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Chemical Name: FELBAMATE (FEL-ba-mate)
This medicine is an anticonvulsant used to treat seizures.
WARNING: Because severe, even fatal, blood disorders (aplastic anemia, pancytopenia) and liver problems have occurred with usage of felbamate, it should be used only in people with severe epilepsy and only after careful consideration. Aplastic anemia may occur even after the drug has been stopped. This drug is not recommended for use in those who have liver problems. Stop using this drug and immediately notify your doctor if you have symptoms of infection such as fever, chills, or persistent sore throat or if you have unusual bleeding or bruising, weakness, fatigue, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or persistent stomach/abdominal pain. Your doctor will perform liver function tests before starting felbamate and every 1 to 2 weeks while you use this drug. Blood tests may also be performed. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking birth control pills, warfarin, or medicine for seizures. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney disease, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. DO NOT MISS any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. FOR WOMEN TAKING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS: this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pills. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control while you are taking this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, headache, or itching. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience skin rash, unusual bleeding or bruising, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, or agitation. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include stomach upset and fast heart rate.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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