Divalproex: uses, appearance and warnings

Divalproex sodium extended-release tablets are indicated for: Acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder, with or without psychotic features ( 1.1 ) Monotherapy and adjunctive therapy of complex partial seizures and simple and complex absence seizures; adjunctive therapy in patients with multiple seizure types that include absence seizures ( 1.2 ) Prophylaxis of migraine headaches ( 1.3 ) 1.1 Mania Divalproex sodium extended-release tablets are valproate and are indicated for the treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder, with or without psychotic features. A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood. Typical symptoms of mania include pressure of speech, motor hyperactivity, reduced need for sleep, flight of ideas, grandiosity, poor judgment, aggressiveness, and possible hostility. A mixed episode is characterized by the criteria for a manic episode in conjunction with those for a major depressive episode (depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities). The efficacy of divalproex sodium extended-release tablets is based in part on studies of divalproex sodium delayed-release tablets in this indication, and was confirmed in a 3-week trial with patients meeting DSM-IV TR criteria for bipolar I disorder, manic or mixed type, who were hospitalized for acute mania [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )]. The effectiveness of valproate for long-term use in mania, i.e., more than 3 weeks, has not been demonstrated in controlled clinical trials. Therefore, healthcare providers who elect to use divalproex sodium extended-release tablets for extended periods should continually reevaluate the long-term risk-benefits of the drug for the individual patient. 1.2 Epilepsy Divalproex sodium extended-release tablets are indicated as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients down to the age of 10 years with complex partial seizures that occur either in isolation or in association with other types of seizures. Divalproex sodium extended-release tablets are also indicated for use as sole and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of simple and complex absence seizures in adults and children 10 years of age or older, and adjunctively in adults and children 10 years of age or older with multiple seizure types that include absence seizures. Simple absence is defined as very brief clouding of the sensorium or loss of consciousness accompanied by certain generalized epileptic discharges without other detectable clinical signs. Complex absence is the term used when other signs are also present. 1.3 Migraine Divalproex sodium extended-release tablets are indicated for prophylaxis of migraine headaches. There is no evidence that divalproex sodium extended-release tablets are useful in the acute treatment of migraine headaches. 1.4 Important Limitations Because of the risk to the fetus of decreased IQ, neurodevelopmental disorders, neural tube defects, and other major congenital malformations, which may occur very early in pregnancy, valproate should not be used to treat women with epilepsy or bipolar disorder who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant unless other medications have failed to provide adequate symptom control or are otherwise unacceptable. Valproate should not be administered to a woman of childbearing potential unless other medications have failed to provide adequate symptom control or are otherwise unacceptable [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.3 , 5.4 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 ), and Patient Counseling Information ( 17 )]. For prophylaxis of migraine headaches, divalproex sodium extended-release tablets are contraindicated in women who are pregnant and in women of childbearing potential who are not using effective contraception [see Contraindications ( 4 )].

Divalproex sodium extended-release tablets USP, 250 mg are available as pink colored, oval shaped, biconvex film coated tablets imprinted with "U 380" on one side and plain on the other. Each film-coated extended-release tablet contains divalproex sodium, USP equivalent to 250 mg of valproic acid. Divalproex sodium extended-release tablets USP, 500 mg are available as yellow colored, oval shaped, biconvex film coated tablets imprinted with "U 381" on one side and plain on the other. Each film-coated extended-release tablet contains divalproex sodium, USP equivalent to 500 mg of valproic acid. Tablets: 250 mg and 500 mg ( 3 )

Divalproex sodium extended-release tablets USP, 250 mg available as pink colored, oval shaped, biconvex film coated tablets imprinted with "U 380" on one side and plain on the other. Each divalproex sodium extended-release tablet contains divalproex sodium, USP equivalent to 250 mg of valproic acid in the following package sizes: NDC 68001-646-00: Bottles of 100 NDC 68001-646-03: Bottles of 500 Divalproex sodium extended-release tablets USP, 500 mg available as yellow colored, oval shaped, biconvex film coated tablets imprinted with "U 381" on one side and plain on the other. Each divalproex sodium extended-release tablet contains divalproex sodium, USP equivalent to 500 mg of valproic acid in the following packaging sizes: NDC 68001-647-00: Bottles of 100 NDC 68001-647-03: Bottles of 500 Recommended Storage: Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F). [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Divalproex sodium extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients: with hepatic disease or significant hepatic dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. known to have mitochondrial disorders caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA polymerase γ (POLG; e.g., Alpers-Huttenlocher Syndrome) and children under two years of age who are suspected of having a POLG-related disorder [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] with known hypersensitivity to divalproex sodium, sodium valproate, or valproic acid. Reactions have included multiorgan hypersensitivity, serious dermatologic reactions, and angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 , 5.13 , 5.14 )]. with known urea cycle disorders [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )]. being treated for prophylaxis of migraine headaches: who are pregnant or in women of childbearing potential who are not using effective contraception [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.3 , 5.4 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )]. Hepatic disease or significant hepatic dysfunction ( 4 , 5.1 ) Known mitochondrial disorders caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA polymerase γ (POLG) ( 4 , 5.1 ) Suspected POLG-related disorder in children under two years of age ( 4 , 5.1 ) Known hypersensitivity to the drug ( 4 , 5.12 ) Urea cycle disorders ( 4 , 5.6 ) Prophylaxis of migraine headaches: Pregnant women, women of childbearing potential not using effective contraception ( 4 , 8.1 )

Birth defects, decreased IQ, and neurodevelopmental disorders following in utero exposure; Should not be used to treat women with epilepsy or bipolar disorder who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant or to treat a woman of childbearing potential unless other medications have failed to provide adequate symptom control or are otherwise unacceptable ( 5.2 , 5.3 , 5.4 ) Pancreatitis; Divalproex sodium extended-release tablets should ordinarily be discontinued ( 5.5 ) Suicidal behavior or ideation; Antiepileptic drugs, including divalproex sodium extended-release tablets, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior ( 5.7 ) Bleeding and other hematopoietic disorders; Monitor platelet counts and coagulation tests ( 5.8 ) Hyperammonemia and hyperammonemic encephalopathy; Measure ammonia level if unexplained lethargy and vomiting or changes in mental status, and also with concomitant topiramate use; consider discontinuation of valproate therapy ( 5.6 , 5.9 , 5.10 ) Hypothermia; Hypothermia has been reported during valproate therapy with or without associated hyperammonemia. This adverse reaction can also occur in patients using concomitant topiramate ( 5.11 ) Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/Multiorgan hypersensitivity reaction, serious dermatologic reactions, and angioedema: Discontinue divalproex sodium extended-release tablets unless an alternate etiology is established ( 5.12 , 5.13 , 5.14 ) 5.1 Hepatotoxicity General Information on Hepatotoxicity Hepatic failure resulting in fatalities has occurred in patients receiving valproate. These incidents usually have occurred during the first six months of treatment. Serious or fatal hepatotoxicity may be preceded by non-specific symptoms such as malaise, weakness, lethargy, facial edema, anorexia, and vomiting. In patients with epilepsy, a loss of seizure control may also occur. Patients should be monitored closely for appearance of these symptoms. Serum liver tests should be performed prior to therapy and at frequent intervals thereafter, especially during the first six months of valproate therapy. However, healthcare providers should not rely totally on serum biochemistry since these tests may not be abnormal in all instances, but should also consider the results of careful interim medical history and physical examination. Caution should be observed when administering valproate products to patients with a prior history of hepatic disease. Patients on multiple anticonvulsants, children, those with congenital metabolic disorders, those with severe seizure disorders accompanied by mental retardation, and those with organic brain disease may be at particular risk. See below, "Patients with Known or Suspected Mitochondrial Disease." Experience has indicated that children under the age of two years are at a considerably increased risk of developing fatal hepatotoxicity, especially those with the aforementioned conditions. When divalproex sodium extended-release tablet are used in this patient group, it should be used with extreme caution and as a sole agent. The benefits of therapy should be weighed against the risks. In progressively older patient groups experience in epilepsy has indicated that the incidence of fatal hepatotoxicity decreases considerably. Patients with Known or Suspected Mitochondrial Disease Divalproex sodium extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients known to have mitochondrial disorders caused by POLG mutations and children under two years of age who are clinically suspected of having a mitochondrial disorder [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. Valproate-induced acute liver failure and liver-related deaths have been reported in patients with hereditary neurometabolic syndromes caused by mutations in the gene for mitochondrial DNA polymerase γ (POLG) (e.g., Alpers- Huttenlocher Syndrome) at a higher rate than those without these syndromes. Most of the reported cases of liver failure in patients with these syndromes have been identified in children and adolescents. POLG-related disorders should be suspected in patients with a family history or suggestive symptoms of a POLG-related disorder, including but not limited to unexplained encephalopathy, refractory epilepsy (focal, myoclonic), status epilepticus at presentation, developmental delays, psychomotor regression, axonal sensorimotor neuropathy, myopathy cerebellar ataxia, ophthalmoplegia, or complicated migraine with occipital aura. POLG mutation testing should be performed in accordance with current clinical practice for the diagnostic evaluation of such disorders. The A467T and W748S mutations are present in approximately 2/3 of patients with autosomal recessive POLG-related disorders. In patients over two years of age who are clinically suspected of having a hereditary mitochondrial disease, divalproex sodium extended-release tablets should only be used after other anticonvulsants have failed. This older group of patients should be closely monitored during treatment with divalproex sodium extended-release tablets for the development of acute liver injury with regular clinical assessments and serum liver test monitoring. The drug should be discontinued immediately in the presence of significant hepatic dysfunction, suspected or apparent. In some cases, hepatic dysfunction has progressed in spite of discontinuation of drug [see Box Warning and Contraindications ( 4 )] . 5.2 Structural Birth Defects Valproate can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Pregnancy registry data show that maternal valproate use can cause neural tube defects and other structural abnormalities (e.g., craniofacial defects, cardiovascular malformations, hypospadias, limb malformations). The rate of congenital malformations among babies born to mothers using valproate is about four times higher than the rate among babies born to epileptic mothers using other anti-seizure monotherapies. …

The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Hepatic Failure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Birth Defects [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Decreased IQ and Neurodevelopmental Disorders following in utero exposure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 , 5.9 , 5.10 )] Suicidal Behavior and Ideation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Bleeding and Other Hematopoietic Disorders [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Hypothermia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Serious Dermatologic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )] Angioedema [see Warnings and Precaution …

Hepatic enzyme-inducing drugs (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone, rifampin) can increase valproate clearance, while enzyme inhibitors (e.g., felbamate) can decrease valproate clearance. Therefore increased monitoring of valproate and concomitant drug concentrations and dosage adjustment are indicated whenever enzyme-inducing or inhibiting drugs are introduced or withdrawn ( 7.1 ) Aspirin, carbapenem antibiotics, estrogen-containing hormonal contraceptives, methotrexate: Monitoring of valproate concentrations is recommended ( 7.1 ) Co-administration of valproate can affect the pharmacokinetics of other drugs (e.g. …