Levetiracetam Extended-Release Tablets (Keppra XR)

• It is used to treat seizures.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

• If you have an allergy to levetiracetam or any other part of this medicine (levetiracetam extended-release tablets).
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If you have kidney problems or are on dialysis. Some brands of this medicine are not to be used in people who have kidney problems.
• If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (levetiracetam extended-release tablets).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (levetiracetam extended-release tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• Do not stop taking this medicine (levetiracetam extended-release tablets) all of a sudden without calling your doctor. You may have a greater risk of seizures. If you need to stop this drug, you will want to slowly stop it as ordered by your doctor.
• This medicine may cause behavior changes and mental or mood problems. Talk with the doctor.
• A very bad reaction called angioedema has happened with this medicine. Sometimes, this may be life-threatening. Signs may include swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or unusual hoarseness. Talk with the doctor.
• If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (levetiracetam extended-release tablets) with care. You could have more side effects.
• You may see something that looks like the tablet in your stool. This is normal and not a cause for concern. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.
• Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
• Children younger than 4 years old will need to have their blood pressure checked often. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant.
• This medicine may not work as well during pregnancy. Talk with the doctor.

Use this medicine (levetiracetam extended-release tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Keep taking this medicine as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
• Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Take this medicine (levetiracetam extended-release tablets) at the same time of day.
• Swallow whole. Do not chew or crush.
• Do not split or break tablet.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
• If seizures are worse or not the same after starting this medicine.
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Change in balance.
• Trouble walking.
• Feeling very sleepy.
• Any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
• Very bad headache.
• Patients who take this medicine (levetiracetam extended-release tablets) may be at a greater risk of having thoughts or actions of suicide. The risk may be greater in people who have had these thoughts or actions in the past. Call the doctor right away if signs like low mood (depression), nervousness, restlessness, grouchiness, panic attacks, or changes in mood or actions are new or worse. Call the doctor right away if any thoughts or actions of suicide occur.
• A very bad skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. It can cause very bad health problems that may not go away, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if you have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.