Taking Steps Toward Epilepsy Independence

Sunday, March 1, 2009

be challenging. In addition to the lack of understanding and stigma that surrounds the condition, epilepsy can impact people socially, emotionally and financially. But with the right information and perseverance, people with epilepsy can overcome manyof the obstacles the condition poses. Epilepsy is characterized by abnormalelectrical activity in the (lamotrigine), seizures under control. Therefore, many people take more than one medicine; and it can take a bit of trial and error to find the right combination to achieve seizure control and minimalside effects. Now there is a new treatment option available, bringing new hope to many people with uncontrolled partial-onset seizures. Partial seizures affect one side of the brain, but can become generalized as the seizure continues. The new treatment is called Vimpat (acosamide) C-V, an antiepileptic drug (AED) for adults whose partial-onset seizures are still uncon- and Dilantin (phenytoin). In addition, the studies showed that adding Vimpat did not cause significant interactions with other antiepileptic drugs or an oral contraceptive. brain, which causes seizures. If a person experiences two or more seizures in their lifetime, they are considered to have epilepsy. It is estimated that 3 million Americans have the condition. For half of these people, one single medicine is not enough to keep the ) compared to those taking a placebo. The studies showed that Vimpat provided control of partial seizures when added to the broadest range of AEDs—including Keppra (levetiracetam), Topamax (topiramate), Lamictal (NAPSA)—For the millions of people living with epilepsy, life can Veronica, a young woman who participated in the Vimpatclinical study, struggled for over a decade to get the condition under control. Now a law librarian, Veronica was New treatment that offers hope to people with epilepsy who are not satisfied with their current treatment. trolled despite taking at least one other AED. Vimpat is a new kind of epilepsy medicine. As with many other epilepsy medicines, exactly how Vimpat helps control seizures isn’t fully understood. Studies suggest that it works in a way that is different from any other epilepsy medicine. In clinical studies of approximately 1,300 patients, many peo- ple who added Vimpat to their existing treatments experienced greater partial-onset seizure con- trol and more seizure-free days diagnosed with epilepsy at age 14 and for many years she sought a treatment plan that would manage her seizures. In 2005, she enrolled in the Vimpatclinical study and has had partial-onset seizure control for more than three years. This has allowed Veronica to gain a newfound sense of confidence and independence. She joined a national program called Epilepsy Advocate™ and now shares her personal experience to encourage others to be their own advocates. To learn more about the program, go to www.epilepsyadvocate.com. For more information about Vimpat, and to find out about a Vimpat Savings Program, visit www.vimpat.com. Important safety information about Vimpat Vimpat (lacosamide) is a medicine that is used with other medicines to treat partial-onset seizures in patients 17 years of age and older with epilepsy. Vimpat is generally well-tolerated, but may not be for everyone. Patients should discuss with their doctor if Vimpat is right for them. The most commonside effects with Vimpat are dizziness, headache, nausea and double vision. Vimpat may also cause problems with coordination and balance. Patients should not drive, operate machinery or do other dangerous activities until they know how Vimpat affects them. Patients should not stop taking Vimpat without first talking to their doctor. Stopping Vimpat suddenly can cause serious problems. Vimpat could make patients feel faint. Patients should tell their doctor if they have a heart condition or if they are taking other medicines that affect the heart. In rare cases, Vimpat may cause reactions that could affect the heart, liver or kidney. The patients should contact their doctor immediately if they are tired, have jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), and have dark urine. Antiepileptic drugs, including Vimpat, may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small numberofpeople, about 1 in 500. Patients should call their health care provider right away if they have new or worsening symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts about self-harm that they have never had before or may be worse than before. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact UCB, Inc. at 866-822-0068 or FDA at 1-800-FDA- 1088 or www.fda.gov /medwatch. Please see additional patient information including the Vimpat Medication Guide at the end of the full prescribing information on www.Vimpat.com.

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