Briviact Tablet and Oral Solution (Brivaracetam)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Briviact Tablet and Oral Solution Used For?
Briviact contains the active ingredient brivaracetam and belongs to a group of medicines called antiepileptics. It is specifically designed to help control seizures in people with epilepsy.
Primary Uses
Briviact is used in combination with other medicines to control epilepsy. Epilepsy is a condition where you have repeated seizures, and there are many different types of seizures ranging from mild to severe.
How It Works
Briviact belongs to a group of medicines called antiepileptics that work to help control seizures, though the medication helps control your condition but does not cure it.
Good to know: Most antiepileptic medicines take time to work, so don't be discouraged if you don't feel better straight away.
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How to Take Briviact Tablet and Oral Solution
Your doctor will determine the right amount of Briviact for you based on your condition and other medicines you may be taking. It's important to follow their instructions carefully and take the medication consistently.
Dosage Instructions
Take Briviact twice a day – once in the morning and once at night, at about the same time each day. For tablets: swallow whole with water. For oral solution: use the provided syringe to measure the exact amount prescribed. You can take it with or without food. Taking it at the same time each day will help you remember and provide the best effect.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, take a single dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose, as this may increase your chance of side effects. Contact your doctor if you have missed one or more doses.
Important: Never double dose to make up for a missed dose – this increases the risk of unwanted side effects.
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
- flu and upper respiratory tract infections
- cough
- nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting
- constipation
- feeling tired, drowsy or sleepy
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- spinning sensations
- thoughts of harming yourself
- feelings of depression, anxiety or nervousness
- feeling aggressive
- recurrent infections
- allergic reactions (shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching or hives)
- more frequent or more severe seizures
Important Warnings
Before taking Briviact, it's crucial to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor to ensure it's safe for you.
Who Should Not Take Briviact Tablet and Oral Solution
Do not use Briviact if you are allergic to brivaracetam or any of the ingredients listed in the medication. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine. Briviact is not recommended for children under 4 years of age.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver problems, or any other medical conditions. Also inform them if you take barbiturates (such as phenobarbitone) or other antiepileptic medicines (such as carbamazepine, lamotrigine, or levetiracetam).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. Briviact may affect your developing baby if taken during pregnancy, but it's very important to control seizures while pregnant. Your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits to help decide if you should take it.
Mental Health Warning: Call your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms of depression or have thoughts of harming yourself.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Briviact and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you're taking.
Contraception Note: Briviact doesn't interact with oral contraceptive pills, but other antiepileptic medicines you take with it might affect contraceptive effectiveness.
- rifampicin (used to treat tuberculosis)
- barbiturates such as phenobarbitone
- other antiepileptic medicines such as carbamazepine, lamotrigine, or levetiracetam
Alcohol & Driving
Briviact can affect your ability to drive safely and may interact with alcohol, so special precautions are needed.
Alcohol
Combining Briviact with alcohol is not recommended. If you drink alcohol while taking Briviact, the negative effects of alcohol may be increased. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Briviact affects you. Briviact may cause dizziness in some people. If you feel dizzy or drowsy, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that could be dangerous.
Storage
Store your tablets and oral solution in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C, away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Keep in original packaging until time to use. For oral solution, dispose of any unused solution within 5 months of opening the bottle. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Briviact, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include feeling dizzy or drowsy. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most antiepileptic medicines take time to work, so don't be discouraged if you don't feel better straight away. Continue taking your medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
Yes, it doesn't matter if you take Briviact before or after food. You can take it with or without meals.
Do not stop taking Briviact suddenly or change the dosage unless your doctor tells you to. Stopping suddenly may cause unwanted side effects or make your condition worse. Your doctor will slowly reduce your dose before you can stop completely.
Combining Briviact with alcohol is not recommended. If you drink alcohol while taking Briviact, the negative effects of alcohol may be increased.
Take a single dose as soon as you remember, but do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose. Contact your doctor if you have missed one or more doses.
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Briviact affects you. The medication may cause dizziness, so avoid driving if you feel dizzy or drowsy.
Yes, you must take your medicine every day, even if you feel well. This medicine helps control your condition but does not cure it, so consistent daily use is essential.
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.