Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Keppra as follows:
- Keppra only prevents the seizures from happening and controls the neuropathy, by reducing the rapid firing of the nerves. But, keppra does not fix the actual condition causing the seizures or the neuropathy. Continue taking keppra as ordered, even if you experience relief from the symptoms. Abrupt discontinuation on keppra intake can result in relapse of seizure activity and worsening of nerve pain. Discontinuing the medication should only be on your physician’s recommendation and must be done slow and gradual, using tapering doses.
- Your physician could change the dose of keppra, based on the relief obtained, results of periodical labs drawn, or side-effects developed. So, maintain compliance with follow-up physician appointments, to update your physician on your status with keppra use. Be accommodative to the plan of frequent dose changes, until you show an optimum response.
- Keppra is minimally metabolized by various pathways to inactive metabolites. Significant portion of the administered drug is unmetabolized, which along with the inactive metabolites is mainly excreted in urine by the kidneys. Individuals with renal disease cannot excrete keppra and metabolites normally, which allows the medication to stay in blood circulation for longer time, resulting in toxicity and consequent side-effects. So, keppra must be used with caution and dose adjustments in individuals with compromised renal function, with periodical monitoring for renal functions and development of any toxic symptoms.
