What is Fycompa (perampanel) for?
Fycompa (perampanel) is an antiepileptic medicine used to treat adults and children from 12 years of age with partial-onset seizures (epileptic fits) with or without secondary generalisation1.
How does Fycompa (perampanel) work?
Epilepsy is caused by excessive electrical activity in the brain. Although the precise mechanism by which Fycompa (perampanel) works is not fully understood, it is thought to block the action of the neurotransmitter glutamate. Neurotransmitters are naturally-occurring chemicals in the nervous system that allow nerve cells to communicate with each other. Glutamate is the main stimulatory neurotransmitter in nerve cells which can trigger and maintain seizures. Therefore by blocking glutamate’s actions, Fycompa (perampanel) is thought to stop epileptic seizures from occurring1.
Where has Fycompa (perampanel) been approved?
Fycompa (perampanel) was approved for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults and children older than 12 years of age by:
FDA (USA) October 22, 20125
EMA (EU) on July 07, 20121
TGA (AUS) on May 23, 20144
How is Fycompa (perampanel) taken?
The standard dosage of Fycompa (perampanel) is:
at the start of treatment 2 mg per day
if it is well tolerated it may be progressively increased by increments of 2 mg/day to a maximum dose of 12 mg per day1.
Patients should be monitored for signs of suicidal ideation and behaviours and appropriate treatment should be considered2,3,4.
Complete information about Fycompa (perampanel) dosage and administration can be in the resources section.
Consult your treating doctor for personalised dosing.
Are there any known side effects of Fycompa (perampanel)?
The most common side effects are1:
dizziness
somnolence (sleepiness)
