PERAMPANEL

Parent or patient Information Leaflet

Dr. C. P. Ravi Kumar

Consultant Paediatric Neurologist
MRCPCH, CCT in Paediatrics (U.K.)
Fellow in Paediatric Epilepsy &
Neurology (London)

Brand names :
Tablet : Fycompa

Perampanel is a medicine used in epilepsy to control several different seizures or convulsions (fits): focal seizures, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, either as a single drug or as an adjunct drug, which is usually the case.

Why is Perampanel important for my child’s treatment?

It is important that your child takes Perampanel regularly so that your child doesn’t suffer from Seizures or have fewer seizures.

Do not stop giving Perampanel suddenly, as your child may have more seizures.

What is Perampanel available as?

Liquid medicine, Tablets, Modified-release tablets (releases medication slowly into blood after it has been consumed)

“Generic Vs Branded Drugs”

When should Perampanel be given?

Twice a day; morning and evening. Ideally, 10-12 hours apart.

For example, anytime between 7 to 8 am and right after 12 hours between 7 to 8 pm. You can adjust the time slot according to your schedule.

However, there are some exceptions when your doctor may advise to give it thrice a day. Please follow your doctor’s instructions in such case.

It should ideally be given at the same time every day to establish a routine as it minimizes the chances of missing a dose.

What if I miss a dose?

Tablets: The child can be given the missed dose, if you remember to give it within a lapse of 6 hours. If you fail to give the missed dose within 6 hours, then might as well leave it. It is advisable to wait until the time of next routine dose.

Never give a double dose of Perampanel.

If your child vomits out the content within 30 minutes of taking the medicine dosage then you can give the dose again; but if your child vomits after 30 minutes of taking the dose, then just leave it be and do not give it again.

How much of the drug should be given?

Your doctor will work out the accurate amount of Topiramate (the dose) for your child in the prescription.

When you first start giving Sodium Valproate to your child, you are supposed to give them a small amount and then increase the dose little by little over a course of few days or weeks. This helps your child’s body to get use to the medicine. Your doctor will clarify what steps to take.

It is mandatory to follow the instructions given by your doctor about the dosage of medication.

Ultimately, when your child is free of seizures or convulsions (fits) and has no obvious side effects, you will know that the dosage is just correct.

How should I give the medicine ? “Giving Medicines”

Tablets: A whole tablet must be swallowed with a glass of water, juice or milk. You may give it by crushing and mixing it in water/ juice or small serving of yogurt / Curd.

Could this medication have any side effects on my child? Side effects

Although medicines are given to make children feel better, sometimes, they may cause some unwanted side effects.

Side-effects that you must do something about – Rare

Liver disease: If your child’s health deteriorates and falls sick every few hours, suffers from stomachache, skin and eyes are pale yellow in colour, feels lethargic and sleepy or increased number of seizures take them to your doctor straight away.

Behavioral side effects are common, alteration in mood and aggression are commonly reported. Though such side effects are observed with use of other anti-epileptic medicines, this drug however is more prone to cause these side effects.

Other side-effects you need to know about

Your child may get these side-effects when they first start taking Perampanel. They will usually settle down within a week or so as their body gets used to the medicine. Continue to give Perampanel to your child as your doctor has told you to.

Your child may feel unusually dizzy or sleepy, or their behaviour may change.

Your child may lose his/her appetite and feel like vomiting (nausea) or actually vomit. These problems can be avoided by starting with a small dose with food and gradually increasing the dosage given.

If your child starts developing skin Rash, Stop Medications right there and SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ADVICE from your DOCTOR

IF YOU NOTICE ANY SKIN RASH OR ULCERS IN MOUTH or GENITAL AREA, THEN STOP MEDICINE IMMEDIATELY AND RUSH TO HOSPITAL’S EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.

Sometimes your child may experience other side-effects that are not listed above. If you notice any abnormalities with your child’s body or behavior, do not hesitate and immediately contact your doctor.

Can other common medicines be given at the same time as Perampanel?

Medications like ibuprofen, paracetamol, antibiotics or any of the other over the counter medicines can be given when necessary, except the ones your doctor has prohibited you from.

Consult with your doctor before giving any other medicines to your child. This includes herbal or complementary medicines.

Some other medicines used to treat epilepsy may affect how well Perampanel works or may cause side effects. If your child is experiencing more fits or seizures, or any other side effects after using other medications, talk to your doctor immediately.

Where should I keep the medication?

Keep the medicine in a cupboard, secured away from heat and direct sunlight. It is not a must to keep the medicine in the refrigerator though.

Make sure the medicine is out of your child’s reach.

Store the medication in the same box it was packed in.

For more information please refer the manufacturer’s information leaflet.

References :

1. IAP Drug Formulary Web Update 2020(3) Edition 58, https://www.iapdrugformulary.com/Home
2. Consumer Medicines Information (CMI), https://www.tga.gov.au/consumer-medicines-information-cmi
3. British National Formulary for Children (BNFC)
4. Food and Drug Administration, USA https://www.fda.gov