potiga

Potiga (ezogabine) is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant.

Potiga is used to treat partial-onset seizures in adults.

Potiga may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

Potiga can cause abnormal changes in your retina (the membrane layer inside your eye that helps produce vision). These changes may cause vision changes that could be permanent. Your vision will need to be checked before you start taking Potiga, and every 6 months while you are taking it.

Call your doctor at once if you have any changes in your vision.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Potiga can cause urination problems. Call your doctor at once if you have little or no urination, painful or difficult urination, or trouble emptying your bladder.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Potiga if you are allergic to ezogabine.

To make sure you can safely use Potiga, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;

• liver disease;

• an enlarged prostate;

• urination problems;

• heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder;

• a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts or actions;

• a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome; or

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).

Long-term use of Potiga has caused a blue-colored appearance of the skin or eyes in some people. This effect was seen mainly in the lips, face, legs, fingernails, and toenails. You should have your eyes checked before you start taking Potiga.

Potiga may be habit forming. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Potiga will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of Potiga on the baby.

It is not known whether ezogabine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Potiga.

Do not give this medicine to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.

How should I take Potiga?

Take Potiga exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take Potiga with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, break, or dissolve a tablet. Swallow it whole.

Your vision will need to be checked before you start taking Potiga, and every 6 months while you are taking it.

Do not stop using Potiga without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures if you stop using this medicine suddenly. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

This medication can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Potiga.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Potiga is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include feeling irritable, agitated, or aggressive.

What should I avoid?

This medication may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Potiga.

Potiga side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Potiga: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, or if you feel agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• blurred vision, double vision, or any other changes in your vision;

• painful or difficult urination;

• little or no urination;

• trouble emptying your bladder; or

• confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior.

Common Potiga side effects may include:

• dizziness, spinning sensation;

• weakness, loss of balance or coordination;

• drowsiness, tired feeling;

• memory problems, trouble concentrating;

• tremors;

• problems with speech or walking.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Potiga?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Potiga, especially:

• carbamazepine;

• digoxin; or

• phenytoin.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with ezogabine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.