Levipil Injection

Levipil injection is an antiepileptic medicine. It is used to treat epilepsy or convulsions. It contains levetiracetam as its active ingredient.

Epilepsy is a condition of brain-related disorder characterized by abnormal brain activity causing fits or periods of unusual behavior, feeling fuzzy, anxiety, and loss of consciousness. Levipil injection is also used to control and prevent fits or seizures during and after brain surgery. Levipil injection will be given to you in the hospital or clinic by a doctor or nurse as an injection.

You should avoid self-injecting this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Also inform about all the medicines and supplements you take and all the conditions or diseases you suffer from, before starting the treatment.

Dosage

Overdose

Levipil injection will be given to you by a doctor or nurse. Therefore, it is less likely that you may get an overdose on this medicine. However, if you experience symptoms like aggression, unconsciousness, restlessness, breathing problem, etc., or any discomforts after taking this injection, seek medical help.

Missed a Dose

You will be monitored by the doctor or nurse as to when Levipil injection should be given to you. It is unlikely that the dose will be missed. However, if you think your doctor or nurse might have missed a dose, inform them.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Levipil injection works by preventing the repeated signal transmission of the nerves to the brain. In turn, it stops involuntary movements. It also helps in reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Directions for Use

• Levipil injection will be given to you in the hospital by your doctor or nurse. Do not self-inject this medicine.
• Follow any instructions suggested by the doctor or nurse during the procedure or for aftercare.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Levipil injection during pregnancy?

Levipil injection can be harmful to your unborn baby. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant during the treatment.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Levipil injection while breastfeeding?

• Levipil injection is not recommended to a nursing mother as it passes into the breastmilk. However, the doctor may prescribe this medicine to a nursing mother after assessing the need and the risk.

Driving

Can I drive if I have taken Levipil injection?

Levipil injection may cause sleepiness and dizziness. If you experience any such effects after taking this medicine that may affect your ability to drive safely, it is suggested to avoid driving.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Levipil injection?

Alcohol can increase the side effects of this medicine. It is advisable not to consume alcohol during treatment with Levipil injection.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have kidney-related problems.
• You have suicidal thoughts of harming or killing yourself.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to levetiracetam and any other ingredient of Levipil injection.
• If you are less than 16 years of age.

Side effects

• Nose infection
• Headache
• Sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Lack of energy

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Sometimes Levipil injection may affect the way other medicines work and other medicines may affect how Levipil injection works if taken at the same time.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements, or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interactions.
• Especially, if you are taking anti-cancer medicines like methotrexate.

Storage and disposal

• Store Levipil injection at a temperature below 30°C.
• Keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Levipil injection used for?

Levipil injection is used for the treatment of epilepsy also known as a seizure disorder. It is also used to prevent and control seizures during and after the neurological procedure.

What should I do if there are side effects with Levipil injection?

• Inform your doctor or tell your concerns to your community pharmacists, so that side effects do not turn worse.

What are the most frequent adverse reactions of Levipil injection?

• Inflammation of the nose and pharynx
• Sleepiness
• Tiredness
• Giddiness

Can Levipil injection be given to children less than 16 years?

Levipil injection is contraindicated in children below sixteen years of age.

What are the seizures? How long does a seizure usually last?

Seizures/Fits is a brain-related disorder characterised by abnormal brain activity, causing seizures or periods of unusual behaviour, feeling fuzzy and sometimes loss of consciousness. A seizure would last for about a few seconds to a few minutes usually, however, it also depends on the type of seizure.

How will Levipil injection be given to me?

Levipil injection will be given to you through your veins (intravenous) as a slow drip (infusion). This medicine will be given to you by your doctor or nurse in a hospital setting. Do not self-inject this medicine.