Briviact

The active ingredient in Briviact is brivaracetam, which is an antiepileptic drug. It helps relax specific nerves associated with certain types of seizures, while its exact mechanism of action is unknown.

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 Briviact. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Briviact:

• Briviact is typically taken or administered twice a day.
• You can take Briviact oral tablets or solution with or without food.
• Do not chew or crush the Briviact tablets before ingesting them; instead, swallow them whole with a liquid.
• Carefully measure liquid medications. Use a medication dose-measuring tool (not a kitchen spoon) or the supplied dosing syringe.
• An intravenous injection of Briviact can be given by a medical professional if you are unable to take the medication by mouth.
• Briviact is classified as a federally controlled substance (Schedule V) and has the potential to become habit-forming. Abuse can result in overdose, addiction, or even death. It is illegal to sell or give away this medication.
• If you miss one dose or more, it is recommended that you take a single dose as soon as you remember and take the following dose at the usual morning or evening time.

The most common side effects of brivaracetam seen in clinical trials include:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Drowsiness.
• Constipation.
• Somnolence or fatigue.
• Sleepiness.

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

• Suicidal thoughts or ideation and other unusual changes in your mood.
• Breathing difficulties, hives, and facial, oral, or throat swelling are signs of a severe allergic reaction.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Briviact. 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 Briviact, 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 whether you have any of the following:

• Liver problems.
• A history of alcohol or drug abuse.
• Are already pregnant or intend to get pregnant.
• Breastfeeding or intending to do so.

Hypersensitivity to the medication; bronchospasm and angioedema have occurred.

Clinical trial results showed that after taking Briviact for a week, participants began to have fewer seizures. Remember that your doctor will prescribe a lower dose of Briviact at first, and then gradually increase it over time depending on how well you handle the adverse effects. Before you and your doctor determine the ideal dosage of Briviact, it may take some time. Generally speaking, you may need to take this drug regularly for a few months before you can determine whether it is controlling your seizures effectively enough.

When Briviact 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:

• Rifampin.
• Carbamazepine.
• Phenytoin.
• Levetiracetam.

Briviact is available in several dosage forms, including an oral tablet, oral solution, and IV injection. The typical dose is as follows:

Adults (16 years of age and up): A dose of 50 mg taken orally twice a day is the usual starting dosage. 100 mg twice a day is the maximum dosage.

Pediatric patients under 50 kg (110 lbs) in weight: The dosage for your child will be decided by their healthcare practitioner based on their body weight. Twice a day, the prescribed dosage is taken orally.

If you have liver issues, your dosage may change.

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

UCB is the company that manufactures Briviact.

There is no lower-cost generic available for this medication.

Do not abruptly stop taking Briviact, even if you are feeling well. Abruptly stopping could result in more seizures or major health issues. When it comes to tapering your dosage, heed your doctor's advice.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Consult your doctor about signing up for the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry if you do become pregnant while taking Briviact. To sign up for this registration, give 1-888-233-2334 a call. Information regarding the safety of Briviact and other antiepileptic medications during pregnancy is to be gathered through this registry.

Briviact is found in breast milk, but this is no information on the effects on the breastfed infant or milk production. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.