Aptiom

(Eslicarbazepine Acetate)

The active ingredient in Aptiom is eslicarbazepine acetate. Aptiom (eslicarbazepine) is an antiepileptic drug. The exact mechanism of action is unclear, but it's thought to inhibit the function of sodium channels in the brain. This may assist in reducing nerve signalling and brain activity, so preventing seizures.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Aptiom. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Aptiom:

• You can take Aptiom with or without food. The Aptiom tablet can be crushed or consumed whole.
• Even if you are feeling fine, do not abruptly discontinue Aptiom treatment. Stopping quickly may result in more seizures. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medication entirely.
• Eslicarbazepine can produce odd findings in certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking Aptiom.
• Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body.

The most common side effects of Aptiom seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Tiredness.
• Blurred vision.
• Muscle weakness.
• Sleepiness.
• Double vision.
• Urinary tract infection (UTI).
• Sore throat.
• Dark urine.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice).
• Skin reactions.
• New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Aptiom. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Let your doctor know of any worsening mood changes.
• Low sodium levels (hyponatremia) cause nausea, fatigue, headaches, confusion, and more seizures than usual, which can be life-threatening.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, right-sided stomach pain, exhaustion, loss of appetite, and skin or eye yellowing are all symptoms of liver injury.
• Allergic reactions include severe skin rash, hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, mouth, or throat.
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)

These are not all of the possible side effects of Aptiom. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Aptiom, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• You are allergic to eslicarbazepine or oxcarbazepine.
• Liver problems.
• Kidney problems.
• Blood cell disorder.
• Mood changes or suicidal thoughts.

Allergy to oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)

Aptiom begins to work quickly after you take it. By 4 or 5 days after starting Aptiom, the medicine has reached constant levels in your body. This is why it is critical to take Aptiom regularly, as directed by your doctor.

When Aptiom is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• All additional seizure medications you use.
• Omeprazole.
• Crestor (rosuvastatin) or Zocor (simvastatin).
• Carbamazepine.
• Phenytoin.
• Primidone.
• Clobazam.
• Phenobarbital.

Adults: The typical starting dose is 400 mg or 800 mg taken orally once daily. The dose is increased weekly depending on how well you respond to the drug. The normal long-term (maintenance) dose ranges from 800 to 1,600 mg once daily.

Children aged four to seventeen years: The dosage is calculated based on your child's weight and administered orally once daily. The dose is increased weekly based on how well your child responds to the drug. The beginning dose is 200 mg to 400 mg once a day, with the long-term (maintenance) dose ranging from 400 mg to 1,200 mg once daily.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Sunovion Pharmaceuticals is the company that manufactures Aptiom.

There are several lower generic versions available of Aptiom.

If you need to discontinue taking Aptiom, talk to your doctor. They will most likely reduce your dosage gradually over time, which can help lower your chance of seizures.

Do not start or stop taking Aptiom during pregnancy without consulting your doctor. Seizures during pregnancy can endanger both the mother and the baby. Inform your doctor straight away if you become pregnant while taking Aptiom for seizures.

If you are pregnant, your name may appear on a pregnancy registry. This is to monitor the pregnancy's progress and assess the effects of eslicarbazepine on the baby.

Aptiom can reduce the effectiveness of birth control tablets. Ask your doctor about using non-hormonal contraceptives and birth control (condom or diaphragm with spermicide) to avoid conception while taking Aptiom.

Eslicarbazepine can enter breast milk and endanger a nursing infant. You should not breastfeed while using this medication.