what medications you are taking or if you start a new medicine.


Stop taking this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms while using this medicine: convulsions (seizures), difficulty with breathing, a fast heartbeat, a high fever, high or low blood pressure, increased sweating, loss of bladder control, severe muscle stiffness, unusually pale skin, or tiredness. These could be symptoms of a serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).


This medicine may cause tardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder). Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have lip smacking or puckering, puffing of the cheeks, rapid or worm-like movements of the tongue, uncontrolled chewing movements, or uncontrolled movements of the arms and legs while you are using this medicine.


This medicine may increase the amount of sugar in your blood. Check with your doctor right away if you have increased thirst or increased urination. If you have diabetes, you may notice a change in the results of your urine or blood sugar tests. If you have any questions, check with your doctor.


This medicine may increase your weight. Your doctor may need to check your weight on a regular basis while you are using this medicine. Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent weight gain.


Lurasidone can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. If you can, avoid people with infections. Check with your doctor right away if you think you are getting an infection, or if you have a fever or chills, a cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, or painful or difficult urination.


Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help. If the problem continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.


This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy or dizzy, or to have trouble with thinking or controlling body movements. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that requires you to be alert, well-coordinated, or able to think well.


Avoid activities involving high temperature or humidity. This medicine may reduce your body's ability to adjust to the heat.


Lurasidone may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies. If you or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.


This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for allergies or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicines including other narcotics; medicine for seizures (e.g., barbiturates); muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine.


Before you have any medical tests, tell the medical doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by this medicine.


Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.


Latuda Side Effects


Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.


Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:


More common
  • Absence of or decrease in body movement

  • difficulty with swallowing

  • drooling

  • inability to sit still

  • incremental or ratchet-like movement of the muscle

  • loss of balance control

  • mask-like face

  • muscle discomfort

  • muscle trembling, jerking, or stiffness

  • need to keep moving

  • restlessness

  • rigid or stiff muscles

  • shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

  • shuffling walk

  • slow movements

  • slow reflexes

  • slurred speech

  • stiffness of the arms and legs

  • tic-like (jerky) movements of the head, face, mouth, and neck

  • trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

  • twisting movements of the body

  • uncontrolled movements, especially of the face, neck, and back

Less common
  • Arm, back, or jaw pain

  • blurred vision

  • burning while urinating

  • changes in patterns and rhythms of speech

  • chest pain or discomfort

  • chills

  • cold sweats

  • confusion

  • convulsions

  • difficult or painful urination

  • difficulty opening the mouth

  • difficulty with breathing

  • dizziness

  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position

  • fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

  • fixed position of the eye

  • headache

  • high fever

  • inability to move the eyes

  • inability to speak

  • increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid

  • increased sweating

  • lockjaw

  • loss of bladder control

  • muscle spasm, especially of the neck and back

  • nervousness

  • pale skin

  • pounding in the ears

  • seizures

  • severe muscle stiffness

  • severe or sudden headache

  • shortness of breath

  • slow or fast heartbeat

  • slurred speech

  • sticking out of the tongue

  • sweating

  • temporary blindness

  • tiredness

  • trouble with breathing, speaking, or swallowing

  • troubled breathing with exertion

  • uncontrolled twisting movements of the neck, trunk, arms, or legs

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

  • unusual facial expressions

  • unusual tiredness or weakness

  • unusually pale skin

  • weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe

Rare
  • Black, tarry stools

  • bloody urine

  • breast pain or swelling

  • cough

  • dark-colored urine

  • decreased frequency or amount of urine

  • fever

  • increased thirst

  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

  • loss of appetite

  • lower back or side pain

  • muscle cramps or spasms

  • muscle pain or stiffness

  • nausea

  • sore throat

  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

  • swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs

  • swollen glands

  • troubled breathing

  • vomiting

  • weight gain

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:


More common
  • Acid or sour stomach

  • anxiety

  • belching

  • drowsiness

  • dry mouth

  • heartburn

  • hyperventilation

  • indigestion

  • irritability

  • relaxed and calm

  • sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

  • sleeplessness

  • stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

  • trouble sleeping

  • unable to sleep

  • unusually deep sleep

  • unusually long duration of sleep

Less common
  • Abnormal dreams

  • anxiety

  • back pain

  • blurred vision

  • burning feeling in the chest or stomach

  • decreased appetite

  • diarrhea

  • feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

  • indigestion

  • itching

  • sensation of spinning

  • skin rash

  • stomach upset

  • sweating

  • tenderness in the stomach area

  • watering of mouth and drooling

Rare
  • Decreased interest in sexual intercourse

  • inability to have or keep an erection

  • loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

  • unexpected or excess milk flow from the breasts

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.


Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Latuda side effects (in more detail)



The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.


The use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided "AS IS" and "as available" for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Reuters Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Reuters Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products.


More Latuda resources


  • Latuda Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Latuda Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Latuda Drug Interactions
  • Latuda Support Group
  • 33 Reviews for Latuda - Add your own review/rating


  • Latuda Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Latuda Monograph (AHFS DI)

  • Latuda MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Latuda Consumer Overview



Compare Latuda with other medications


  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Schizoaffective Disorder
  • Schizophrenia

Keppra


Generic Name: Levetiracetam
Class: Anticonvulsants, Miscellaneous
VA Class: CN400
Molecular Formula: C8H14N2O2
CAS Number: 102767-28-2


Special Alerts:


[UPDATE 05/05/2009] FDA notified healthcare professionals that it approved updated labeling for antiepileptic drugs used to treat epilepsy, psychiatric disorders, and other conditions (e.g., migraine and neuropathic pain syndromes). FDA also required development of a medication guide, to be issued to patients each time the product is dispensed. Since issuing safety alerts on December 16, 2008 and January 31, 2008, FDA has been working with the manufacturers of drugs in this class to better understand the suicidality risk. Eleven antiepileptic drugs were included in a pooled analysis of placebo-controlled clinical studies in which these drugs were used to treat epilepsy as well as psychiatric disorders and other conditions. The increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior was generally consistent among the eleven drugs, with varying mechanisms of action and across a range of indications. This observation suggests that the risk applies to all antiepileptic drugs used for any indication.


The drugs included in the analyses include (some of these drugs are also available in generic form):



  • Carbamazepine (marketed as Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR)




  • Felbamate (marketed as Felbatol)




  • Gabapentin (marketed as Neurontin)




  • Lamotrigine (marketed as Lamictal)




  • Levetiracetam (marketed as Keppra)




  • Oxcarbazepine (marketed as Trileptal)




  • Pregabalin (marketed as Lyrica)




  • Tiagabine (marketed as Gabitril)




  • Topiramate (marketed as Topamax)




  • Valproate (marketed as Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon)




  • Zonisamide (marketed as Zonegran)



For more information visit the FDA website at: and .


[UPDATE 12/16/2008] The FDA has completed its analysis of reports of suicidality (suicidal behavior or ideation [thoughts]) from placebo-controlled clinical trials of drugs used to treat epilepsy, psychiatric disorders, and other conditions. Based on the outcome of this review, FDA is requiring that all manufacturers of drugs in this class include a Warning in their labeling and develop a Medication Guide to be provided to patients prescribed these drugs to inform them of the risks of suicidal thoughts or actions.


For more information visit the FDA website at: and .


[Posted 01/31/2008] FDA informed healthcare professionals that the Agency has analyzed reports of suicidality (suicidal behavior or ideation) from placebo-controlled clinical studies of eleven drugs used to treat epilepsy as well as psychiatric disorders, and other conditions. In the FDA’s analysis, patients receiving antiepileptic drugs had approximately twice the risk of suicidal behavior or ideation (0.43%) compared to patients receiving placebo (0.22%). The increased risk of suicidal behavior and suicidal ideation was observed as early as one week after starting the antiepileptic drug and continued through 24 weeks. The results were generally consistent among the eleven drugs. The relative risk for suicidality was higher in patients with epilepsy compared to patients who were given one of the drugs in the class for psychiatric or other conditions.


Healthcare professionals should closely monitor all patients currently taking or starting any antiepileptic drug for notable changes in behavior that could indicate the emergence or worsening of suicidal thoughts or behavior or depression.


The drugs included in the analyses include (some of these drugs are also available in generic form):



  • Carbamazepine (marketed as Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR)




  • Felbamate (marketed as Felbatol)




  • Gabapentin (marketed as Neurontin)




  • Lamotrigine (marketed as Lamictal)




  • Levetiracetam (marketed as Keppra)




  • Oxcarbazepine (marketed as Trileptal)




  • Pregabalin (marketed as Lyrica)




  • Tiagabine (marketed as Gabitril)




  • Topiramate (marketed as Topamax)




  • Valproate (marketed as Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon)




  • Zonisamide (marketed as Zonegran)



Although the 11 drugs listed above were the ones included in the analysis, FDA expects that the increased risk of suicidality is shared by all antiepileptic drugs and anticipates that the class labeling changes will be applied broadly. For more information visit the FDA website at: and .


REMS:


FDA approved a REMS for levetiracetam to ensure that the benefits of a drug outweigh the risks. However, FDA later rescinded REMS requirements. See the FDA REMS page () or the ASHP REMS Resource Center ().



Introduction

Anticonvulsant; a pyrrolidine derivative.1 2 3 5


Uses for Keppra


Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.


Seizure Disorders


Management (in combination with other anticonvulsants) of partial seizures in adults with epilepsy.1 2 3


Keppra Dosage and Administration


Administration


Oral Administration


Administer orally twice daily without regard to meals.1


Dosage


Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.


Adults


Seizure Disorders

Partial Seizures

Oral

Initially, 500 mg twice daily.1 2 3


If response is inadequate, dosage may be increased by 1 g daily at 2-week intervals.1 2


Some clinicians reportedly initiate therapy with dosages of 2–4 g daily.3


Dosages >3 g daily may not be associated with increased therapeutic benefit.1 2


Do not discontinue abruptly;1 withdraw gradually by reducing dosage by 1 g daily at 2-week intervals.5 (See Discontinuance of Levetiracetam under Cautions.)


Prescribing Limits


Adults


Seizure Disorders

Partial Seizures

Oral

Maximum 3 g daily recommended by the manufacturer.1


Special Populations


Renal Impairment


Modify dosage according to the degree of impairment based on patient’s measured or estimated Clcr.1 2 (See Table 1.)





















Table 1. Recommended Dosage Based on Clcr1

Renal Function



Clcr (mL/minute)



Dosage



Normal



>80



500–1500 mg every 12 hours



Mild



50–80



500–1000 mg every 12 hours



Moderate



30–50



250–750 mg every 12 hours



Severe



<30



250–500 mg every 12 hours



ESRD patients using dialysis





500–1000 mg every 24 hours; following dialysis, a 250- to 500-mg supplemental dose is recommended


Geriatric Patients


Select dosage carefully1 2 and consider monitoring renal function during therapy.1


Cautions for Keppra


Contraindications



  • Known hypersensitivity to levetiracetam or any ingredient in the formulation.1 2



Warnings/Precautions


Warnings


Nervous System Effects

Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.


Possible adverse neuropsychiatric effects are classified into 3 categories: somnolence and fatigue; coordination difficulties; behavioral changes.1 2


Somnolence, asthenia, and coordination difficulties occur most frequently within first 4 weeks of treatment.1 2


Psychotic manifestations and hallucinations reported rarely.1 2


Possible behavioral symptoms (e.g., agitation, hostility, anxiety, apathy, emotional lability, depersonalization, depression, aggression, anger, irritability).1


Discontinuance of Levetiracetam

Abrupt withdrawal may result in increased seizure frequency or status epilepticus.1 2 (See Partial Seizures under Dosage and Administration.)


General Precautions


Hematologic Effects

Minor decreases in total mean erythrocyte count, mean hemoglobin, and mean hematocrit possible.1


Possible leukopenia, neutropenia, pancytopenia with myelosuppression in some cases, and thrombocytopenia.1


Hepatic Effects

No meaningful changes in liver function test results in controlled studies.1


Possible Prescribing and Dispensing Errors

Ensure accuracy of prescription; similarity in spelling of Keppra (levetiracetam) and Kaletra (fixed combination of lopinavir and ritonavir, both antiretroviral agents) may result in errors.7


Specific Populations


Pregnancy

Category C.1


Keppra Pregnancy Registry at 888-537-7734 or North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry at 888-233-2334.1


Lactation

Distributed into milk.1 Discontinue nursing or the drug because of potential risk in nursing infant.1


Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy not established in children <16 years of age.1 2


Geriatric Use

No substantial differences in safety relative to younger adults; insufficient experience in patients ≥65 years of age to determine whether efficacy is similar.1 2


Renal Impairment

Dosage adjustment recommended for patients with decreased Clcr.1 2 (See Renal Impairment under Dosage and Administration.)


Common Adverse Effects


Somnolence, asthenia, headache, infection, dizziness, pain, pharyngitis.1 2


Interactions for Keppra


Not a high-affinity substrate for or inhibitor of CYP isoenzymes.1 2


Drugs Affecting Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes


Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely.1 2


Protein-bound Drugs


Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely.1 2


Specific Drugs





















Drug



Interaction



Comments



Anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, gabapentin, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, valproic acid)



Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely1 2



Digoxin



Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely1 2



Oral contraceptives



Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely1 2



Probenecid



No effect on levetiracetam pharmacokinetics, but steady-state plasma concentrations of principal inactive metabolite of levetiracetam approximately doubled because of 60% reduction in renal clearance1 2



Clinically unimportant5



Warfarin



Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely1 2


Keppra Pharmacokinetics


Absorption


Bioavailability


Rapidly and almost completely absorbed (nearly 100% bioavailable) following oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations attained in approximately 1 hour.1


Commercially available tablets and oral solution are bioequivalent.1


Food


Food does not affect bioavailability but delays time to peak plasma concentration by 1.5 hours and decreases peak plasma concentration by 20%.1


Distribution


Extent


Distributed into milk.1


Plasma Protein Binding


<10%.1


Elimination


Metabolism


Not extensively metabolized.1 About 24% of an administered dose is metabolized to an inactive metabolite by hydrolysis of the acetamide group; metabolism is not dependent on CYP isoenzymes.1


Elimination Route


Excreted principally as unchanged drug (66%) in urine.1


Clearance is correlated with Clcr.1


Half-life


6–8 hours.1


Special Populations


In patients with renal impairment, clearance is reduced by 40, 50, and 60% in patients with mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment, respectively.1 In patients with end-stage renal disease, clearance is reduced by about 70%; hemodialysis removes about 50% of body stores of levetiracetam.1 (See Renal Impairment under Dosage and Administration.)


In patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child Pugh class C), total body clearance is reduced by 50%, principally due to decreased renal clearance; pharmacokinetics unchanged in patients with mild (Child Pugh class A) to moderate (Child Pugh class B) hepatic impairment.1


In geriatric patients with Clcr of 30–74 mL/minute, total body clearance is reduced by 38% and half-life increased by 2.5 hours, but no pharmacokinetic differences related solely to age observed.1 2


In pediatric patients 6–12 years of age, body weight-adjusted apparent clearance is approximately 40% higher than in adults.1


Stability


Storage


Oral


Tablets

25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C).1


Solution

25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C).1


Actions



  • Structurally unrelated to other currently available anticonvulsants.1 2 3 5




  • Mechanism of anticonvulsant action is not known.1 2 4




  • Protection observed against secondarily generalized activity from focal seizures induced by 2 chemoconvulsants known to induce seizures that mimic some features of human complex partial seizures with secondary generalization.1 2




  • Demonstrated inhibitory properties in the kindling model in rats, another model of human complex partial seizures.1 2 4



Advice to Patients


Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.



  • Provide copy of manufacturer’s patient information.1




  • Risk of adverse neuropsychiatric effects (e.g., somnolence, fatigue, dizziness, coordination difficulties, behavioral changes), especially during the initial weeks of therapy.1 2




  • Risk of drowsiness; avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing hazardous tasks until effects on individual are known.1 2 5




  • Importance of adhering to prescribed directions for use.1




  • Importance of not abruptly discontinuing therapy.1 2




  • Use in combination with other anticonvulsants, not as monotherapy.1 2




  • Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.1 2 Importance of clinicians informing women about existence of and encouraging enrollment in pregnancy registries. (See Pregnancy under Cautions.)




  • Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, dietary supplements, and/or herbal products, as well as any concomitant illness (e.g., renal disease).1




  • Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information.1 (See Cautions.)



Preparations


Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.




























Levetiracetam

Routes



Dosage Forms



Strengths



Brand Names



Manufacturer



Oral



Solution



100 mg/mL



Keppra Oral Solution (dye-free; with glycerin and parabens)



UCB Pharma



Tablets, film-coated



250 mg



Keppra (scored)



UCB Pharma



500 mg



Keppra (scored)



UCB Pharma



750 mg



Keppra (scored)



UCB Pharma


Comparative Pricing


This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 10/2011. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.


Keppra 100MG/ML Solution (UCB PHARMA): 473/$437.98 or 1419/$1,306.04


Keppra 1000MG Tablets (UCB PHARMA): 60/$570.02 or 180/$1,690.05


Keppra 250MG Tablets (UCB PHARMA): 10/$51.99 or 30/$129.97


Keppra 500MG Tablets (UCB PHARMA): 30/$149.99 or 90/$429.97


Keppra 750MG Tablets (UCB PHARMA): 30/$189.99 or 90/$549.95


Keppra XR 500MG 24-hr Tablets (UCB PHARMA): 60/$245.98 or 180/$699.97


Keppra XR 750MG 24-hr Tablets (UCB PHARMA): 60/$349.98 or 180/$1,019.91


Levetiracetam 100MG/ML Solution (ROXANE): 473/$259.99 or 1419/$719.96


Levetiracetam 1000MG Tablets (LUPIN PHARMACEUTICALS): 60/$209.99 or 180/$599.98


Levetiracetam 250MG Tablets (LUPIN PHARMACEUTICALS): 60/$23.99 or 120/$37.97


Levetiracetam 500MG Tablets (LUPIN PHARMACEUTICALS): 30/$29.99 or 90/$59.97


Levetiracetam 750MG Tablets (LUPIN PHARMACEUTICALS): 60/$34.99 or 120/$57.97



Disclaimer

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.


The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com represent that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com do not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2011, Selected Revisions October 27, 2011. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.




References



1. UCB Pharma, Inc. Keppra (levetiracetam) tablets and oral solution prescribing information. Smyrna, GA; 2004 Nov.



2. UCB Pharma. Keppra (levetiracetam) tablets product monograph. Smyrna, GA; 2002.



3. Anon. Two new drugs for epilepsy. Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2000; 42:33-5. [PubMed 10803174]



4. Haria M, Balfour JA. Levetiracetam. CNS Drugs. 1997; 7:159-64.



5. UCB Pharma, Smyrna, GA: Personal communication.



6. Krakow K, Walker M, Otoul C et al. Long-term continuation of levetiracetam in patients with refractory epilepsy. Neurology. 2001; 56:1772-4. [IDIS 466256] [PubMed 11425954]



7. Magnus L. Dear healthcare professional letter: Dispensing error alert. Smyrna, GA: UCB Pharma, Inc; 2003 Sep.



8. Institute for Safe Medication Practices. What’s in a name? Ways to prevent dispensing errors linked to name confusion. ISMP Medication Safety Alert!. Huntingdon Valley, PA; 2002 Jun 12.



More Keppra resources


  • Keppra Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Keppra Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Keppra Drug Interactions
  • Keppra Support Group
  • 76 Reviews for Keppra - Add your own review/rating


  • Keppra Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Keppra Consumer Overview

  • Keppra Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Keppra MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Levetiracetam Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Levetiracetam Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)



Compare Keppra with other medications


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