Hospira Levetiracetam Concentrate for IV infusion (Levetiracetam)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Hospira Levetiracetam Concentrate for IV infusion Used For?
Hospira Levetiracetam concentrate for IV infusion contains the active ingredient levetiracetam and is used to control epilepsy, a condition where you have repeated seizures ranging from mild to severe.
Primary Uses
This medication is used to control epilepsy and prevent seizures. It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat your condition.
How It Works
This medicine belongs to a group called antiepileptics. These medicines work by controlling brain chemicals that send signals to nerves, preventing seizures from happening.
Good to know: There is no evidence that this medicine is addictive.
How to Take Hospira Levetiracetam Concentrate for IV infusion
This medication is given as an IV infusion (intravenous drip) into a vein and must only be administered by a doctor, nurse, or other trained healthcare professional.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will decide how much you will receive based on your age, your condition, and whether you are taking any other medicines. The concentrate is diluted before being given as an infusion.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since this medication is given by healthcare professionals in a medical setting, missed doses are not typically a concern for patients.
Important: This medication must only be given by trained healthcare professionals – it cannot be self-administered.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Dizziness
- Feeling weak
- Headache
- Common cold
- Stomach complaints (nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea)
- Feeling tired, drowsy or sleepy
- Difficulty walking
- Trouble with balance
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Changes in behavior, thinking or mood (depression, thoughts of harming yourself)
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Weight loss
- Muscle pain
- Dark red or brown urine or decreased urination
- More frequent or more severe seizures
- High fever, fast heartbeat and muscle stiffness
- Fainting
- Allergic reactions (shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling, rash)
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations and medical conditions to discuss with your doctor before receiving this medication.
Who Should Not Take Hospira Levetiracetam Concentrate for IV infusion
You must not receive this medication if you are allergic to levetiracetam or any of the ingredients. Signs of allergic reaction include shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, or skin rash and itching.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver problems, heart problems, or allergies to other medicines (especially barbiturates or other antiepileptic medicines like carbamazepine, lamotrigine, or valproate).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
This medication may affect your developing baby during pregnancy, but controlling seizures is very important. Your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits. The medication passes into breast milk and is not recommended while breastfeeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness has not been established in patients less than 4 years of age.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements.
Contraception: This medication does not interact with oral contraceptive pills, but other antiepileptic medicines given together might affect contraceptive effectiveness.
- Other antiepileptic medicines may affect contraceptive effectiveness
- Your doctor may advise additional contraception methods if given with other antiepileptic medicines
Alcohol & Driving
This medication can cause dizziness and drowsiness, which may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Alcohol
Combining this medication with alcohol can make you more drowsy. Your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol while being treated.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything dangerous if you feel dizzy or drowsy. Children should not ride bikes, climb trees, or do dangerous activities if feeling dizzy or drowsy.
Storage
This medication will be stored in the pharmacy or hospital ward. The vials are kept in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Overdose Information
Since this medication is given under medical supervision, overdose is very unlikely. However, if you think you have received too much or experience severe side effects, tell your doctor immediately. Symptoms may include feeling drowsy. Contact your doctor, call Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), or go to the nearest emergency department.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication works by controlling brain chemicals to prevent seizures, but the specific timing of effectiveness will depend on your individual condition and should be discussed with your doctor.
No, there is no evidence that this medicine is addictive.
Stopping this medication suddenly may cause unwanted side effects or make your condition worse. Your doctor will manage any changes to your treatment.
Combining this medication with alcohol can make you more drowsy. Your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol while being treated with this medicine.
Call your doctor straight away if you notice an increase in seizures, as this may indicate the need to adjust your treatment.
The safety and effectiveness has not been established in patients less than 4 years of age. For children 4 years and older, the doctor will determine appropriate dosing.
Remind any doctor, nurse, dentist, or pharmacist treating you that you are receiving this medicine, especially before starting new medications or having surgery.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.