For seizures.
Generic Name: Valproate Sodium
Instructions
This medicine is given gradually through the IV line.
Carefully follow the instructions for preparing this medicine before injection.
Always inspect the medicine before using.
The liquid should be clear and colorless.
Do not use the medicine if it is cloudy, contains flakes or large particles, or if it has changed color.
Keep medicine at room temperature. Protect from light.
Keep the medicine in its original container.
Do not store above 77 degrees F (25 degrees C).
Never use any medicine that has expired.
Discard any remaining medicine after your dose is given.
Please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to discard unused medicines safely.
This medicine should only be used by a person who has been trained to recognize when and how it should be used.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.
This medicine is associated with a rare, but serious problem of the liver. Speak to your doctor about the early signs of liver problems and the benefits and risks of using this medicine.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting, especially after exercising or in hot weather. Be very careful when standing or sitting up quickly.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.
Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed, has thoughts of suicide, or shows changes in behavior.
This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
This medicine can cause birth defects. Speak with your doctor about birth control methods that should be used while on this medicine.
This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.
Ask your pharmacist how to properly throw away used needles or syringes.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
- decreased appetite
- blurry vision
- diarrhea
- dizziness or drowsiness
- ear problems (ringing in the ears, hearing loss)
- lack of energy and tiredness
- hair loss
- headaches
- pain, redness, swelling near injection
- shortness of breath
- vomiting
- weight gain
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- severe or persistent abdominal pain
- decreased awareness or responsiveness
- bleeding or bruising
- confusion
- hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
- fast or irregular heart beats
- irritability
- signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
- suicidal thoughts
- severe or persistent vomiting
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
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Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
