VALPROIC ACID

Drug Name: VALPROIC ACID

VALPROIC ACID DESCRIPTION:
VALPROIC ACID - ORAL CAPSULE (val-PRO-ick acid)

COMMON VALPROIC ACID BRAND NAME(S):
Depakene

VALPROIC ACID SIDE EFFECTS:
Mild stomach pain, loss of appetite, change in menstrual periods, diarrhea, mild hair loss, unsteadiness, dizziness, drowsiness, rash or headache might occur. If any of these effects continue or are bothersome, inform your doctor. Very unlikely but report: yellowing eyes/skin, unusual weakness, vomiting, mood or mental changes, blurred or double vision, severe stomach pain, unusual bleeding or bruising. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE VALPROIC ACID:
VALPROIC ACID: May be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. Capsules should be swallowed whole. VALPROIC ACID must be taken as prescribed. Do not stop taking VALPROIC ACID suddenly without consulting your doctor as seizures may occur. It is important to take all doses on time to keep the level of medication in your blood constant. Take doses at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night.

VALPROIC ACID WARNING:
Serious, even fatal, liver problems have occurred in patients using VALPROIC ACID. Children using VALPROIC ACID who are under the age of 2 years are at higher risk to experience liver problems, especially if they also have a severe seizure disorder along with mental retardation; are using more than one seizure control drug; have body process (metabolic) problems or have brain disorders. If used in these patients, VALPROIC ACID must not be used with additional seizure control drugs. Early signs of liver problems include loss of seizure control, vomiting, unusual tiredness/weakness, loss of appetite, yellowing eyes/skin, or swelling of the face. Contact your doctor promptly if you develop any of these symptoms. Liver tests should be run before and during use of the drug. Additionally, severe (even fatal) pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation) has occurred during use of VALPROIC ACID. It may progress quickly and may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Contact your doctor promptly if you develop any of these symptoms. VALPROIC ACID may cause birth defects. Consult your doctor about the use of VALPROIC ACID during pregnancy.

VALPROIC ACID USES:
Valproic acid is used for seizure disorders, to prevent migraine headaches, and for certain emotional conditions (manic phase of bipolar disorder).

VALPROIC ACID PRECAUTIONS:
Before you take valproic acid, tell your doctor if you have: liver disease, a bleeding disorder, history of a brain disorder, pancreatitis, any allergies. Use caution driving motor vehicles or performing tasks that require alertness. Limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor that you take valproic acid. VALPROIC ACID may interfere with urine ketone testing and give false positive results. If very high sugar readings (e.g., over 300) are occurring, ketones may be in your urine. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for further advice. Use with extreme caution in children under 2 years old as the potential for serious liver problems exist. The drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before taking VALPROIC ACID. Valproic acid is excreted into human breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

VALPROIC ACID DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Be sure to tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are taking, especially: other medication for seizures (phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, ethosuximide, clonazepam); anticoagulants ("blood thinners"); aspirin; chlorpromazine; cimetidine; mefloquine; drugs used for colds or allergies (antihistamines); sleeping pills; muscle relaxants; narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine); sedatives; tranquilizers. VALPROIC ACID may alter certain laboratory test results (e.g., urine ketones). Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

VALPROIC ACID OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include deep sleep, irregular heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.

VALPROIC ACID NOTES:
It is recommended to wear or carry medication identification indicating you are taking VALPROIC ACID. Lab tests may be done, especially in the first few months to check if the drug is working properly. Do not allow anyone else to take VALPROIC ACID.

MISSED VALPROIC ACID DOSE:
If you miss a dose and your dosing schedule is 1 dose daily, take the missed dose as soon as remembered. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. If you take 2 or more doses daily and you remember within 6 hours of the missed dose, take it immediately. Then take the remainder of the doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

VALPROIC ACID STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.