Philadelphia Mylan LVT Lawyers

Levetiracetam (LVT)

The epilepsy medication known as Levetiracetam (LVT), marketed under the name Keppra in which levetiracetam is the active ingredient, is an anticonvulsant drug produced by UCB Pharmaceuticals Inc. It is intended to help prevent seizures in individuals with epilepsy by impeding the conduction of nerves across synapses in the brain. Epileptic seizures are caused when electrical signals in the brain are transmitted at highly elevated rates compared to the speed in which they should safely travel, and LVT curbs these elevations.

Levetiracetam carries with it a host of side effects, many of which are common. However, there are other side effects that pose a significant a risk of danger. The more common side effects associated with LVT include:

• nausea and headaches
• loss of sensation in extremities
• weakness and lethargy
• mood and behavioral changes, such as depression, irritability, anxiety, etc.

More serious side effects associated with LVT include:

• Hallucinations and the onset of suicidal thoughts
• Seizures that are worse than those experienced prior to taking the medication
• Signs of infection and allergic reactions (including rashes characterized by itching and facial swelling)

After numerous clinical studies determined that Levetiracetam use could lead to such serious side effects, the FDA recommended that anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) such as LVT be labeled with a Black Box warning that lists possible dangers that use poses. Some studies even showed that suicidal thoughts were almost twice as prevalent in AED users as they were in non-users. Despite these warnings however, LVT still does not bear a Black Box warning and poses a threat to the wellbeing of all users simply seeking to help curb the effects of epilepsy.

Furthermore, studies show that switching from levetiracetam (Keppra) to a generic levetiracetam may actually increase the frequency of seizures. As a result, both the American Academy of Neurology and the Epilepsy Foundation oppose switching between the drugs, and warn individuals taking any AED medication to be mindful of the significant danger that LVT use can cause.

Contact Generic LVT Lawyers

If you or a loved one has experienced adverse side effects after taking Levetiracetam (LVT), particularly if you have recently switched to a generic version by Mylan, please don't hesitate to contact the experienced Philadelphia generic AED attorneys at Anapol Schwartz. Call us today at (866) 735-2792 for a free consultation of your case.

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