You have been prescribed VIMPAT So what’s in it for you? Patient Info Leaflet.pdf · It could...
13
You have been prescribed VIMPAT ® – So what’s in it for you? A guide for people with epilepsy taking VIMPAT ®
Transcript of You have been prescribed VIMPAT So what’s in it for you? Patient Info Leaflet.pdf · It could...
You have been prescribed VIMPAT® – So what’s in it for you?
A guide for people with epilepsy taking VIMPAT®
5 VIMPAT®–Sowhat’sinitforyou?
6 MoreaboutepilepsyandVIMPAT® – What is epilepsy? – What is VIMPAT® and why should I take it? – Storing VIMPAT®? – Disposing of unused tablets – How soon should I start seeing the benefits? – What if my seizures stop?
9 HowshouldItakeVIMPAT®?
10 VIMPAT®‘dos’and‘don’ts’ – Food and alcohol – Driving – Forgetting a dose – Taking too big a dose – Taking VIMPAT® with other medicines
for epilepsy – Taking VIMPAT® with other medicines – Taking VIMPAT® with the Pill – Pregnancy – Breast-feeding
12 Sideeffectsandallergies – Common side effects – Serious side effects – Soya allergies – Peanut allergies – Sugar allergies – Taking VIMPAT® with a heart condition
14 Wheretogoforfurtherinformation
16 StartingVIMPAT®
18 Dosingandappointmentdiary
19 Seizurediary
Contents
VIMPAT® – So what’s in it for you?
AboutthisbookletIf you have been prescribed VIMPAT® (which is a treatment for epilepsy), then this booklet is for you. It explains:
u Why your doctor decided to prescribe you VIMPAT®
u How you should take it each dayu How this treatment could benefit youu Some of the side effects you might experience
This guide also details some of the websites* you can go to if you need further support and information about epilepsy.
Of course, your doctor, specialist nurse and pharmacist will always be your best sources of information on your health, epilepsy and the medicines you take. So if after reading this guide you feel you need more information, contact your doctor, specialist nurse or pharmacist.
This booklet does, however, answer many of the questions commonly asked by patients with epilepsy who are taking VIMPAT®. It could come in handy for you, your family and friends, so keep it safe. This booklet does not replace the Package Leaflet, which you should still read.
PatientSupportLineIf you or your family ever need any further support regarding your VIMPAT® treatment or epilepsy, call the VIMPAT® Patient Support Line on 0800 652 4500
You can call the Support Line free of charge, Mon–Fri 9am–9pm and Sat/Sun 9am–5pm. Please note that the staff of the Support Line cannot in any circumstances give you advice on any specific medical needs you may have. If you need such advice, you must contact a healthcare professional.
*UCB Pharma Ltd. has no influence over or responsibility for the content of these websites. While you may find these websites useful, UCB Pharma Ltd. is not responsible for how you choose to use the information they contain.
5
More about epilepsy and VIMPAT®
Q What is epilepsy?
A People with epilepsy have one thing in common – they have experienced at least one epileptic seizure at some point in the past. However, people with epilepsy differ in how often they have seizures, how severe their seizures are, and how they respond to treatment.
People who have been prescribed VIMPAT® have a specific type of epilepsy called ‘partial-onset seizure’.1
Q What is VIMPAT® and why should I take it?
A Your doctor has prescribed you this treatment because he or she thinks it may be suitable for you at this time. VIMPAT® may help reduce the frequency of your seizures.2
Research has shown that this treatment can be effective when taken in addition to other epilepsy treatments.2
You must always take VIMPAT® as instructed, because it cannot be effective if you do not take it regularly.
You may be taking VIMPAT® as a tablet, a syrup or an infusion. It is available for patients who have certain types of epilepsy and are at least 16 years old.3
Q How should I store VIMPAT®?
A Make sure you keep VIMPAT® out of the reach and sight of children. Also, do not use Vimpat after the expiry date, which is printed on the carton and blister pack.
Q What do I do if my seizures stop and I am feeling good? Do I still need to take my medication every day?
A Yes. You should continue taking your medicine if your seizures become less frequent or stop altogether, as these are signs that it may be benefiting you.1
If you have any questions about your medication, you should discuss these with your doctor at your next appointment
Should your doctor decide to discontinue your VIMPAT® treatment, he or she will instruct you about the gradual withdrawal of VIMPAT®.
Q How should I dispose of any VIMPAT® tablets I do not use?
A Do not dispose of unfinished packs of VIMPAT® via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer need.
Q How soon should I start seeing the benefits of VIMPAT®?
A VIMPAT® may start to work for you after just 1 week, although it may take a little longer.2 It will help you and your doctor if you record your seizures in the Seizure Record Diary at the back of this booklet. You and your doctor will find this diary useful during your next appointment, as it will help you to work out whether and how the frequency and severity of your seizures have been affected.
7
How should I take VIMPAT®?
Q How should I take VIMPAT®?
A Your doctor will have given you instructions regarding how and when to take your medicine.
You will usually take VIMPAT® twice each day, and always at the same time in the morning and evening. It is a long-term treatment, and you should keep taking it until your doctor tells you to stop.3
Your doctor will usually decide that your daily dose of VIMPAT® should start low and then increase week by week until you reach the long-term dose that is right for you.3
Q How should I take VIMPAT® tablets?
A Take the tablets with a glass of water.3
Q How should I take VIMPAT® syrup?
A Fill the measuring cup to the right dose level. Swallow the syrup, then drink some water.3
Q How should I take VIMPAT® as an infusion?
A If you are taking VIMPAT® as an infusion, you will be given an infusion in a vein (usually in the arm), twice a day. Infusions usually happen in a hospital and are overseen by a doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional. People are usually given VIMPAT® as an infusion because they are having problems swallowing tablets or syrup, or because they are preparing to undergo a medical procedure or operation.3
9
VIMPAT® ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’
Q If I take too much VIMPAT®, what should I do?
A If you ever take a larger dose than your doctor told you to, contact your doctor immediately for advice.3
Q Can I take VIMPAT® with other medicines for my epilepsy?
A Yes, VIMPAT® is designed to work with other medicines for epilepsy.3
Q Can I take my medicine with food or alcohol?
A You can take it with or without food, but it is wise not to drink alcohol because VIMPAT® may make you feel tired and dizzy, and alcohol would only make this worse.3
Q Can I drive while I am taking VIMPAT®?
A VIMPAT® may affect the way you drive or handle tools or machinery, so it is best to wait and see how VIMPAT® makes you feel before you attempt any of these things.3
Q If I forget to take a dose of my medicine, what should I do?
A If you miss a dose by only a few hours, take it as soon as you remember.3
If you do not realise you have missed a dose until it’s nearly time for the next one, do not take an extra dose to make up for the one you missed. Just continue taking your doses at your normal times from then on.3
Q What if I become pregnant while I am on VIMPAT®?
A Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. VIMPAT® should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary, as the effects on pregnancy and the unborn child are not known.3
Q Can I breast-feed my baby if I am taking VIMPAT®?
A Breast-feeding is not recommended with VIMPAT®.3
Q Can I take VIMPAT® with other medicines?
A The doctor who prescribed you VIMPAT® will have considered any other medicines you are taking when deciding whether to prescribe you VIMPAT®.
You must tell your doctor before you start taking any new medicines, including medicines you buy at the chemist or any alternative medicines.3
You should also tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs for heart problems.3
Q I am on the Pill, will VIMPAT® affect it?
A Generally speaking, oral contraceptives are unaffected by VIMPAT®.* If you change your contraception, you should discuss your medication – including VIMPAT® – with your doctor or nurse.3
* VIMPAT® has been tested with levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol, which are ingredients in some commonly used contraceptive pills.3
11
Side effects and allergies
Q What common side effects occur with VIMPAT®?
A All medicines have side effects, but not everyone will experience them.3 If you have any concerns regarding side effects, do not hesitate to contact your doctor for advice.
With VIMPAT®, your chance of experiencing side effects is greatest when you first begin your treatment but then decreases over time.2 For that reason, it is usually worth persevering with treatment even if you do experience some side effects early on.
Side effects experienced by more than 1 in 10 people who take VIMPAT® include dizziness, headache, feeling sick and blurred vision.3 You should be aware that dizziness may increase your likelihood of falling.3
A comprehensive list of common side effects can be found in the Package Leaflet, so it is a good idea to read this document.1
You should discuss any side effects that you experience with your doctor. If you experience any side effects that are not listed in the Package Leaflet, contact your doctor or a pharmacist.1
Q What should I do if my side effects are really serious?
A Immediately contact your doctor or another healthcare professional.1 They can then work out how severe your side effects are. You must only adjust your dose of VIMPAT® under the supervision of your doctor.1
Q I’m allergic to soya. Can I take VIMPAT®?
A You should tell your doctor if you are allergic to soya before taking VIMPAT®.1
Q I am intolerant to some sugars. Can I take VIMPAT® Syrup?
A VIMPAT® syrup contains sorbitol (a type of sugar).3 If you are intolerant to this ingredient, you should discuss this with your doctor.
Q I have a heart condition. Can I take VIMPAT®?
A It is important to talk to your doctor before taking VIMPAT® if you suffer from severe heart disease or are taking medicine for a heart problem.1
Q I’m allergic to peanuts. Can I take VIMPAT®?
A You should tell your doctor if you are allergic to peanuts before taking VIMPAT®.1
A full list of the ingredients in VIMPAT® can be found in the Package Leaflet that comes with your VIMPAT® pack. Read through them carefully. If you think you are allergic to any of them, tell your doctor.1
13
Generalepilepsyorganisations
Epilepsy ActionHelpline, UK Freephone: 0808 800 5050
International: +44 113 210 8850
Email: [email protected]
The National Society for EpilepsyHelpline: 01494 601 400
Other enquiries: 01494 601 300
www.epilepsynse.org.uk
Life Beyond Epilepsywww.lifebeyondepilepsy.com
Where to go for further information
Localorganisations
Epilepsy ScotlandHelpline: 0808 800 2200
Other enquiries: 01414 275 225
Email: [email protected]
www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk
Mersey Region Epilepsy AssociationHelpline:01512 982 666
Email: [email protected]
www.epilepsymersey.org.uk
Epilepsy WalesHelpline: 08457 413 774
Email: [email protected]
www.epilepsy-wales.co.uk
BrainwaveThe Irish Epilepsy AssociationTel: 01 455 7500
Email: [email protected]
www.epilepsy.ie
UCB Pharma Ltd. has no influence over or responsibility for the content of these websites. While you may find these websites useful, UCB Pharma Ltd. is not responsible for how you choose to use the information they contain.
15
Week First dose (Before midday)
Second dose (After midday)
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Starting VIMPAT®
Q How do I start on VIMPAT®?
A There are a number of different ways to start taking VIMPAT®. Which one’s right for you will depend on which form of VIMPAT® you have been prescribed (tablets, syrup or injections).
Tablets
You will usually begin by taking a tablet twice a day, always at the same time in the morning and evening. Your dose will start low and then gradually increase until you reach the dose that your doctor decides is right for you. The rate at which your dose increases will depend partly on any side effects you experience.1
Syrup
You will usually begin by taking a dose of syrup twice a day, always at the same time in the morning and evening. Your dose will start low and then gradually increase until you reach the dose that your doctor decides is right for you. The rate at which your dose increases will depend partly on any side effects you experience.1
Keeping track
To help you keep track of your doses, your doctor may write the doses of syrup or tablets you need to take in the table opposite.
Contact your doctor if you notice any unusual side effects from your medication, or if you have any questions. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.
DosingdiaryUsefuldetails
You can record your doctor’s details and the date and time of your next appointment here. Having all this information in one place may make it easier to keep track of.
Doctor’s name
Doctor’s phone number
Next appointment
17
Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4
VIMPAT®AM:PM:
AM:PM:
AM:PM:
AM:PM:
Write name of medicine hereAM:PM:
AM:PM:
AM:PM:
AM:PM:
Write name of medicine hereAM:PM:
AM:PM:
AM:PM:
AM:PM:
Write name of medicine hereAM:PM:
AM:PM:
AM:PM:
AM:PM:
Write name of medicine hereAM:PM:
AM:PM:
AM:PM:
AM:PM:
Write name of medicine hereAM:PM:
AM:PM:
AM:PM:
AM:PM:
Date and time of seizure
Seizure length
Responsetime
Recovery time
Description of the seizure Activity
Behaviour following the
seizureInjuries received Witnesses’
comments
Starting VIMPAT®
WhentotakeyourmedicinesYou will be taking several other medicines as well as VIMPAT®, and so you may find it hard to remember when to take all of your medicines. To make this easier for you to remember, why
not ask your doctor to help you fill in the table below to show when you should take each of your medicines. You can then use this table as a guide every day.
SeizureRecordDiaryEvery time you have a seizure, write the details in the table below and show this to your doctor at your next appointment.
This will help your doctor to understand your epilepsy and how you respond to treatment.
19
Date and time of seizure
Seizure length
Responsetime
Recovery time
Description of the seizure Activity
Behaviour following the
seizureInjuries received Witnesses’
comments
Date and time of seizure
Seizure length
Responsetime
Recovery time
Description of the seizure Activity
Behaviour following the
seizureInjuries received Witnesses’
comments
21Starting VIMPAT®
SeizureRecordDiary
Date and time of seizure
Seizure length
Responsetime
Recovery time
Description of the seizure Activity
Behaviour following the
seizureInjuries received Witnesses’
comments
Date and time of seizure
Seizure length
Responsetime
Recovery time
Description of the seizure Activity
Behaviour following the
seizureInjuries received Witnesses’
comments
23Starting VIMPAT®
SeizureRecordDiary
The contents of this leaflet were correct at time of printing.Date of preparation: September 2008.
08VPE0209©2008, UCB Pharma Ltd
Printed in the UK.
References:
1. VIMPAT® Package Leaflet
2. UCB Data on file.
3. VIMPAT® Summary of Product Characteristics, September 2008.
