According to mounting medical evidence, there is a significant risk to patients who are switched from the brand name to the generic antiepileptic drug known as Keppra (brand) and Levetiracetam (generic).  Numerous patients who have been switched to this generic version of this drug report seizure episodes associated with this medication change.  In some cases, such episodes have led to secondary incidents, such as car accidents or head injuries, which cause further harm to the patient.

Please read on to learn more about this medication and what you can do if you have suffered seizures or other serious side effects as a result of Keppra use.

What is Levetiracetam/Keppra?

Levetiracetam is a generic anticonvulsant medication used to treat some types of seizures in patients with epilepsy, certain neurological impairments, and head injuries.  This drug is officially approved by the FDA as an adjunctive treatment (i.e. used in combination with other medications) for:

• Epilepsy—patients over the age of four,
• Myoclonic seizure—patients over the age of twelve,
• Generalized tonic-clonic seizures—patients over the age of six.

This drug, administered by tablet or injection, works by decreasing abnormal excitement of the brain.

Keppra is the brand name of this second-generation antiepileptic drug (AED).

Danger in switching from brand to generic drug

Numerous patients have reported serious health problems associated with switching from the brand name to the generic version of epilepsy drug Keppra.  The switch from Keppra to Levetiracetam has been reported to cause:

• Breakthrough seizures
• Increased number of seizures
• Seizures of longer duration
• Increased side effects, such as
  • Increased drowsiness
  • Behavioral, mood, and personality changes

This risk of serious injury associated with the generic form of Keppra has been understood since 2006; however, Levetiracetam manufacturers continue to offer this medication knowing that many insurance carriers and medical plans will automatically switch patients from the brand name medication to the generic, posing serious risks of injury.

If you or someone you love has been switched from the brand name drug Keppra to the generic drug Levetiracetam and has suffered seizure or other major injury following the switch, please contact us today to learn more about your legal rights and options.