Briviact Is a Prescription Antiepileptic Drug Used to Treat Partial-Onset Seizures

Briviact (Brivaracetam) is a prescription medication used to treat partial-onset (focal) seizures in people with epilepsy. It belongs to a class of drugs called racetam derivatives and works by targeting a specific protein in the brain that helps control how nerve cells fire.

Whether you've just been prescribed Briviact or you're researching it for the first time, this guide covers everything you need to know — from how it's used and dosed to what it costs and where to find it.

What Is Briviact?

Here are the key facts:

• Brand name: Briviact
• Generic name: Brivaracetam
• Drug class: Antiepileptic drug (AED) / Racetam derivative
• Manufacturer: UCB, Inc.
• FDA-approved: Yes — for partial-onset seizures
• Controlled substance: Schedule V (CV), meaning it has low potential for abuse
• Available forms: Tablets (10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg), oral solution (10 mg/mL), and IV injection

Briviact is related to Levetiracetam (Keppra), another widely used seizure medication. However, Briviact binds to its target protein (SV2A) with about 20 times greater affinity, which may contribute to different effectiveness and side effect profiles. For more on how it works, see our article on Briviact's mechanism of action.

What Is Briviact Used For?

Briviact is FDA-approved for two uses:

1. Adjunctive therapy (add-on treatment) for partial-onset seizures in patients 1 month of age and older. This means it's used alongside another seizure medication.
2. Monotherapy (standalone treatment) for partial-onset seizures in patients 16 years of age and older.

Partial-onset seizures (also called focal seizures) start in one area of the brain. They can cause symptoms ranging from brief staring spells to involuntary movements, depending on which part of the brain is affected.

Some doctors also prescribe Briviact off-label for generalized epilepsy or as a switch from Levetiracetam for patients experiencing behavioral side effects like irritability and aggression.

How Is Briviact Taken?

Briviact is taken by mouth twice a day, with or without food. Here's what you need to know about dosing:

• Starting dose (adults): 50 mg twice daily (100 mg total per day)
• Dose range: 25 mg to 100 mg twice daily (50 mg to 200 mg total per day)
• Adjustment: Your doctor may increase or decrease the dose based on how well it controls your seizures and how you tolerate the medication
• Tablets: Swallow whole — do not crush or chew
• Oral solution: Available for patients who can't swallow tablets (including young children)
• IV injection: Used in hospital settings when you temporarily can't take oral medication (limited to 4 consecutive days)

It's important to take Briviact at the same times each day to maintain consistent levels in your body. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — but if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your regular schedule.

Who Should Not Take Briviact?

Briviact is not right for everyone. You should not take it if:

• You're allergic to Brivaracetam or any of the inactive ingredients in the formulation. Serious allergic reactions including bronchospasm and angioedema have occurred.
• You have liver problems — dose adjustments are required for all stages of hepatic impairment. Your doctor will determine the right dose for your situation.

Tell your doctor if you:

• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant (Briviact should only be used if the benefit outweighs the risk)
• Are breastfeeding (patients should not breastfeed during Briviact treatment)
• Have a history of depression, mood disorders, or suicidal thoughts
• Take other medications — especially drugs that may interact with Briviact like Rifampin, Carbamazepine, or Phenytoin

How Much Does Briviact Cost?

Briviact is an expensive medication. Here's what you can expect to pay:

• Cash price (brand): $1,450 to $1,550 per month for a 30-day supply
• Generic (Brivaracetam): A generic version has been FDA-approved but may not be widely available yet. When stocked, generic pricing is expected to be $200 to $600 per month.
• With insurance: Most commercial plans cover Briviact, but it's often on a specialty or non-preferred tier. Prior authorization and step therapy (trying Levetiracetam first) are common requirements.

There are several ways to reduce your cost:

• UCB Savings Card: Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $10 per month. Register at briviact.com/savings or call UCBCares at 833-948-2394.
• Patient Assistance Program: Uninsured or underinsured patients who meet income criteria can get Briviact at no cost through UCBCares at (844) 599-2273.
• Discount cards: Sites like GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver may offer additional savings.

For a complete breakdown, see our guide on how to save money on Briviact.

Final Thoughts

Briviact is an effective antiepileptic medication with a strong safety profile for treating partial-onset seizures. It's available in multiple forms, has a straightforward dosing schedule, and offers real advantages for patients who haven't responded well to other treatments or who experienced behavioral side effects with Levetiracetam.

If you've been prescribed Briviact and need help finding it at a pharmacy near you, Medfinder can show you which pharmacies have it in stock. And if cost is a concern, don't miss the savings programs that can dramatically reduce what you pay.