Cerebyx
Generic name:fosphenytoin [ fos-FEN-i-toyn ]
Drug class:Hydantoin anticonvulsants
What is Cerebyx?
Cerebyx is an anticonvulsant that is used to prevent or control seizures. This medicine is used short term or when other forms of phenytoin cannot be given.
Cerebyx may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Cerebyx if you are allergic to Cerebyx or phenytoin, or if you have:
slow heartbeats;
Adams-Stokes syndrome (a heart rhythm disorder);
heart block, AV block;
liver problems after taking phenytoin (Dilantin); or
if you also take delavirdine.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart disease;
liver or kidney disease;
diabetes (Cerebyx can raise your blood sugar);
porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system); or
if you drink large amounts of alcohol.
Patients of Asian ancestry may have a higher risk of developing a rare but serious skin reaction to Cerebyx. You may need a blood test to determine your risk of this skin reaction.
Do not start or stop seizure medication during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Cerebyx may harm an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Preventing seizures may outweigh these risks. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
There may be other seizure medications that are safer to use during pregnancy.
If you receive Cerebyx during pregnancy, be sure to tell the doctor who delivers your baby. Both you and the baby may need medication to prevent bleeding during delivery and just after birth.
Cerebyx can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about other birth control options such as an injection, implant, skin patch, vaginal ring, condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
