GENERIC NAME: VALPROATE SODIUM - INJECTION (val-PROE-ate SOE-dee-um)

BRAND NAME(S): Depacon

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

WARNING: Rarely, serious (sometimes fatal) liver problems have occurred in patients using this drug. Children under 2 years of age who are using this drug are at higher risk for these liver problems, especially if they have a severe seizure disorder with mental retardation; are using more than one anti-seizure drug; have body process (metabolic) problems; or have brain disorders. If this drug is used in these patients, do not use additional anti-seizure drugs. Early signs of liver problems include: loss of seizure control, vomiting, unusual tiredness/weakness, loss of appetite, yellowing eyes or skin, or swelling of the face. Contact your doctor promptly if you develop any of these symptoms. Liver tests should be done before starting, and during the use of this drug. Rarely, severe (sometimes fatal) swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis) has occurred in some people while taking this drug. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop severe stomach pain, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Rarely, severe (sometimes fatal) encephalopathy (decreased mental status) has occurred during use of this medication. This has occurred in patients with a specific metabolic disorder (urea cycle disorder). Symptoms may include unusual weakness, vomiting, or mental changes. Contact your doctor promptly if you develop any of these symptoms. This drug may cause birth defects (sometimes death). Consult your doctor about the use of this medication during pregnancy.

USES: Valproate sodium is used to help control seizures and treat seizure disorders (complex partial seizures, absence seizures, other seizures). It is usually used when the patient cannot take the oral form of this drug (e.g., valproic acid)