Yes — the active ingredient is metabolized by a gene known to vary between individuals.
Relevant genes: CYP2C19
Briviact is affected by pharmacogenetics through the CYP2C19 gene. Your genotype for this gene can change how your body processes Briviact, which can affect both how well it works and how well you tolerate it. The strongest evidence level on this page is Moderate, based on CPIC or FDA guidelines.
Published guidance from FDA on how brivaracetam should be dosed or substituted based on your CYP2C19 phenotype.
| Phenotype | What it means | Recommendation | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Normal Metabolizer
CYP2C19
|
Your body processes brivaracetam at a normal rate. The standard dose should work as expected. |
FDA
Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.
|
— |
|
Intermediate Metabolizer
CYP2C19
|
Your body breaks down brivaracetam more slowly than normal, which can cause higher drug levels and an increased risk of side effects. |
FDA
Initiate at standard dose with monitoring for adverse reactions due to higher systemic concentrations.
|
Moderate |
|
Poor Metabolizer
CYP2C19
|
Your body breaks down brivaracetam much more slowly than normal, causing the drug to build up to higher levels. A lower dose may be needed to reduce the risk of side effects. |
FDA
Consider dosage reduction due to higher systemic concentrations and increased adverse reaction risk.
|
Moderate |
|
Indeterminate
CYP2C19
|
The impact of your genotype on response to this drug is unknown |
FDA
Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.
|
— |
|
Not available
CYP2C19
|
The impact of your genotype on response to this drug is unknown |
FDA
Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.
|
— |
Source: FDA
CYP2C19 handles several SSRIs (citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline), proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, esomeprazole), and the blood thinner clopidogrel. About 2 to 5 percent of people of European descent and 15 to 20 percent of people of East Asian descent are poor metabolizers. Another 30 percent carry a rapid-metabolizer variant.
Rapid metabolizers clear affected drugs before they reach therapeutic levels. Poor metabolizers accumulate the drug and feel stronger effects.
Browse the full drug-class: Anticonvulsants.
This page describes the general pharmacogenetics. A Gene2Rx report analyzes your own DNA to tell you which metabolizer group you fall into, across every medication.
Get your report Look up another medicationInformational only — not medical advice. Pharmacogenetic guidance describes population-level patterns; your individual response depends on many factors. Never start, stop, or change a medication without talking to your prescribing clinician.