Brivaracetam

HERTFORDSHIRE AND WEST ESSEX AREA PRESCRIBING COMMITTEE (HWE APC)

Brivaracetam as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures with or without secondary generalisation

AMBER INITIATION

Recommended for initiation by specialists, ongoing prescribing in primary care, following stabilisation of therapy, and after an assessment of tolerability and efficacy has been made by the specialists.

 

Name generic:	Brivaracetam
What it is:	Anti-seizure medicine
Indication:	Licensed as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures with or without secondary generalisation in adults, adolescents and children from 2 years of age with epilepsy (SPC)
Date decision last revised:	January 2025
NICE	NICE NG217 recommended

HWE APC recommendation:

Brivaracetam is recommended for restricted use as 2^nd line add on option in children, young people and adults for generalised epilepsy, myoclonic epilepsy and focal epilepsy, in line with NICE guidance NG217, for use in patients who could not tolerate levetiracetam or, exceptionally, in patients eligible for levetiracetam but deemed by the specialist epilepsy team to be at high risk of behavioural side effects.

 

AMBER INITIATION:

•  At initiation, specialists must also counsel the patient on all aspects related to the safe and effective use of this medication.
•  During treatment, periodic check-ups must be carried out according to standard clinical practice.

Further information: for latest updates and more detailed information, including contra-indications, cautions and special warnings; please refer to summary of product characteristics (SPC).