Epicure

Brivaracetam is indicated for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients 4 years of age and older. As the safety of Brivaracetam injection in pediatric patients has not been established, Brivaracetam injection is indicated for the treatment of partial-onset seizures only in adult patients (16 years of age and older).

The precise mechanism by which Brivaracetam exerts its anticonvulsant activity is not known. Brivaracetam displays a high and selective affinity for synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) in the brain, which may contribute to the anticonvulsant effect.

Brivaracetam binds SV2A with high affinity. SV2A is known to play a role in epileptogenesis through modulation of synaptic GABA release. It is thought that brivaracetam exerts its anti-epileptogenic effects through its binding to SV2A. Brivaracetam is also known to inhibit Na⁺ channels which may also contribute to its anti-epileptogenic action

Rifampin: Because of decreased concentrations, increasing Brivaracetam dosage in patients on concomitant rifampin is recommended.

Carbamazepine: Because of increased exposure to carbamazepine metabolite, if tolerability issues arise, consider reducing carbamazepine dosage in patients on concomitant Brivaracetam.

Phenytoin: Because phenytoin concentrations can increase, phenytoin levels should be monitored in patients on concomitant Brivaracetam.

Levetiracetam: Brivaracetam had no added therapeutic benefit when co-administered with levetiracetam.

Most common adverse reactions (at least 5% for Brivaracetam and at least 2% more frequently than placebo) are somnolence/sedation, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea or vomiting.

There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), such as Brivaracetam, during pregnancy. No data are available regarding the presence of brivaracetam in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. Studies in lactating rats have shown excretion of brivaracetam or metabolites in milk

Suicidal Behavior and Ideation: Monitor patients for suicidal behavior and ideation.

Neurological Adverse Reactions: Monitor for somnolence and fatigue, and advise patients not to drive or operate machinery until they have gained sufficient experience on Brivaracetam.

Psychiatric Adverse Reactions: Behavioral reactions including psychotic symptoms, irritability, depression, aggressive behavior, and anxiety; monitor patients for symptoms.

Hypersensitivity: Bronchospasm and Angioedema: Advise patients to seek immediate medical care. Discontinue and do not restart Brivaracetam if hypersensitivity occurs.

Withdrawal of Antiepileptic Drugs: Brivaracetam should be gradually withdrawn.

Hepatic Impairment: Dose adjustment is recommended for all stages of hepatic impairment.

Renal Impairment: Dose adjustments are not required for patients with impaired renal function.

Adjunct anti-epileptic drugs

Store at 25°C; excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C