OXCARB (TRILEPTAL) INDICATIONS
Oxcarb is used for treating certain types of seizures in patients with epilepsy. It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. Oxcarb is an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing abnormal nerve impulses in the brain.
OXCARB (TRILEPTAL) INSTRUCTIONS
Use Oxcarb as directed by your doctor.
- Take Oxcarb by mouth with or without food.
- It is important to take all doses on time to keep the level of medicine in your blood constant. Take doses at evenly spaced intervals. Do not skip doses.
- Taking Oxcarb at the same times each day will help you remember to take it.
- Continue to take Oxcarb even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Oxcarb works best when there is a constant level of it in your body.
- If Oxcarb is stopped, it should be done gradually. The risk of seizures may be increased if Oxcarb is suddenly stopped.
- If you miss a dose of Oxcarb, 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.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Oxcarb.
OXCARB (TRILEPTAL) STORAGE
Store Oxcarb at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Oxcarb out of the reach of children and away from pets.
OXCARB (TRILEPTAL) MORE INFO:
Active Ingredient:Oxcarbazepine.
Do NOT use Oxcarb if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Oxcarb.
Some medical conditions may interact with Oxcarb. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you are allergic to carbamazepine
- if you have kidney or liver problems or low blood sodium levels
- if you have a history of mental or mood problems or suicidal thoughts or actions.
Some medicines may interact with Oxcarb. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or phenobarbital because the risk of side effects of both medicines may be increased or decreased
- Isotretinoin because it may decrease Oxcarb's effectiveness
- Cyclosporine, felodipine, hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills), or tramadol because their effectiveness may be decreased by Oxcarb
- Tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because they may decrease the effectiveness of Oxcarb and the side effects of both medicines may be increased.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Oxcarb may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
Important safety information:
- Oxcarb may cause dizziness, drowsiness, changes in vision, or difficulty with coordination. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Oxcarb with caution. Do not drive or perform other possible unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Oxcarb; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
- If you have a history of seizures, you may suddenly lose consciousness while you are taking Oxcarb. Avoid activities where loss of consciousness could be dangerous to you or others (eg, driving, swimming, climbing, operating heavy machinery).
- Carry identification (eg, MedicAlert) if Oxcarb is used for seizures. Carry an ID card at all times that says you take Oxcarb.
- Hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) may not work as well while you are using Oxcarb. To prevent pregnancy, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms).
- Oxcarb may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Oxcarb. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
- Do not suddenly stop taking Oxcarb. Oxcarb must be gradually decreased when discontinued. Talk to your doctor about the proper way to stop Oxcarb.
- Notify your doctor if seizure control worsens.
- Lab tests, including sodium blood levels, may be performed while you use Oxcarb. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Oxcarb should not be used in children younger 2 years; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Oxcarb may cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Oxcarb while you are pregnant. Oxcarb is found in breast milk. Do not breastfeed while using Oxcarb.
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.
Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:
Acne; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; indigestion; nausea; stomach pain; tiredness; tremor; trouble sleeping; unusual walk; vomiting.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); blood in stool; chest pain; dark urine; decreased urination; difficulty speaking; double vision, changes in vision, or involuntary eye movement; dulled sense of touch; fever, chills, or sore throat; joint pain; loss of coordination; low sodium levels (nausea; general body discomfort; headache; lack of energy; confusion; decreased consciousness; increased frequency or severity of seizures); mental/mood changes; nosebleed; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; stomach pain; suicidal thoughts or actions; swollen lymph nodes; trouble walking; uncontrolled muscle movements; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.