Uses
What is Fycompa used for?
Fycompa (perampanel) is commonly used in people with epilepsy to treat and prevent certain types of seizures, sometimes called convulsions.
Fycompa may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Fycompa work (mechanism of action)?
Seizures are caused by unusual electrical activity in the brain. It is believed that Fycompa blocks this unusual electrical activity and slows down the spread of seizures.
How is Fycompa supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Fycompa
Dosage forms and strengths
- 0.5 mg/mL oral suspension
- 2 mg oral tablets
- 4 mg oral tablets
- 6 mg oral tablets
- 8 mg oral tablets
- 10 mg oral tablets
- 12 mg oral tablets
How should I store Fycompa?
Oral Tablets. Fycompa tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). They can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting them. Store in a cool, dry place.
Oral Liquid. Fycompa liquid should be stored at a temperature below 86 F (30 C). Do not freeze the liquid. Once the bottle has been opened, Fycompa must be used within 90 days. If it is not used within 90 days, it should be thrown away.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Fycompa?
The most common side effects of Fycompa are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Dizziness or sleepiness (see below)
- Tiredness
- Irritability
- Falling (see below)
- Nausea
- Weight gain
- Trouble with balance or coordination (ataxia)
- Sense of spinning (vertigo)
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Bruising
- Stomach pain
- Anxiety
There may be other side effects of Fycompa that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Fycompa?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Fycompa are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Behavior Changes. Fycompa can cause serious changes in behavior, mood, and personality that may be dangerous for you or the people around you. It is important for you, your family members, and your caregivers to watch for any changes in your mood or behavior after you start taking this medicine. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, or if you have been told by others that you have any of these symptoms.
- Aggressive behavior, including anger and threats against other people
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Feeling suspicious of other people
- Hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or otherwise perceiving things that others do not
- Delusional thoughts, such as false beliefs that you are being controlled
- Memory changes
- Other unusual changes in mood or behavior
Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions. Fycompa can cause physical dependence, which means your body relies on the medicine. If you stop Fycompa suddenly, it could lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may be life-threatening. Do not stop taking Fycompa without talking with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you how to stop Fycompa to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms.
- Unusual movements, responses, or expressions
- Seizures
- Anxiety, nervousness, or irritability
- Sudden and severe changes in mood
- Severe tiredness, including a lack of energy or strength
- Trouble sleeping
Dizziness and Sleepiness. Fycompa can make you dizzy and sleepy. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Fycompa affects you.
Risk of Falling. Fycompa may cause dizziness, a sense of spinning (vertigo), and tiredness, which can increase your risk of falling. This risk is higher in older adults, as well as people who use certain other medicines or drink alcohol. To reduce this risk, you should avoid alcohol while taking Fycompa. Until you know how Fycompa affects you, be cautious with your movements, such as when standing up, sitting down, walking, or running.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Fycompa can cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It is also sometimes called multiorgan hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body, including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop taking the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
- Dark colored urine
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Suicidal Thoughts and Actions. Fycompa may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
- Suicide attempt
- Feeling upset, anxious, or restless
- Extreme increase in activity or talking (mania)
- New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Fycompa?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Fycompa.
- Fycompa
- Perampanel
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Fycompa.
What should I know about Fycompa before using it?
Do not take Fycompa unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed. Fycompa is usually taken at bedtime.
Do not stop taking Fycompa without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping Fycompa suddenly can make seizures worse or cause seizures that will not stop, which is called status epilepticus.
Do not share Fycompa with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Fycompa out of the reach of children. Fycompa is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store Fycompa in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.
Fycompa liquid should be shaken well before measuring out each dose. Use the adapter and dosing syringe provided with the bottle to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Throw the bottle away 90 days after opening it, even if there is still medicine left inside. If you have any questions about how to use Fycompa liquid, refer to the “Instructions for Use” included with your prescription or talk with your pharmacist or other healthcare provider.
Fycompa can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Fycompa affects you.
People who are 65 years or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from Fycompa. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.
Fycompa may reduce the effects of certain forms of birth control that contain a hormone called levonorgestrel. If you use one of these forms of birth control, you may need to use a second form of birth control while using Fycompa and for one month after stopping Fycompa. Examples of other forms of birth control include condoms, a diaphragm, or spermicide. Talk to your healthcare provider about your birth control methods and options.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Fycompa?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Fycompa is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Mental Health Problems. Let your healthcare provider know if you have a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, moodiness, aggressive behavior, or any other mental health problems.
Alcohol or Drug Use or Misuse. It is important to tell your healthcare provider if you drink alcohol. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you have ever misused or abused prescription drugs, street drugs, or alcohol.
Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
Other Medicines and Supplements. Fycompa may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Fycompa, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Fycompa could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Fycompa while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Fycompa, you can register for the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 888-233-2334 or at www.aedpregnancyregistry.org. This registry collects safety information about the use of antiepileptic medicines during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Fycompa passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Fycompa?
For more information about Fycompa, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.fycompa.com or call them at 844-347-3277.
Interactions
Does Fycompa interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Fycompa and foods.
Fycompa increases the effects of alcohol. This can increase your risk of mood and behavior changes. This can also increase your risk of sleepiness and dizziness, which can affect your coordination and increase your risk of falling. It is best to avoid alcohol while you are taking Fycompa.
Does Fycompa interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Fycompa.
- Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety
- Any other medicine for seizures, such as carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, or phenytoin
- A birth control pill, patch, vaginal ring, implant, injection, or intrauterine device (IUD)
- Rifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
- St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression
Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Fycompa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Fycompa. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Fycompa?
If you or someone else has used too much Fycompa, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Fycompa?
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Do not take double or extra doses. If you miss more than one dose of Fycompa, call your healthcare provider.