What is Rufinamide?

Rufinamide is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant.
Rufinamide is used in combination with other medications to treat children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of childhood epilepsy that also causes developmental and behavior problems.
Rufinamide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Rufinamide?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to rufinamide, or if you have a genetic heart rhythm disorder called “Short QT syndrome.”
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before taking rufinamide, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or if you are on dialysis.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Take rufinamide with food.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Do not stop taking rufinamide without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking rufinamide suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking rufinamide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Rufinamide?

liver disease
kidney disease; or
if you are on dialysis

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether rufinamide is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Rufinamide can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking rufinamide.
Rufinamide may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Rufinamide is not for use in children younger than 4 years old.

Rufinamide Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Rufinamide?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; fever; swollen glands; painful sores in or around your eyes or mouth; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, panic, or if you feel hyperactive, talkative, restless, agitated, aggressive, angry, impulsive, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fever with a skin rash
trouble walking
loss of balance or coordination
swollen glands, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding
nausea, pain in your upper stomach, jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes)
severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness
lower back pain, bloody urine, urinating less than usual; or
worsening of seizures

Less serious side effects may include:

dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling
loss of balance or coordination
vomiting
increased or decreased appetite
stuffy nose, sore throat
headache; or
blurred vision

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Rufinamide Interactions

What other drugs affect Rufinamide?

Before taking rufinamide, tell your doctor about all other seizure medications you use, especially:

carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol)
phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton)
phenytoin (Dilantin); or
valproic acid (Depakene)

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with rufinamide. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Rufinamide?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of rufinamide.
Rufinamide can cause side effects that may impair your vision or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Rufinamide Dosage

How should I take Rufinamide?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
Take rufinamide with food.
Do not stop taking rufinamide without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking rufinamide suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking rufinamide.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you have seizures, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.
It is important to use rufinamide regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Store rufinamide at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I overdose on Rufinamide?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of a rufinamide overdose are not known.

What happens if I miss a dose of Rufinamide?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com

Rufinamide