Vimpat®
Neurology
When you need more than your current therapy.
Funding criteria applies.
What is Vimpat®?
Vimpat® (lacosamide) is a prescription medicine that is used with other medicines (added on) to treat partial onset seizures in people 16 years of age and older with epilepsy.
Vimpat® belongs to a group of medicines called antiepileptics. These medicines are thought to work by controlling brain chemicals which send signals to nerves so that seizures (convulsions) do not occur. Some epileptic patients continue to have seizures (convulsions) so Vimpat® might help reduce these.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Vimpat® has been prescribed for you. Vimpat® is FULLY FUNDED under Special Authority and funding criteria applies. If you meet the funding criteria all you’ll pay are normal doctor’s fees and pharmacy charges.
How do I take Vimpat®? A dosage guide has been designed to help you follow your doctor’s directions. You need to take Vimpat® twice a day. Vimpat® can be taken (swallowed) with or without food. Swallow your tablets whole with a glass of water. It is best to try and take your tablets at the same time every day as this will have the best effect and will also help you remember when to take it. This leaflet does not contain all the available information.
If you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine and possible side-effects please speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Vimpat® - General Information and Dosage Guide
Vimpat® Tablets (lacosamide).Vimpat® is a funded prescription medicine for patients that meet special medical criteria. Normal doctor’s fees and pharmacy charges will apply.
Tell your doctor if you are using, or have recently used any other medicines, including those for which you needed no prescription. Vimpat® tablets are used in combination with other medicines to control epilepsy in patients aged 16 years and older. Epilepsy is a condition where you have repeated seizures (convulsions). Do not use Vimpat® if you have an irregular heart beat; or you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Vimpat®.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant; think you might be pregnant; or are breast feeding. Common side effects may include: dizziness, headache, double vision and nausea (feeling sick). If you experience any other side effects, tell your doctor immediately. Speak to your doctor to see if Vimpat® is right for you. Always use Vimpat® strictly as directed by your doctor. For further information, consult your doctor. Additional consumer medicine information can be obtained from the Medsafe website www.medsafe.govt.nz or from CSL Biotherapies (NZ) Ltd, PO Box 62 590 Greenlane, Auckland 1546. Freephone 0800 502 757 or www.cslbiotherapies.co.nz
Vimpat® is a registered trademark owned by UCB Pharma. Based on the Vimpat® consumer medicine information dated February 2011.
VIMP-006-03/11 DA1111PG TAPS CH2928.
For further information, click on the helpful links below.
Helpful Links
Epilepsy NZ
Consumer Medicine Information
Medicine Data Sheet
Last Updated: 11-05-2011