The Basics
What is Lacosamide?
Used alone and in combination with other medications to control certain types of seizures in adults and children 4+.
Brand names for Lacosamide
Vimpat
How Lacosamide is classified
Anticonvulsants
Lacosamide During Pregnancy
Lacosamide pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Lacosamide while pregnant
N/A
Taking Lacosamide While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Lacosamide?
Limited information indicates that a maternal dose of 200 mg daily produce low levels in milk. Dosages up to 400 mg daily appeared to not adversely affect development in 3 infants who were breastfed for 7 to 9 months. Until more data are available lacosamide should only be used with careful monitoring during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Limited information indicates that a maternal dose of 200 mg daily produce low levels in milk. Dosages up to 400 mg daily appeared to not adversely affect development in 3 infants who were breastfed for 7 to 9 months. Until more data are available lacosamide should only be used with careful monitoring during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Possible effects of Lacosamide on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Lacosamide
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Ylikotila P, Ketola RA, Timonen S et al. Early pregnancy cerebral venous thrombosis and status epilepticus treated with levetiracetam and lacosamide throughout pregnancy. Reprod Toxicol. 2015;57:204-6. PMID: 26187779
2. Zarubova J, Kremlackova V, Borecka K et al. Plasma and breast milk levels of lacosamide before, during and post pregnancy. Epilepsia. 2016;57:69. Abstract. DOI: doi:10.1111/epi.13609
3. Lattanzi S, Cagnetti C, Foschi N et al. Lacosamide during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Neurol Neurochir Pol. 2017;51:266-9. PMID: 28385340
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
