You should not use Banzel if you have a severe liver disease, or a genetic heart rhythm disorder called short QT syndrome.
You should not stop taking Banzel suddenly, unless your doctor tells you to stop the medicine because of a serious side effect.
Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking seizure medication. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Banzel if you are allergic to rufinamide, or if you have:
a genetic heart rhythm disorder called short QT syndrome; or
severe liver disease.
To make sure Banzel is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart disease;
liver disease;
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or
depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts or actions.
Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking Banzel. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Do not start or stop taking seizure medication during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of rufinamide on the baby.
Banzel can make hormonal birth control less effective, including birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings. To prevent pregnancy while using rufinamide, use a barrier form of birth control: condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Banzel should not be given to a child younger than 1 year old.
How should I take Banzel?
Take Banzel exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Take Banzel with food.
The tablet may be swallowed whole, crushed, or cut in half.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose.
Measure the liquid using the dosing syringe and bottle adapter provided with this medicine. Insert the adapter into the bottle and snap it into place. Insert the syringe into the adapter and turn the bottle upside down. To measure your dose, pull the plunger to the correct number of milliliters marked on the side of the syringe. Rinse the syringe with water after each use.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Call your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking Banzel.
You should not stop using Banzel suddenly, unless your doctor tells you to stop the medicine because of a serious side effect. Stopping suddenly may cause increased seizures. Follow your doctor's instructions very carefully.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Store the liquid medicine in an upright position. Do not try to remove the bottle adapter once it is in place. Throw away Banzel liquid 90 days after you first opened the bottle, even if there is medicine left inside.
In case of emergency, wear or carry medical identification to let others know you use rufinamide.
