Lacosamide injection is used in combination with other medications to control certain types of seizures in people who cannot take oral medications. Lacosamide injection is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Lacosamide injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be given through a needle or catheter placed in your vein. It is usually infused (injected slowly) intravenously (into a vein) over a period of 30 to 60 minutes, twice a day (morning and night). You may receive lacosamide injection in a hospital or you may use the medication at home. If you are using lacosamide injection at home, use it at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or health care provider to explain any part you do not understand. Use lacosamide injection exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
If you will be using lacosamide injection at home, your health care provider will show you how to infuse the medication. Be sure that you understand these directions, and ask your health care provider if you have any questions. Ask your health care provider what to do if you have any problems infusing lacosamide injection.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of lacosamide injection and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once a week.
Lacosamide injection may help control your condition but will not cure it. It may take a few weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of lacosamide injection. Continue to use lacosamide injection even if you feel well. Do not stop using lacosamide injection without talking to your doctor, even if you experience side effects such as unusual changes in behavior or mood. If you suddenly stop using lacosamide injection, your seizures may happen more often. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
If only a few hours have passed since you were scheduled to inject the dose, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if more than a few hours have passed, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not inject a double dose to make up for a missed one.
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
blurred or double vision
uncontrollable eye movements
dizziness
headache
drowsiness
uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
problems with coordination, balance, or walking
weakness
itching
redness, irritation, pain, or discomfort at the injection spot
fast or pounding heartbeat or pulse
shortness of breath
slow heartbeat
fainting
fever
rash
tiredness
yellowing of the skin or eyes
dark urine
Lacosamide injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Your healthcare provider will tell you how to store your medication. Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand how to store your medication properly. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your health care provider about the proper disposal of your medication.
Keep your supplies in a clean, dry place out of the reach of children when you are not using them. Your health care provider will tell you how to throw away used needles, syringes, tubing, and containers to avoid accidental injury.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Lacosamide injection is a controlled substance. Prescriptions may be refilled only a limited number of times; ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 10/01/2009
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.