What is the most important information I should know about divalproex sodium?
In rare cases, divalproex
sodium has caused life-threatening liver failure, especially
in children younger than 2 years old. Children may be at even greater risk for liver problems if
they use more than one seizure medication, if they have a metabolic disorder, or if they have a
brain disease causing mental impairment (such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease,
Huntington disease,
multiple sclerosis, or a
brain injury or
infection).
Seek emergency medical attention if the person taking this medicine has
nausea,
vomiting,
stomach pain, or
loss of appetite, low
fever,
dark urine,
clay-colored stools, or
jaundice
(yellowing of the skin or eyes). These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage. Some of
these symptoms may also be early signs of
pancreatitis.
Divalproex sodium can cause birth defects. Do not use this
medication without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth
control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Your doctor will
need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood
or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive
(mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
What is divalproex sodium?
Divalproex sodium affects chemicals in the body that may be involved in causing
seizures.
Divalproex sodium is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. Divalproex sodium
is sometimes used together with other seizure medications.
Divalproex sodium may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking divalproex sodium?
In rare cases, divalproex sodium has caused life-threatening liver failure, especially
in children younger than 2 years old. Children of this age may be at even greater risk for liver
problems if they use more than one seizure medication, if they have a metabolic disorder, or if
they have a brain disease causing mental impairment (such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease,
Huntington disease, multiple sclerosis, or a brain injury or infection).
Divalproex sodium has also caused rare cases of life-threatening pancreatitis
(inflammation of the pancreas). Pancreatitis can come on suddenly and symptoms may start even
after you have been taking divalproex sodium for several years.
Do not take divalproex sodium if you have liver disease or a urea cycle disorder.
Before taking divalproex sodium, tell your doctor if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take divalproex sodium.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if
you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of
treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or
symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled
appointments.
FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do
not use divalproex sodium without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if
you become pregnant during treatment. Divalproex sodium can cause birth defects. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.
Divalproex sodium passes into breast milk and could harm a nursing infant. Do not
take divalproex sodium without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
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