It is just as important to build a relationship with your pharmacist as it is to build one with your neurologist. That's why you should stick with one pharmacy. Shopping around or going to different pharmacies can decrease the chances that the pharmacist will know who you are and what your health concerns are.
Pharmacists are experts in how medicines work and interact with each other. Working with one pharmacist who knows about all of the medications and over-the-counter drugs you are taking offers important benefits. You'll be sure to get important information on dietary restrictions or other information about potential drug interactions when new medications are added to your treatment regimen.
Getting to know your pharmacist
The following tips will help you get the most out of your relationship with your pharmacist:
Tell your pharmacist about your prescriptions. The information your neurologist gives you about each medication you are taking is important for your pharmacist to know too. Pay attention to your dosage and double-check with your pharmacist after every refill. Staying on schedule is important because missing doses of your epilepsy medication may result in a breakthrough seizure.
Create a written record. Keep a list of your medications, and know each by name. Jot down any changes to your medicines made by your neurologist, just as you would keep a seizure diary. Bring this list with you when you go to the pharmacy.
Keep the communication going both ways. If your pharmacist makes any changes to your antiepilepsy medications, be sure to discuss them with your neurologist.
Keeping treatment on track
Tell your pharmacist you want to make sure you're getting the medicine your doctor prescribes.
Always check your medicine to ensure that you are getting Vimpat, just as prescribed. Also, make sure your pharmacist is taking advantage of the Vimpat Savings Card to help make your monthly prescription more affordable.
Indication
Vimpat® (lacosamide) is a prescription medicine that is used with other medicines to treat partial-onset seizures in people 17 years of age and older with epilepsy.
Important Safety Information
Vimpat is generally well-tolerated, but may not be for everyone. Ask your healthcare provider if Vimpat is right for you.
Warnings and Precautions
Antiepileptic drugs, including Vimpat, may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have new or worsening symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts about self harm that you have never had before or may be worse than before. Do not stop taking Vimpat without first talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping Vimpat suddenly can cause serious problems.
Vimpat may also cause you to feel dizzy, have double vision, feel sleepy, or have problems with coordination and walking. You should not drive, operate machinery or do other dangerous activities until you know how Vimpat affects you.
Vimpat may cause you to have an irregular heartbeat or may cause you to feel faint. Call your healthcare provider if you have a fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath, feel lightheaded, or if you fainted or feel like you are going to faint.
Vimpat is classified as a federally controlled substance (C-V) due to a low potential for abuse. Keep your Vimpat in a safe place and do not give it to anyone else.
In rare cases, Vimpat may cause a serious allergic reaction that may affect your skin or other parts of your body such as your liver or blood cells. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have a skin rash or hives, fever or swollen glands that do not go away, shortness of breath, swelling of the legs, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, or dark urine.
Vimpat oral solution contains aspartame, a source of phenylalanine.
Common Adverse Reactions
The most common side effects with Vimpat are dizziness, headache, nausea, and double vision. To report Suspected Adverse Reactions, contact UCB, Inc. at 866-822-0068 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Please see additional patient information in the Patient Medication Guide. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your condition or your treatment.
