Keppra (Levetiracetam)
Also known as: KEPPRA
Use
Keppra (Levetiracetam) therapeutic drug monitoring is utilized to optimize drug therapy and monitor patient adherence. It is important for patients being treated for epilepsy or other conditions with Keppra to have their drug levels monitored to ensure efficacy and avoid potential toxicity. Renal function can affect the pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam, and adverse effects may include somnolence, weakness, headache, and vomiting.
Special Instructions
For optimal results, collect a predose (trough) sample at steady state concentration. Use of ARK Diagnostics reagents noted for cross-reactivity with brivaracetam. Patients switching from levetiracetam to brivaracetam or on both should use chromatographic methods instead for monitoring.
Limitations
The assay has known cross-reactivity with the drug brivaracetam (Briviact). It may report inaccurate results in patients transitioning to or using both levetiracetam and brivaracetam. For these cases, a validated chromatographic methodology should be used to distinguish and accurately determine drug concentrations. Toxicity thresholds are not well established.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (EIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 30471-7
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Container
ARUP standard transport tube
Collection Instructions
Collect using a plain red, lavender (EDTA), pink (K2EDTA), or green (sodium or lithium heparin) tube. Separate serum or plasma from cells as soon as possible or within 2 hours of collection.
Patient Preparation
Timing of specimen collection: Predose (trough) draw at steady state concentration.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated transport required.
Causes for Rejection
Serum or plasma separator tubes. Grossly hemolyzed specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 1 week |
| Frozen | 1 month |