Fycompa is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s FDA-approved to treat the following types of epilepsy (a brain condition that causes periodic seizures):

  • Partial-onset seizures that may or may not develop into generalized seizures. For this condition, Fycompa is approved for adults and for children ages 4 years and older. Fycompa may be used by itself or with other medications to treat this condition.
  • Generalized tonic-clonic seizures. For this condition, Fycompa is used with other medications in adults and in children ages 12 years and older.

See the “Fycompa uses” section below for details about this drug’s uses.

Drug details

Fycompa contains the active drug perampanel. It’s a type of anti-epileptic drug (AED), also called an anticonvulsant. Specifically, Fycompa belongs to a class of drugs called non-competitive AMPA receptor antagonists. (A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way.)

Fycompa is an oral medication (a drug that you take by mouth). It comes in two forms: a tablet and a liquid suspension.

Fycompa tablets come in six strengths:

  • 2 milligrams (mg)
  • 4 mg
  • 6 mg
  • 8 mg
  • 10 mg
  • 12 mg

Fycompa liquid suspension comes in one strength: 0.5 mg per milliliter (0.5 mg/mL).

Is Fycompa a controlled substance?

Yes, Fycompa is a controlled substance. It’s classified as a Schedule III prescription drug. This means that it has an approved medical use, but it has the potential for misuse (abuse) and for physical or psychological dependence.

The federal government has created special rules for how controlled substances can be prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacist. For more details, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Effectiveness

For information about the effectiveness of Fycompa, see the “Fycompa uses” section below.

Fycompa contains the active drug perampanel. Fycompa is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.

A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

Fycompa can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Fycompa. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Fycompa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Fycompa, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects* of Fycompa can include:

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* This is a partial list of mild side effects from Fycompa. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Fycompa’s medication guide.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Fycompa aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.
† Fycompa has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more information, see “Side effect details” below.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

  • Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
  • Listen to the person without judgment.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
  • Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Click here for more links and local resources.

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Side effect details

Here are some details on certain side effects this drug may cause.

Behavioral or psychiatric changes, such as aggression

Fycompa may cause changes in the behavior or mental health of some people. Aggression-related side effects were commonly reported in clinical studies and may include:

In rare cases, people experiencing aggression-related side effects in studies had thoughts of violence or made threats of violence, including homicide.

These behavioral or mental health changes have occurred in people with and without previously diagnosed mental health conditions. Some people with previously diagnosed mental health conditions had their conditions worsen while taking Fycompa. These changes also occurred in people with no history of violent behavior.

The risk of these side effects may increase with higher doses of Fycompa. These doses include 8 milligrams (mg) and 12 mg per day. In clinical studies, most side effects occurred within the first 6 weeks of Fycompa treatment. But these side effects have been reported in people who’ve taken the drug long term (more than 37 weeks). These side effects may also occur up to 1 month after Fycompa treatment ends.

To find out how often these side effects occurred in clinical studies, see the drug’s prescribing information.

If you or those around you notice changes in your behavior or mental health while you’re taking Fycompa, call your doctor right away. Your doctor will likely lower your dosage or have you stop taking the drug. But you should not suddenly stop taking Fycompa unless your doctor recommends it.

Your doctor may also suggest that you get urgent medical attention, depending on your symptoms. If your symptoms feel severe or you think they might put your safety or the safety of others at risk, call 911 or your local emergency number.

If you have questions about your risk for changes in your behavior or mental health while taking Fycompa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Weight gain

Weight gain is a possible side effect of Fycompa. In clinical studies, weight gain was reported in adults taking Fycompa for partial-onset seizures. It was also reported in adults and children taking Fycompa for generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

In studies, weight gain was more common with higher doses of the drug (8 mg and 12 mg per day).

To find out how often weight gain occurred in clinical studies, see the drug’s prescribing information.

If you’re concerned about weight gain with Fycompa, talk with your doctor. They’ll help you consider the benefits of Fycompa for your condition and can recommend ways to reach or maintain a healthy weight.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Fycompa.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Fycompa can cause a rare but possibly life-threatening type of allergic reaction known as drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). DRESS can affect your skin, blood cells, and internal organs such as your liver, kidneys, or heart. DRESS is a serious side effect of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), including Fycompa.

Symptoms of DRESS vary but can include:

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Fycompa, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Fycompa.

What is Fycompa’s drug schedule?

Fycompa is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance. This means the drug has an approved medical use, but it may be misused or cause physical or psychological dependence.

The federal government has created special rules for how controlled substances can be prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacist. For more details, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does Fycompa treat ALS?

No, Fycompa isn’t currently FDA-approved to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). But clinical studies are looking at whether Fycompa may be safe and effective for treating ALS.

ALS is a neurological condition that causes motor neuron disease. (Motor neurons are nerves that control muscle movement.) ALS is a progressive disease, meaning that it gets worse over time. There’s currently no cure for ALS, but some treatments can ease symptoms.

Some researchers believe that perampanel (the active drug in Fycompa) may help people with ALS. This is because perampanel blocks AMPA receptors, which are a type of protein that may play a role in the breakdown of motor neurons.

If you have questions about treatments for ALS, talk with your doctor.

Is Fycompa a narcotic?

No, Fycompa is not a narcotic.

The FDA defines a narcotic as a drug that comes from opium. Narcotics are also called opioids. Most narcotics are used to treat chronic or severe pain. Examples of narcotics include codeine, hydrocodone, and morphine.

Even though Fycompa is not a narcotic, it’s still a controlled substance. It has the potential for misuse and dependence. (For more information, see “What is Fycompa’s drug schedule?” above.)

Fycompa can also make you feel sleepy or dizzy. Because of this, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how the drug affects you.

Can Fycompa make you feel ‘high’?

Maybe. Euphoria (feeling “high”) was reported as a rare side effect in clinical studies of Fycompa. Euphoria was more common among people taking a dosage of 12 milligrams (mg) per day compared with lower dosages (4 mg or 8 mg per day).

According to studies, taking more than your prescribed dose of Fycompa can make you feel “high.” Because of this risk, Fycompa is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance. (For more information, see “What is Fycompa’s drug schedule?” above.)

It’s important to only take the dose of Fycompa that your doctor prescribes for you. Taking more than what’s recommended may raise your risk for euphoria, but it also increases your risk for serious side effects such as aggression. (For more information, see the “Fycompa side effects” section above.)

If you have questions about the risk of misuse with Fycompa, talk with your doctor before starting treatment.

Does Fycompa cause any long-term side effects?

It’s not likely that Fycompa causes long-term side effects. Most side effects will go away if you stop taking the drug.

But in rare cases, some Fycompa side effects may be long term or cause long-term problems. For example, Fycompa can increase your risk for falls, including falls that lead to broken bones. Broken bones can take a long time to heal and sometimes come with other complications.

If you have concerns about the long-term side effects of Fycompa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The Fycompa dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re taking Fycompa to treat
  • your age
  • other medical conditions you may have
  • other medications you may take

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

Fycompa is an oral medication (a drug that you take by mouth) that comes in two forms: a tablet and a suspension (a type of liquid mixture).

Fycompa tablets are available in six strengths:

  • 2 milligrams (mg)
  • 4 mg
  • 6 mg
  • 8 mg
  • 10 mg
  • 12 mg

Fycompa liquid suspension comes in one strength: 0.5 mg per milliliter (5 mg/mL).

Dosage for seizures

To treat seizures, you’ll typically begin by taking one 2-mg Fycompa tablet once per day. You should take your dose at bedtime.

After 1 or 2 weeks, your doctor will likely increase your Fycompa dose to 4 mg once per day. You’ll continue taking your dose at bedtime.

Depending on how the drug affects you, your doctor may continue increasing your dose over time.

Once you and your doctor find the Fycompa dose that helps you manage your seizures, you’ll likely continue taking this dosage long term. This is called a maintenance dosage. You’ll continue taking your dose at bedtime.

The usual maintenance dosage of Fycompa for partial-onset seizures is 8 mg or 12 mg per day. But 4 mg per day may be enough to help some people manage their seizures.

For generalized tonic-clonic seizures, the usual maintenance dosage is 8 mg per day.

Be sure to take the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you. And you should not increase your dose unless your doctor recommends it. This will help reduce your risk for side effects.

Children’s dosage

The usual starting dosage of Fycompa for children is the same as the adult dose: 2 mg per day at bedtime.

Your child’s doctor will likely increase their dosage after at least 1 week. The usual maintenance dosage of Fycompa for children is the same as the adult dosage, which is described in “Dosage for seizures” above.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Fycompa, just skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its regular time the next day. You should not take an extra dose to make up for the missed dose. Doing so can raise your risk for side effects from Fycompa.

If you miss two or more doses in a row of Fycompa, call your doctor. They’ll instruct you on how and when to restart the drug.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A kitchen timer can work, too.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Yes, Fycompa is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Fycompa is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Fycompa is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat the following types of epilepsy (a brain condition that causes periodic seizures):

  • Partial-onset seizures that may or may not develop into generalized seizures. For this condition, Fycompa is approved for adults and for children ages 4 years and older. Fycompa may be used by itself or with other medications to treat this condition.
  • Generalized tonic-clonic seizures. For this condition, Fycompa is used with other medications in adults and in children ages 12 years and older.

Fycompa belongs to a class of drugs called non-competitive AMPA receptor antagonists. (A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way.) Fycompa works by blocking AMPA receptors (a type of protein) on brain cells. This helps prevent the brain from being overstimulated.

The mechanism of action by which Fycompa treats seizures isn’t fully understood. (The mechanism of action is the exact way the drug works in the body.) Fycompa is thought to block the effects of glutamate in the brain.

Glutamate is a neurotransmitter (a type of chemical messenger) used to send messages between nerve cells. Glutamate is thought to cause overstimulation of the brain in various neurological conditions, including seizure disorders.

How long does it take to work?

Most people have fewer seizures after 2 to 3 weeks of Fycompa treatment. If you require a higher dose to treat your condition, your dose will be slowly increased over time. This will be no more than 2 milligrams per week. Because of the slow increase in dose, Fycompa may take longer to work. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions on how and when to increase your dose.

Fycompa has a long half-life of 105 hours (about 4 days). (The half-life of a drug is the time it takes for your body to get rid of half of a dose from your system.) Drugs with long half-lives typically take a while to build up in your system and reach their full effects.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Fycompa to treat certain conditions. Fycompa may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use means using a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the FDA.

Fycompa for seizures

Fycompa is approved by the FDA to treat the following types of epilepsy (a brain condition that causes periodic seizures):

  • Partial-onset seizures. These seizures (also called focal onset seizures) start on one side of your brain. During a partial-onset seizure, you may be aware of what’s happening, or you may lose consciousness (pass out).
  • Generalized tonic-clonic seizures. These seizures involve both sides of your brain. Sometimes, partial-onset seizures develop into generalized seizures. The term “tonic” refers to sudden muscle stiffness that happens during some seizures, and “clonic” describes repeated jerking movements that can occur. With a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, you’ll lose consciousness. You probably won’t remember the seizure after it happens.

Fycompa for partial-onset seizures

Fycompa is used to treat partial-onset seizures that may or may not develop into generalized seizures in adults and in children ages 4 years and older. For this purpose, Fycompa may be used by itself or with other medications.

Fycompa for generalized tonic-clonic seizures

Fycompa is used to treat generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and in children ages 12 years and older. For this purpose, Fycompa is always used along with other drugs.

Effectiveness for seizures

In clinical studies, some people ages 12 years and older who took Fycompa experienced fewer seizures per month.

For more information on how the drug performed in these studies, see Fycompa’s prescribing information.

The American Academy of Neurology recommends perampanel (the active drug in Fycompa) as an adjunct (add-on) therapy for treatment-resistant epilepsy in adults with partial-onset seizures. When someone’s epilepsy is described as treatment-resistant, it means they’ve tried two or more anti-epileptic drugs, but the treatments haven’t been effective for them.

Fycompa and children

Fycompa is approved to treat partial-onset seizures in children ages 4 years and older. It’s also approved to treat generalized tonic-clonic seizures in children ages 12 years and older.

Fycompa may be prescribed along with other medications to treat partial-onset seizures or generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Before taking Fycompa, it’s important to tell your doctor about all medications you take. This is because some of the medications in the lists below may interact with Fycompa. For your safety, your doctor may adjust the dosages of Fycompa or your other medications to reduce the risk of harmful interactions.

Fycompa is an anti-epileptic drug (AED), and it’s often used with other AEDs. Examples of common AEDs include:

Benzodiazepines are also sometimes used to treat seizures, but they can increase the risk of certain side effects if used with Fycompa. (For more details, see the “Fycompa interactions” section below.) Examples of benzodiazepines that may be used to treat seizures include:

If you have questions about using other drugs with Fycompa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

As with all medications, the cost of Fycompa can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Fycompa. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor or your insurance company.

Before approving coverage for Fycompa, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure if you’ll need to get prior authorization for Fycompa, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Fycompa, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

Eisai, the manufacturer of Fycompa, offers a savings card to help lower the cost of its drug. To learn more about this, check out the manufacturer’s website.

Additionally, Eisai offers an assistance program that may lower the cost of Fycompa. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 855-347-2448 or visit the program website. You can also learn more about saving money on prescriptions here.

Mail-order pharmacies

Fycompa may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.

If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of Fycompa, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor and your insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

Generic version

Fycompa is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

You should not drink alcohol during your Fycompa treatment. This is because alcohol is known to increase the risk of certain side effects of the drug. Examples include:

If you have concerns about avoiding alcohol while taking Fycompa, talk with your doctor.

Fycompa can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase the risk of side effects or make side effects more severe.

Fycompa and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Fycompa. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Fycompa.

Before taking Fycompa, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Drugs that can interact with Fycompa include:

  • Certain birth control medications. Taking Fycompa with birth control containing levonorgestrel (a type of hormone) can make birth control less effective. Some examples of these birth control drugs include:
    • ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel (Aviane, Seasonique, and others)
  • Central nervous system (CNS) depressants. When Fycompa is taken with alcohol or drugs that affect the CNS, your breathing could become slow and shallow. This could lead to excessive drowsiness or coma, and it may be life threatening. It could also raise your risk for confusion, anger, and depression. Examples of medications that act as CNS depressants include:
  • Certain anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Fycompa is an AED and taking it with certain other AEDs can make Fycompa less effective. It could also raise your risk for certain side effects, such as central nervous system (CNS) depression or heart rhythm problems. Examples of other AEDs include:
    • levetiracetam (Keppra)
    • lacosamide (Vimpat)
    • eslicarbazepine (Aptiom)
  • Certain antimicrobial drugs. These are used to treat infections. Some of these medications may either raise your risk for Fycompa’s side effects or make it less effective. If you need to take certain antimicrobial drugs, your doctor may temporarily adjust your Fycompa dosage. Examples of these drugs include:
    • rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)

Fycompa and herbs and supplements

Fycompa can interact with certain herbs or dietary supplements. One example is St. John’s wort, an herbal remedy used to treat depression. Taking Fycompa with this herb could make Fycompa less effective.

Because of the risk of interactions, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any herbal products while taking Fycompa.

Fycompa and foods

There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Fycompa. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Fycompa, talk with your doctor.

Taking more than the recommended dosage of Fycompa can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more Fycompa than your doctor recommends.

Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

  • sleepiness
  • stupor (a state in which a person is very confused and almost unconscious)
  • coma
  • serious issues with behavior or mental health
  • confusion
  • dizziness
  • trouble walking

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Fycompa is a controlled substance and has the potential for physical or psychological dependence.

It’s important not to take more Fycompa than your doctor prescribes.

Before starting your Fycompa treatment, talk with your doctor if you’ve had substance use disorder in the past. Depending on your condition, they may monitor you more carefully during your treatment. Or they may suggest treatment options other than Fycompa.

Withdrawal symptoms

If you suddenly stop taking a seizure medication such as Fycompa, it’s possible that you could experience more seizures.

However, it takes more than 3 weeks for Fycompa to be cleared from your system after your last dose. Because of these long-lasting effects, most people shouldn’t experience more seizures after stopping Fycompa treatment.

Even so, withdrawal symptoms are still possible after stopping Fycompa because of its risk of drug dependence. Withdrawal symptoms may include:

You should take Fycompa according to the instructions your doctor gives you.

Fycompa is an oral medication (a drug that you take by mouth). It comes in two forms: a tablet and a suspension (a type of liquid mixture).

If you take the liquid suspension, here are a few important tips:

  • Be sure to shake the bottle well before taking each dose.
  • Use the included oral syringe and adapter to measure your dose.
  • You should not use a kitchen teaspoon because it is not as accurate as the oral syringe.
  • Note the date that you first open the bottle of Fycompa suspension. If there’s any unused medication in the bottle after 90 days, it should be disposed of safely. (For more information, see the “Fycompa’s expiration, storage, and disposal” section below.)

When to take

You’ll take Fycompa once per day. The best time of day to take your dose is at bedtime.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A kitchen timer can work, too.

Taking Fycompa with food

Fycompa may be taken with or without food.

Can Fycompa be crushed, split, or chewed?

The manufacturer of Fycompa doesn’t provide guidance on whether the tablets can be crushed, split, or chewed. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, Fycompa comes as a liquid suspension, so that may be an option for you.

It is not known if Fycompa is safe to take during pregnancy. This is because human studies haven’t looked at the drug’s use during pregnancy. In studies of pregnant animals, Fycompa caused harmful effects in fetuses. However, animal studies don’t always predict what would happen in humans.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor. They can suggest safe treatment options for you.

Pregnancy registry

People who take anti-epileptic drugs such as Fycompa during pregnancy are encouraged to sign up for the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry.

Pregnancy registries help healthcare professionals collect information about the safety of certain drugs. This can help people make informed decisions about the treatments they use during pregnancy.

You can learn more about the NAAED Pregnancy Registry online or by calling 888-233-2334.

It is not known if Fycompa is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using Fycompa.

For more information about taking Fycompa during pregnancy, see the “Fycompa and pregnancy” section above.

For females taking Fycompa

If you‘re a female* who takes birth control that contains levonorgestrel (a type of hormone), Fycompa may make it less effective. This could increase your chance of becoming pregnant. Because of this, a non-hormonal form of birth control, such as condoms, is recommended during your treatment.

A non-hormonal birth control method should be used to prevent pregnancy during Fycompa treatment and for 1 month after your treatment ends.

For more details about Fycompa’s interaction with levonorgestrel, see the “Interactions” section above.

For males taking Fycompa

The manufacturer of Fycompa has not given birth control recommendations for males* taking the drug. If you take Fycompa and are sexually active with a partner who can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while taking this drug.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

It isn’t known if Fycompa is safe to take while breastfeeding. The effects of Fycompa on human breast milk or on a breastfed child have not been studied.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor. They may suggest other treatment options. Or depending on your condition, they may suggest another way to feed your child.

This drug comes with several precautions.

FDA warning: Behavior or psychiatric changes

This drug has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Fycompa may cause new or worsened mental health or behavior issues. Some examples include aggression, violent behavior and threats, anger, and irritability. If you notice changes in your behavior or mental health while taking Fycompa, call your doctor right away.

For more details about this boxed warning, see the “Fycompa side effects” section above.

Other precautions

Before taking Fycompa, talk with your doctor about your health history. Fycompa may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

  • Liver problems. If you have mild or moderate liver damage due to medical conditions such as hepatitis, talk with your doctor before taking Fycompa. They’ll likely give you a lower dose of the drug. However, if you have severe liver damage, you should not take Fycompa. Instead, your doctor will suggest other treatment options.
  • Dialysis or severe kidney problems. If you’re currently on dialysis or have severe kidney damage, taking Fycompa is not recommended. Instead, your doctor will likely suggest other treatment options for you.
  • Mental health conditions. Fycompa can cause serious behavior or mental health changes, such as aggression. This has occurred in people with and without a history of mental health problems. If you already have a mental health condition, such as depression, talk with your doctor before taking Fycompa. It’s possible that taking this drug could worsen your condition. Very rarely, taking Fycompa may raise the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. Because of this, your doctor will monitor you closely during your treatment, especially during the first few weeks.
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Fycompa or any of its ingredients, you should not take Fycompa. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.
  • Pregnancy. It is not known if Fycompa is safe to take during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Fycompa and pregnancy” section above.
  • Breastfeeding. It is not known if Fycompa is safe to take while breastfeeding. For more information, see the “Fycompa and breastfeeding” section above.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Fycompa, see the “Fycompa side effects” section above.

When you get Fycompa from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid taking expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk with your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good to use can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

Fycompa tablets should be stored at room temperature, 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Fycompa liquid suspension should not be stored at temperatures above 86°F (30°C). And it should not be frozen. Both forms of Fycompa should be kept in a tightly sealed container, away from light. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Disposal

If you no longer need to take Fycompa and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. For example, if you use the liquid suspension form, note the date that you first open the bottle. You should dispose of any medication left in the bottle after 90 days.

Safely disposing of Fycompa helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking it by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Fycompa Images