European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A CROSS-SECTIONAL COMPARATIVE STUDY TO EVALUATE MEDICATION ADHERENCE AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG EPILEPTIC PATIENTS WHO RECEIVED COMBINATION THERAPY WITH LEVETIRACETAM

Christina Biju*, Anupama P. S., Hareesh M., Lijo Joseph Thomas, Dr. Chitra C. Nair, Dr. Beena P.

ABSTRACT

Background: Successful epilepsy management hinges on two critical factors: consistent medication adherence and
a positive belief system. By combining these elements, patients can unlock the full potential of their treatment
plans, leading to better seizure control, enhanced quality of life, and improved long-term health prospects. The
purpose of this study was to investigate medication adherence, quality of life and associated factors among
ambulatory patients with epilepsy. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on epileptic who received
levetiracetam combination therapy. Medication adherence was assessed using four level medication adherence
scale and quality of life was assessed using a QOLIE10p questionnaire. The data were entered into Microsoft
Excel Spreadsheet and Statistical analysis was performed by IBM SPSS 22.0.
Result: There were five groups in which levetiracetam was used in combination with other AED were as follows:
• Group A: Levetiracetam + Lacosamide
• Group B: Levetiracetam + Clobazam
• Group C: Levetiracetam + Oxcarbazepine
• Group D: Levetiracetam + Sodium valproate
• Group E: Levetiracetam + Phenytoin
Out of the 90 patients 58 patients where adherent to their medication regimen and 32 patients where nonadherent
to their medication. Due to an insufficient sample size, only Group A (LEV-LCM) and Group B (LEV-CLB) were
statistically analysed for QOL and there was no significant difference seen. Conclusion: Approximately 64.5% of
patients were adherent to their medication and 35.5% were non adherent and factors affecting nonadherence was
forgetfulness, fear of side effects, symptom improvement, symptom worsening. About 21% of patients complained
that seizure is affecting their daily activities, 19% of patients had worry about fits, 19% of patients complained
about changes in their energy level, in 15.5% of patient’s mental activities, overall quality of life was impaired in
11% of patients in 4% of patient’s emotions were affected.

Keywords: Antiepileptic drug, levetiracetam, lacosamide, clobazam.