Eslicarbazepine tablets
Eslicarbazepine tablets
What is this medicine?
ESLICARBAZEPINE (es lye kar bay ze peen) is used to treat people with epilepsy. It helps prevent partial seizures.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine may be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 4 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
changes in vision
confusion
dark urine
fever
general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
increased frequency of seizures
irritable
light-colored stools
loss of appetite, nausea
loss of balance or coordination
lump or swelling on the neck
nausea, vomiting
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
right upper belly pain
suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
unusually weak or tired
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
dizziness
shakiness
tiredness
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
oxcarbazepine
ranolazine
rilpivirine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
birth control pills
certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
clobazam
omeprazole
rosuvastatin
simvastatin
warfarin
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
kidney disease
liver disease
suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
any unusual or allergic reaction to eslicarbazepine, oxcarbazepine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This increases the risk of seizures.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.
The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.
Rarely, serious skin allergic reactions may occur with this medicine. If you develop a skin rash, redness, itching, peeling skin inside your mouth, swollen glands, or a fever while taking this medicine, contact your health care provider immediately.
Tell your doctor or health care professional right away if you have any change in your eyesight.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.
Women who become pregnant while using this medicine may enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. This registry collects information about the safety of antiepileptic drug use during pregnancy.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018