What is Banzel?
Banzel (rufinamide) is a prescription medicine used to help treat seizures in people with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), a severe form of epilepsy that begins in childhood.
It’s used alongside other seizure medications for adults and children who are at least one year old. Banzel comes in tablets and a liquid form.
Common side effects include headache, dizziness, tiredness, sleepiness, nausea, and vomiting.
Sometimes, doctors may also use Banzel as off-label to treat other types of seizures called partial seizures, which affect only one part of the brain.
How Does Banzel Work?
Banzel is a medicine that helps prevent seizures. It contains an ingredient called rufinamide, which is an anticonvulsant. Rufinamide works by targeting sodium channels in the brain. These channels can carry too much electrical activity, which can cause seizures.
By acting on these sodium channels, Banzel helps to control and reduce the excessive electrical charges, making seizures less likely to happen.
Dosage Information and Usage
The dosage of Banzel depends on the patient’s age and weight, and it should always be taken with food. It’s important to follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions for the best results and to reduce the risk of side effects.
Dosage Form and Strengths
Film-coated Tablets:
- 200 mg (pink, scored on both sides)
- 400 mg (pink, scored on both sides)
Oral Suspension:
- 40 mg/mL (white to off-white opaque liquid)
Indications of Use for Banzel
Patients aged one year and older, including adults, can use Banzel to help reduce the frequency of their seizures.
- For children (1 year to less than 17 years): The starting dose is about 10 mg for each kilogram of the child’s weight per day, split into two doses. The dose is increased by about 10 mg/kg every other day until it reaches a maximum of 45 mg/kg per day, not to exceed 3200 mg per day.
- For adults (17 years and older): The starting dose is 400 to 800 mg per day, split into two doses. The dose is increased by 400-800 mg every other day until it reaches a maximum of 3200 mg per day.
Banzel should always be taken with food. The tablets can be swallowed whole, cut in half, or crushed. If using the oral suspension, shake the bottle well before each use and measure the dose with the provided dosing syringe.
Storage Information
Store Banzel tablets and oral suspension at room temperature, around 25°C (77°F). They can handle temperatures between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep the tablets in their bottle, and make sure the cap is tightly closed to protect them from moisture.
Store the oral suspension upright and always secure the cap after opening. Use the oral suspension within 90 days of opening the bottle, and discard any remaining liquid.
Side Effects
Banzel can help control seizures, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. It’s important to be aware of these side effects and to talk to your doctor if you experience any. Some side effects are common and mild, while others are rare but more serious.
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Sleepiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Serious but Rare Side Effects
- Allergic reactions (swelling of face, eyes, lips, or tongue)
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- Skin rash or hives
- Fever, swollen glands, or sore throat that do not go away
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Severe fatigue or weakness
- Severe muscle pain
- Increased frequency or worsening of seizures
If you experience any serious side effects, immediately contact your healthcare provider.
Warnings and Precautions
When taking Banzel, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and precautions to ensure the safe and effective use of the medication. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and report any unusual symptoms immediately.
General Precautions for Banzel Medication
- Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior: Banzel, like other antiepileptic drugs, can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients should be monitored for any changes in mood, depression, or suicidal thoughts, especially when starting the medication.
- Central Nervous System Reactions: Banzel may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and coordination problems. Patients should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until they know how Banzel affects them.
- QT Interval Shortening: Banzel can shorten the QT interval on an ECG, which measures the heart’s electrical activity. People with a family history of Short QT syndrome or those on other QT-shortening drugs should avoid using Banzel.
- Multi-organ Hypersensitivity (DRESS): Banzel can cause a severe allergic reaction called DRESS, which may affect multiple organs. Symptoms can include fever, rash, and swollen glands. If you suspect DRESS, seek medical attention immediately.
- Withdrawal: Banzel should not be stopped abruptly. Gradually reduce the dose under medical supervision to prevent increased seizures or status epilepticus.
- Status Epilepticus: Some patients may experience status epilepticus, a condition where seizures last too long or occur too close together. Seek immediate medical help if this happens.
- Leukopenia: Banzel can lower white blood cell counts, leading to an increased risk of infections. Regular blood tests may be required to monitor your white blood cell levels.
Overdose
If you accidentally take too much Banzel, seek help immediately. Overdose management strategies can change, so it’s best to contact a Certified Poison Control Center for the latest advice. In one instance, an adult took a very high dose of 7200 mg of Banzel in a day without major symptoms and didn’t need medical treatment.
However, if necessary, the doctor might induce vomiting or flush out the stomach to remove any unabsorbed drug.
They will also monitor your vital signs and overall condition. While standard hemodialysis might not fully remove Banzel, it could be considered if needed.
Drug Interactions With Other Medications
When taking Banzel, it’s important to understand how it interacts with other medications you might be taking. Here’s a simplified overview of these interactions:
- Effects of BANZEL on other AEDs: Banzel may have little impact on other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) levels in the blood. However, in some cases, Banzel might decrease the levels of carbamazepine, and lamotrigine, or increase the levels of phenobarbital and phenytoin, especially in children or at higher Banzel doses.
- Effects of Other AEDs on BANZEL: Some AEDs like carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, and phenobarbital can increase the clearance of Banzel from the body. This means Banzel might be removed from your body faster when taken with these drugs, particularly in children.
- Valproate Interaction: If you’re taking valproate with Banzel, your doctor might start you on a lower dose of valproate to avoid side effects. Similarly, if you’re already on valproate, your doctor might start you on a lower dose of Banzel to reduce the risk of side effects.
- Effects of BANZEL on Hormonal Contraceptives: Banzel might make hormonal contraceptives less effective. Female patients of childbearing age should consider using additional non-hormonal forms of contraception while taking Banzel to prevent unintended pregnancy.
Alternative Medications to Banzel
If Banzel isn’t the right fit for you, there are alternative medications to consider. Here are the following good alternatives to Banzel:
- Clobazam
- Cannabidiol
- Fenfluramine
- Fintepla
- Sympazan
Communicate with your doctor to determine the best alternative based on individual needs and medical history.
Price & Coupons
For those dealing with the high costs of prescription medications like Banzel, finding a more affordable option is crucial. At Pharma Giant, we offer a cost-effective solution by providing access to medications through a trusted Canadian pharmacy.
By obtaining a prescription from a doctor, U.S. patients can purchase Banzel online securely and conveniently through Pharma Giant. This offers significant savings, making essential treatments more accessible.
Pharma Giant partners with licensed Canadian pharmacies to ensure prescriptions are fulfilled promptly and with the highest standards of quality and safety. The process is efficient, and medications are express shipped to the United States within 3-5 business days, ensuring minimal disruption to your treatment plan.
To further reduce costs, we offer a special discount for first-time customers. By using the coupon code BANZEL10, new customers can save an additional 10% on their first order.
Banzel Pricing with Pharma Giant
| Strength | Quantity | PG Price | Price per Tablet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200mg | 120 tabs | $245.00 | $2.04 |
| 240 tabs | $490.00 | $2.04 | |
| 360 tabs | $705.00 | $1.96 | |
| 400mg | 120 tabs | $499.00 | $4.16 |
| 240 tabs | $980.00 | $4.08 | |
| 360 tabs | $1455.00 | $4.04 |
The prices listed offer a significant saving compared to U.S. prices, making it a cost-effective option for managing your treatment.
Ordering Banzel through Pharma Giant allows U.S. patients to save significantly on their medication costs while benefiting from the reliable service of a trusted Canadian pharmacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
Pharma Giant provides medical information to help you better understand medications and medical conditions.This content is for informational use only and does not replace advice from a licensed medical practitioner. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medication. All our partners follow strict safety standards set by their country’s health authorities to make sure you receive safe and high-quality medications.
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