Pronunciation: la-KOE-sa-mide
Generic Name: Lacosamide
Brand Name: Vimpat
Vimpat is used for:
Treating partial-onset seizures in certain patients with epilepsy. It is used in combination with other medicines.
Vimpat is an anticonvulsant. Exactly how it works is not known, but it may work by slowing abnormal nerve impulses in the brain.
Do NOT use Vimpat if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Vimpat
- you have severe liver problems
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Vimpat:
Some medical conditions may interact with Vimpat. 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 you have diabetes or nerve problems caused by diabetes, liver problems, kidney problems, or you are on dialysis
- if you have a history of heart problems (eg, heart block, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), or heart blood vessel problems
- if you have a history of mental or mood problems (eg, depression) or suicidal thoughts or actions
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Vimpat. However, no specific interactions with Vimpat are known at this time.
Ask your health care provider if Vimpat 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 Vimpat:
Use Vimpat as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Vimpat comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Vimpat refilled.
- Vimpat is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Vimpat at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Vimpat. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
- Do not use Vimpat if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
- Do not suddenly stop taking Vimpat. You may have an increased risk of side effects (eg, seizures). If you need to stop Vimpat or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.
- Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
- If you miss a dose of Vimpat, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Vimpat.
Important safety information:
- Vimpat may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Vimpat with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Lab tests, including electrocardiogram (ECG) or liver or kidney function, may be performed while you use Vimpat. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Vimpat with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
- Vimpat should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 17 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Vimpat while you are pregnant. It is not known if Vimpat is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Vimpat.
Possible side effects of Vimpat:
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:
Blurred vision; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; irritability; mild itching, pain, or redness at the injection site; nausea; tiredness; tremor; vomiting; weakness.
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); behavioral changes (eg, aggression; agitation; anger; anxiety; hostility); confusion; dark urine; decreased coordination or loss of balance; double vision or other vision changes; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; mental or mood changes (eg, new or worsening depression); new or worsening seizures; severe or persistent drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness; shortness of breath; suicidal thoughts or attempts; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
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: Vimpat 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.
Proper storage of Vimpat:
Vimpat is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Vimpat at home, store Vimpat as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Vimpat out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Vimpat, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Vimpat 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 Vimpat. 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.
More Vimpat resources
- Vimpat Side Effects (in more detail)
- Vimpat Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Vimpat Drug Interactions
- Vimpat Support Group
- 16 Reviews for Vimpat - Add your own review/rating
- Vimpat Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Vimpat Consumer Overview
- Vimpat Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Vimpat Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Lacosamide Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare Vimpat with other medications
- Seizures
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