Rufinamide is used together with other medicines to treat epilepsy (also known as fits or seizures) associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (severe, multiple, repeated types of seizures).
Take Rufinamide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal.
Rufinamide is available as a tablet or as an oral suspension.
If you are taking the tablet, swallow it whole. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, you may crush the tablet and mix it with half glass of water, stir and drink immediately.
If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the adapter or calibrated oral syringe provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment regimen depending on your condition, response and tolerability to Rufinamide.
This medicine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder as this medicine is not suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have liver disease.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Rufinamide may cause dizziness, drowsiness or some problems with your eyesight. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, decreased appetite, and flu-like symptoms.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- worsening or frequent seizures
- signs of an allergic reaction e.g. fever, rash
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour e.g. being depressed, having thoughts of self-harm
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for epilepsy e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, valproate, primidone
- medicines for difficulty sleeping e.g. triazolam
- blood-thinning medicine e.g. warfarin
- medicines for heart disease e.g. digoxin
Inform your doctor if you are currently taking birth control pills as this can reduce the effectiveness of Rufinamide. You should not stop or start any birth control pills without first informing your doctor. Ask your doctor about using non-hormonal birth control as an alternative while being treated with this medicine.
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Rufinamide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Do not take the oral suspension 90 days after it was first opened.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.