Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Levetiracetam Injection for Terminally-ill Cancer Patients: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Antiepileptic drugs were occasionally administered to manage seizures in terminally-ill cancer patients. When enteral route is no longer feasible due to dysphagia or depressed level of consciousness, subcutaneous route could be an option. We reported three cases of terminally cancer patients who received subcutaneous levetiracetam (LEV) due to an inability to administer via intravenous route. Cases: The age of 3 cases was 83, 75, 82 years, respectively. In all cases, the prognosis prediction at the start of subcutaneous LEV was about 1 month. In all cases, the route of administration of LEV was changed from intravenous to subcutaneous. No exacerbation of convulsions, or injection site reaction was confirmed after subcutaneous LEV administration. Discussion: We believe that subcutaneous LEV administration may be one of the treatment options for seizures in patients with terminal cancer for whom intravenous administration of LEV is no longer feasible.