Brivaracetam is an antiepileptic drug developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved for treating epilepsy.

Brivaracetam is used to treat partial-onset seizures in patients with epilepsy. Partial-onset seizures, also known as focal seizures, are a type of epileptic seizure that begins in a specific area or focus within one hemisphere (side) of the brain. These seizures are caused by their localized onset, meaning they originate in a specific region of the brain rather than affecting the entire brain simultaneously. 

Brivaracetam is administered directly into the vein intravenously (IV). It is available as a powder for reconstitution, and a physician will prepare and administer the medication through a vein. The IV infusion is usually given over a period of one to two hours.

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Brivaracetam are flu, feeling very tired (fatigue), dizziness, vertigo, feeling sick, constipation, depression, anxiety, not being able to sleep (insomnia), irritability, infections of the nose and throat, cough, and decreased appetite. Some serious side effects also include depression and anxiety.

This drug is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to Brivaracetam, other similar chemical compounds like levetiracetam or piracetam, or any of the other ingredients. You should not take this medication.  If you have liver problems, it's important to inform your doctor before taking this medicine. Depending on the severity of your liver condition, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or closely monitor your liver function during treatment. Children who are under 2 years of age should not take this drug. 

Individuals taking anti-epileptic medicines should be aware of the possibility of experiencing thoughts of harming or killing themselves. While this is a rare side effect, being careful is essential. You should contact your physician immediately if you ever have thoughts of harming or killing yourself while taking this drug. This is important for your safety and well-being. Brivaracetam is not recommended during pregnancy because its effects on pregnancy and the unborn baby are not well-known. Pregnant women should consult their doctor for alternative treatments. Breastfeeding is not advised in patients taking this drug because the medicine passes into the breast milk in small amounts and may harm your baby. Do not breastfeed during the treatment. 

Brivaracetam is given through intravenous infusion. Some individuals may experience infusion-related reactions, including a rash, hives, itching, or redness at the infusion site. If you notice any of these symptoms during or after the infusion, notify your physician immediately.

1. UCB Pharma Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Feb 2023] [Accessed on 1st Sep 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1963.pdf
2. UCB Inc, [Revised on May 2018] [Accessed on 1st Sep 2023], https://www.briviact.com/briviact-PI.pdf
3. Farbod Khaleghi, Eric C. Nemec, II, Brivaracetam (Briviact) Novel Adjunctive Therapy for Partial-Onset Seizures, Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Feb 2017; 42(2): 92–96. [Accessed on 1st Sep 2023], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5265234/
4. Roger J. Porter & Michael A. Rogawski, Antiseizure Drugs, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 409-439.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.