In adults: either as single-agent therapy, or in combination with another antiepileptic treatment:
• Treatment of generalised epilepsy: clonic, tonic, tonic-clonic, absence, myoclonic and atonic seizures, and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
• Treatment of partial epilepsy: partial seizures with or without secondary generalisation.
In children: either as single-agent therapy, or in combination with another antiepileptic treatment:
• Treatment of generalised epilepsy: clonic, tonic, tonic-clonic, absence, myoclonic and atonic seizures, and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
• Treatment of partial epilepsy: partial seizures with or without secondary generalisation.
In children:
• Prevention of recurrence of seizures after one or more febrile convulsions that meet the criteria for complicated febrile convulsions, when intermittent benzodiazepine prophylaxis has failed.

Female children and women of childbearing potential
Valproate must be initiated and supervised by a specialist experienced in the management of epilepsy.
Valproate should not be used in female children and women of childbearing potential unless other treatments are ineffective or not tolerated.
In this case, valproate is prescribed and dispensed according to the Valproate Pregnancy Prevention Programme (sections 4.3 and 4.4).
Of the oral pharmaceutical forms, the syrup, oral solution and prolonged-release granules are particularly suitable for administration to children aged under 11 years.
Posology
Mean daily dose:
• Infants and children: 30 mg/kg (syrup, oral solution or prolonged-release granules should preferably be used);
• Adolescents and adults: 20 to 30 mg/kg (tablets, prolonged-release tablets or prolonged-release granules should preferably be used).
The medicinal product should be prescribed in milligrams.
Patients with renal failure
In patients with renal failure, the dosage may need to be decreased, and in patients on haemodialysis, it may need to be increased. Sodium valproate is dialysable (see section 4.9). The dosage should be adjusted based on clinical monitoring of the patient (see section 4.4).
Method of administration
Oral use.
The syrup should only be administered using the oral syringe (white plunger) supplied in the box. The dose per administration is shown on the plunger of the oral syringe. The dose can be read directly from the scale marked on the syringe with graduations every 20 mg from 10 mg to 260 mg and intermediate graduations of 10 mg. For intermediate doses, the dose administered in mg should be calculated and then rounded down to the nearest corresponding graduation mark on the oral syringe, taking into account the half graduation marks.
The daily dose should preferably be administered during meals:
• as 2 divided doses in patients under 1 year of age, • as 3 divided doses in patients over 1 year of age.
Initiation of treatment:
• If the patient is already being treated and is taking other antiepileptics, treatment with sodium valproate should be initiated gradually, to reach the optimal dose in approximately two weeks, then the concomitant treatments reduced if necessary, on the basis of treatment efficacy.
• If the patient is not taking any other antiepileptics, the dosage should preferably be increased step-wise every 2 or 3 days, in order to reach the optimal dose in approximately one week.
• If necessary, combination treatment with other antiepileptics should be instituted gradually (see section 4.5).

• Pregnancy, unless there is no suitable alternative treatment (see sections 4.4 and 4.6). • Women of childbearing potential, unless the conditions of the Pregnancy Prevention Programme are fulfilled (see sections 4.4 and 4.6). • History of hypersensitivity to valproate, valproate semisodium, valpromide or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. • Acute hepatitis. • Chronic hepatitis. • Patient or family history of severe hepatitis, especially drug-related. • Hepatic porphyria. • Patients with known urea cycle disorders (see section 4.4). • Valproate is contraindicated in patients known to have mitochondrial disorders caused by mutations in the nuclear gene encoding mitochondrial enzyme polymerase gamma (POLG), e.g. Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome, and in children under 2 years of age who are suspected of having a POLG-related disorder (see section 4.4). • Combination with St John’s Wort (see section 4.5).

Pregnancy Prevention Programme
Valproate has a high teratogenic potential and children exposed in utero to valproate have a high risk for congenital malformations and neuro-developmental disorders (see section 4.6). Valproate should not be used in female children and women of childbearing potential unless other treatments are ineffective or not tolerated. If no other treatment is possible, the Pregnancy Prevention Programme below must be complied with.
Depakine is contraindicated in the following situations:
• In pregnancy unless there is no suitable alternative treatment (see sections 4.3 and 4.6).
• In women of childbearing potential, unless the conditions of the Pregnancy Prevention Programme are fulfilled (see sections 4.3 and 4.6).
Conditions of the Pregnancy Prevention Programme
The prescriber must ensure that:
• individual circumstances are evaluated in each case, involving the patient in the discussion, to guarantee her engagement, discuss therapeutic options and ensure her understanding of the risks and the measures needed to minimise these risks;
• the potential for pregnancy is assessed in all female patients;
• the patient has understood and acknowledged the risks of congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental disorders, including the magnitude of these risks for children exposed to valproate in utero;
• the patient understands the need to undergo pregnancy testing prior to initiation of treatment and during treatment, as needed;
• the patient is advised on contraception and is capable of complying with the need to use effective contraception (for further details please refer to the subsection on "Contraception" of this boxed warning), without interruption throughout the entire duration of treatment with valproate;
• the patient understands the need for regular (at least annual) review of treatment by a specialist experienced in the management of epilepsy;
• the patient understands the need to consult her physician as soon as she is planning to become pregnant to ensure timely discussion and switching to alternative treatment options prior to conception and before contraception is discontinued;
• the patient understands the need to consult her physician urgently in case of pregnancy;
• the patient has received the Patient Guide;
• the patient has acknowledged that she has understood the hazards and necessary precautions associated with valproate use (Annual Risk Acknowledgment Form).
These conditions also concern women who are not currently sexually active, unless the prescriber considers that there are compelling reasons to indicate that there is no risk of pregnancy.
Female children
• The prescribers must ensure that parents/caregivers of female children understand the need to contact the specialist once the female child using valproate experiences menarche.
• The prescriber must ensure that parents/caregivers of female children who have experienced menarche are provided with comprehensive information about the risks of congenital malformations and neuro-developmental disorders including the magnitude of these risks for children exposed to valproate in utero.
• In patients who have experienced menarche, the prescribing specialist must reassess the need for valproate therapy annually and consider alternative treatment options. If valproate is the only suitable treatment, the need to use effective contraception, along with all other conditions of the Pregnancy Prevention Program, should be discussed. Every effort should be made by the specialist to switch the female children to alternative treatment before they reach puberty or adulthood.
Pregnancy test
Pregnancy must be excluded prior to the start of treatment with valproate. Treatment with valproate must not be initiated in women of childbearing potential without a negative result from a plasma pregnancy test with a sensitivity of at least 25 mIU/mL, confirmed by a healthcare provider, to rule out unintended use in pregnancy. This pregnancy test must be repeated at regular intervals during treatment.
Contraception
Women of childbearing potential who are prescribed valproate must use effective contraception, without interruption, throughout the entire duration of the treatment with valproate. These patients must be provided with comprehensive information on pregnancy prevention and should be referred for contraceptive advice if they are not using effective contraception. At least one effective method of contraception (preferably a user-independent form such as an intra-uterine device or implant) or two complementary forms of contraception including a barrier method should be used. Individual circumstances should be evaluated in each case when choosing the contraception method, involving the patient in the discussion, to guarantee her engagement and compliance with the chosen measures. Even if the patient has amenorrhea, she must follow all of the advice on effective contraception.
Oestrogen-containing products
Concomitant use with oestrogen-containing products, including oestrogen-containing hormonal contraceptives, may potentially result in decreased valproate efficacy (see section 4.5). Prescribers should monitor clinical response (seizure control) when initiating or discontinuing oestrogen-containing products.
However, valproate does not reduce the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives.
Annual treatment reviews by a specialist
The specialist should review at least annually whether valproate is the most suitable treatment for the patient. The specialist should discuss the Annual Risk Acknowledgment Form upon initiation and at each annual review, and ensure that the patient has understood its content. The Risk Acknowledgment Form must be duly completed and signed by the prescriber and the patient (or her legal representative).
Pregnancy planning
If a woman is planning to become pregnant, a specialist experienced in the management of epilepsy must reassess valproate therapy and consider alternative treatment options. Every effort should be made to switch to appropriate alternative treatment prior to conception and before contraception is discontinued (see section 4.6). If switching is not possible, the patient should receive further advice on the risks posed by valproate to the unborn child to help her make an informed decision regarding family planning.
In case of pregnancy
If a woman using valproate becomes pregnant, she must be referred to a specialist immediately in order to re-evaluate her treatment with valproate and consider alternative options. Patients with a valproate-exposed pregnancy and their partners should be referred to a specialist experienced in teratology for evaluation and advice regarding the exposed pregnancy (see section 4.6).
Pharmacists must ensure that
• the patient card is provided each time valproate is dispensed and that patients understand its content;
• patients are advised not to stop the valproate treatment of their own accord and to contact a specialist immediately in the event of planned or suspected pregnancy.
Educational materials
In order to assist healthcare professionals and patients in avoiding exposure to valproate during pregnancy, the Marketing Authorisation Holder has provided educational materials to reinforce the warnings concerning teratogenicity (congenital malformations) and fetotoxicity (neuro-developmental disorders) of valproate and provide guidance regarding the use of valproate in women of childbearing potential and the details of the Pregnancy Prevention Programme. A Patient Guide and Patient Card should be provided to all women of childbearing potential using valproate.
An Annual Risk Acknowledgment Form needs to be used and duly completed and signed when treatment is initiated and at each annual review of valproate treatment by the specialist and the patient (or her legal representative).
Exacerbation of seizures
As with other antiepileptics, administration of valproate may, instead of improvement, lead to a reversible exacerbation of seizure frequency and severity (including status epilepticus), or the onset of a new type of seizure. Patients should be advised to consult their physician immediately if exacerbation of seizures occurs (see section
4.8). These seizures should be differentiated from those that may occur due to a pharmacokinetic interaction (see section 4.5), toxicity (liver disease or encephalopathy - see sections 4.4 and 4.8) or overdose.
Since this medicinal product is metabolised into valproic acid, it should not be combined with other medicinal products undergoing the same transformation, to avoid an overdose of valproic acid (e.g. valproate semisodium, valpromide).
Severe Liver damage
Conditions of onset
Exceptional cases of liver damage with a severe course or sometimes fatal outcome have been reported. Patients most at risk are infants and young children under the age of 3 years with severe epilepsy, particularly those with epilepsy associated with brain damage, mental retardation and/or congenital metabolic or degenerative disease. Over the age of 3, the incidence of onset is significantly reduced and gradually decreases with age.
In most cases, such liver damage has been observed during the first 6 months of treatment, usually between the 2nd and 12th week and generally during antiepileptic polytherapy.
Warning signs
Early diagnosis is based above all on clinical findings. In particular, the 2 conditions which may precede jaundice should be taken into consideration, especially in patients at risk (see “Conditions of onset”):
• firstly, non-specific symptoms, usually of sudden onset, such as asthenia, anorexia, lethargy, drowsiness, sometimes accompanied by repeated vomiting and abdominal pain,
• secondly, recurrence of epileptic seizures despite proper treatment compliance.
Patients (or their family in the case children) should be advised to consult a physician immediately, should any such signs occur. In addition to a physical examination, liver function tests should be performed immediately.
Detection
Liver function tests should be performed before therapy and regularly during the first 6 months of therapy, especially in patients at risk.
If concomitant treatments known for their liver toxicity are changed (dose increase or new treatment), liver function tests must be carried out again 1(see also section 4.5 on the risk of liver damage with salicylates, other anticonvulsants including cannabidiol).
The most relevant of the conventional investigations are tests reflecting protein synthesis and in particular, prothrombin time (PT) ratio. Confirmation of an abnormally low prothrombin time ratio, especially if accompanied by other abnormal laboratory findings (significant reduction in fibrinogen and coagulation factors, elevated bilirubin, elevated transaminase levels – see section 4.4 "Precautions for use"), requires discontinuation of treatment with this medicinal product. As a precaution, if salicylate derivatives are concomitantly prescribed they should also be discontinued, since they use the same metabolic pathway.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis with a sometimes fatal outcome has been very rarely reported. This can be observed irrespective of age and treatment duration, with young children appearing to be particularly at risk.
Pancreatitis with an unfavourable outcome is generally observed in young children or in patients with severe epilepsy, brain damage or those taking antiepileptic polytherapy.
If liver failure occurs along with pancreatitis, the risk of fatal outcome is increased.
In the event of acute abdominal pain or gastrointestinal signs such as nausea, vomiting and/or anorexia, a diagnosis of pancreatitis must be considered and, in patients with elevated pancreatic enzymes, treatment discontinued, and the necessary alternative therapeutic measures implemented.
Suicidal ideation and behaviour
Suicidal ideation and behaviour have been reported in patients treated with antiepileptics in several indications. A meta-analysis of data from randomised, placebo-controlled trials of antiepileptic drugs has also shown a slight increase in the risk of suicidal ideation and behaviour. The causes of this risk are unknown and the available data do not make it possible to rule out an increased risk with valproate.
Consequently, patients should be closely monitored for signs of suicidal ideation and behaviour, and appropriate treatment should be considered. Patients (and their caregivers) should be advised to seek medical advice should signs of suicidal ideation or behaviour emerge.
Patients with known or suspected mitochondrial disease
Valproate may trigger or worsen clinical signs of underlying mitochondrial diseases caused by mutations of mitochondrial DNA as well as the nuclear gene encoding the mitochondrial enzyme polymerase γ (POLG).
In particular, valproate-induced acute liver failure and liver-related deaths have been reported at a higher rate in patients with hereditary neurometabolic syndromes caused by mutations in the POLG gene, e.g. AlpersHuttenlocher syndrome.
POLG-related disorders should be suspected in patients with a family history or suggestive symptoms of a POLGrelated 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 (see section 4.3).
Interaction with other medicinal products
Concomitant use of this medicinal product with lamotrigine and/or penems (carbapenems) is not recommended (see section 4.5).
Cognitive or extrapyramidal disorders
Cognitive or extrapyramidal disorders may be associated with imaging findings of cerebral atrophy. This type of clinical picture can thus be mistaken for dementia or Parkinson’s disease. These disorders are reversible on treatment discontinuation (see section 4.8).
Information on the sodium content
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmoL (23 mg) sodium per 100 mg sodium valproate, i.e. essentially "sodium-free".
Information on excipients with known effect
This medicinal product is not recommended for use in patients with fructose intolerance, glucose and galactose malabsorption syndrome or sucrase/isomaltase deficiency (rare hereditary diseases).
This medicinal product contains 105 mg of sorbitol per mL. Patients with hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) should not take this medicinal product.
This medicinal product contains parahydroxybenzoate and may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).
Precautions for use
Liver function tests should be performed before therapy (see section 4.3) and then periodically during the first 6 months, especially in patients at risk (see section 4.4 "Severe liver damage - Detection").
It should be emphasised that, as with most antiepileptic drugs, a moderate, transient and isolated increase in transaminase levels may be noted without any clinical signs, particularly at the start of treatment.
Should this occur, it is recommended that a more complete laboratory workup be performed; an adjustment to the dosage may be considered when appropriate and tests should be repeated based on changes in the parameters.
Blood tests (complete blood count, including platelets, bleeding time and coagulation parameters) are recommended prior to treatment, then after 15 days and at the end of treatment, and also before any surgery, and in case of spontaneous haematomas or bleeding (see section 4.8).
In patients with renal failure, elevated circulating valproic acid concentrations in the blood should be taken into account, and the dosage reduced accordingly.
This medicinal product is contraindicated in patients with urea cycle enzyme deficiencies. A few cases of hyperammonaemia with stupor or coma have been described in these patients (see section 4.3).
Although it is recognised that this medicinal product only causes immunological disturbances in exceptional cases, the benefit/risk ratio should be weighed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Patients should be informed when initiating treatment of the risk of weight gain and of the appropriate measures, mainly dietary, to be adopted to minimise the risk.
Since valproate is excreted mainly in the urine, partly in the form of ketone bodies, tests for ketonuria may give false positive results in diabetic patients.
Patients with carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) type II deficiency should be warned of the increased risk of rhabdomyolysis when taking valproate.
Alcohol intake is not recommended while taking Depakine.
Children
Monotherapy is recommended in children under the age of 3 years when prescribing valproate, but the potential benefit should be weighed against the risk of liver damage or pancreatitis in such patients prior to initiation of therapy (see section 4.4 "Severe liver damage" and also section 4.5).
The simultaneous prescription of salicylates should be avoided in children under 3 years due to the risk of hepatotoxicity (see also section 4.4) and the risk of bleeding.
In children with a history of unexplained hepatic and gastrointestinal disorders (anorexia, vomiting, acute episodes of cytolysis), episodes of lethargy or coma, mental retardation or with a family history of neonatal or infant death, metabolic tests and, in particular, fasting and post-prandial blood ammonia tests must be performed prior to any valproate treatment.

Contraindicated combinations
+ St John's Wort
There is a risk of decreased plasma concentrations and reduced efficacy of the anticonvulsant.
Inadvisable combinations
+ Lamotrigine
There is a higher risk of serious skin reactions (Lyell syndrome).
Furthermore, an increase in lamotrigine plasma concentrations may occur (decreased hepatic metabolism by sodium valproate).
If the combination proves necessary, close clinical monitoring is required.
+ Penems (carbapenems)
There is a risk of seizures due to a rapid decrease in valproic acid plasma concentrations, which may become undetectable.
Co-administration of valproic acid and carbapenems has led to decreases in plasma concentrations of valproic acid of approximately 60 to 100% in around two days. Due to the rapid onset and the extent of the decreased plasma concentrations, simultaneous administration of carbapenems in patients stabilised on valproic acid who cannot be monitored should therefore be avoided (see section 4.4).
Combinations requiring precautions for use
+ Acetazolamide
Increased hyperammonaemia with increased risk of encephalopathy may occur.
Regular monitoring of clinical and laboratory parameters is required.
+ Aztreonam
There is a risk of seizures due to a decrease in valproic acid plasma concentrations.
Clinical monitoring, plasma assays and possible dose adjustment of the anticonvulsant are required during treatment with the anti-infective agent and after its discontinuation.
+ Carbamazepine
Increased plasma concentrations of the active metabolite of carbamazepine may occur, with signs of overdose. In addition, reduced valproic acid plasma concentrations may occur due to its increased hepatic metabolism by carbamazepine.
Clinical monitoring, plasma assays and dose adjustment of both anticonvulsants are required.
+ Felbamate
Increased serum valproic acid concentrations may occur, with a risk of overdose.
Clinical monitoring and monitoring of laboratory parameters and possible valproate dose adjustment are required during treatment with felbamate and after its discontinuation.
+ Oestrogen-containing products, including oestrogen-containing hormonal contraceptives
Oestrogens are inducers of the UDP-glucuronosyl transferase (UGT) isoforms involved in valproate glucuronidation and may increase valproate clearance, which in turn may cause a decrease in serum valproate concentrations and potentially reduce valproate efficacy (see section 4.4). Consider monitoring valproate serum levels.
Conversely, valproate has no enzyme-inducing effect; as a consequence, valproate does not reduce the efficacy of oestrogen-progestogen hormonal contraception in women.
+ Metamizole
Metamizole may decrease valproate serum levels when co-administered, which may result in potentially decreased valproate clinical efficacy.
Prescribers should monitor clinical response (seizure control or mood control) and consider monitoring valproate serum levels as appropriate.
+ Nimodipine (oral route and, by extrapolation, by injection)
There is a risk of a 50% increase in plasma nimodipine concentrations. Consequently, nimodipine dose reduction is necessary in hypotensive patients.
+ Phenobarbital, and by extrapolation primidone
Increased hyperammonaemia with increased risk of encephalopathy may occur.
Regular monitoring of clinical and laboratory parameters is required.
+ Phenytoin, and by extrapolation fosphenytoin
Increased hyperammonaemia with increased risk of encephalopathy may occur.
Regular monitoring of clinical and laboratory parameters is required.
+ Propofol
A possible increase in propofol blood levels may occur. When coadministered with valproate, a reduction in propofol dose should be considered.
+ Rifampicin
There is a risk of seizures due to increased hepatic metabolism of valproate by rifampicin.
Clinical monitoring and monitoring of laboratory parameters and possible anticonvulsant dose adjustment are required during treatment with rifampicin and after its discontinuation.
+ Rufinamide
A possible increase in rufinamide concentrations may occur, in particular in children weighing less than 30 kg. In children weighing less than 30 kg: the total dose of 600 mg/day after dose titration should not be exceeded.
+ Topiramate
Increased hyperammonaemia with increased risk of encephalopathy may occur.
Regular monitoring of clinical and laboratory parameters is required.
+ Zidovudine
There is a risk of increased adverse effects of zidovudine, particularly haematological effects, due to a decrease in its metabolism by valproic acid.
Regular monitoring of clinical and laboratory parameters is required. A blood count should be performed to test for anaemia during the first 2 months of the combination.
+ Zonisamide
Increased hyperammonaemia with increased risk of encephalopathy may occur.
Regular monitoring of clinical and laboratory parameters is required.
Other forms of interaction
+ Lithium
Depakine has no effect on serum lithium levels.
+ Risk of liver damage
The concomitant use of salicylates should be avoided in children under 3 years due to the risk of liver toxicity (see section 4.4).
Concomitant use of valproate and other anticonvulsants increases the risk of liver damage, especially in young children (see section 4.4).
Concomitant use with cannabidiol increases the incidence of raised transaminases. In patients of all ages receiving concomitantly cannabidiol at doses of 10 to 25 mg/kg and valproate, clinical trials have reported ALT increases greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal in 19% of patients. Appropriate liver monitoring should be exercised when valproate is used concomitantly with other anticonvulsants with potential hepatotoxicity, including cannabidiol. Dose reductions or therapy cessation should be considered in case of significant anomalies of liver parameters (see section 4.4).
 

Valproate is contraindicated (see sections 4.3 and 4.4):
• during pregnancy unless there is no suitable alternative treatment.
• in women of childbearing potential, unless the conditions of the Pregnancy Prevention Programme are fulfilled.
Pregnancy
Teratogenicity and neuro-developmental effects
Both valproate monotherapy and valproate polytherapy including other antiepileptics are frequently associated with abnormal pregnancy outcomes. Available data show an increased risk of major congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental disorders in both valproate monotherapy and polytherapy compared to the population not exposed to valproate. Valproate was shown to cross the placental barrier both in animal species and in humans (see section 5.2). In animals, teratogenic effects have been demonstrated in mice, rats and rabbits (see section 5.3).
• Congenital malformations
A meta-analysis (including registries and cohort studies) showed that about 11% of children of epileptic women exposed to valproate monotherapy during pregnancy had major congenital malformations. This is greater than the risk of major malformations in the general population (about 2-3%).
The risk of major congenital malformations in children after in utero exposure to anti-epileptic polytherapy including valproate is higher than that of anti-epileptic drugs polytherapy not including valproate.
This risk is dose-dependent in valproate monotherapy, and available data suggest it is dose-dependent in valproate polytherapy. However, a threshold dose below which no risk exists cannot be established.
Available data show an increased incidence of minor and major malformations. The most common types of malformations include neural tube defects (approximately 2-3%), facial dysmorphism, cleft lip and palate, craniostenosis, cardiac, renal and urogenital defects (in particular, hypospadias), limb defects (including bilateral aplasia of the radius), and multiple anomalies involving various body systems.
In utero exposure to valproate may also result in hearing impairment or deafness due to ear and/or nose malformations (side effect) and/or to direct toxicity to hearing. Cases describe both unilateral and bilateral deafness or hearing impairment. Outcomes were not reported for all cases. When outcomes were reported, the majority of the cases had not resolved.
In utero exposure to valproate may result in congenital eye disorders (including coloboma and microphthalmia), which were reported in association with other congenital anomalies. These congenital eye disorders may affect visual ability.
• Neuro-developmental disorders
Studies have shown that exposure to valproate in utero increases the risk of neuro-developmental disorders in exposed children. The risk of neurodevelopmental disorders (including that of autism) seems to be dosedependent when valproate is used in monotherapy but a threshold dose below which no risk exists, cannot be established based on available data.
When valproate is administered in polytherapy with other anti-epileptic drugs during pregnancy, the risks of neurodevelopment disorders in the offspring were also significantly increased as compared with those in children from general population or born to untreated epileptic mothers.
The period of risk for these effects is uncertain and the possibility of a risk throughout the entire pregnancy cannot be excluded.
When valproate is administered in monotherapy, studies in pre-school children exposed in utero to valproate show that up to 30-40% experience delays in their early development such as talking and walking later, lower intellectual abilities, poor language skills (speaking and understanding) and memory problems.
Intelligence quotient (IQ) measured in school-aged children (aged 6) with a history of valproate exposure in utero was on average 7-10 points lower than those children exposed to other antiepileptics. Although the role of confounding factors cannot be excluded, there is evidence in children exposed to valproate in utero that the decrease in IQ may be independent of maternal IQ. There are limited data on the long-term outcomes.
Available data from a population-based study show that children exposed to valproate in utero are at increased risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (approximately 3-fold) and childhood autism (approximately 5-fold) compared with the unexposed study population.
The data available from another population-based study show that children exposed to valproate in utero have an increased risk of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (approximately 1.5 times more frequent) compared with the unexposed study population.
Women of childbearing potential
Depakine should not be used in women of childbearing potential unless other treatments are ineffective or not tolerated. If no other treatment is possible, Depakine can only be initiated if the Pregnancy Prevention Programme is complied with (see section 4.4), in particular:
• the patient is not pregnant (negative plasma pregnancy test with a sensitivity of at least 25 mIU/mL at the start of treatment and at regular intervals during treatment);
• the patient is using at least one effective method of contraception;
• and the patient is informed of the risks associated with using valproate during pregnancy.
In women of childbearing potential, the benefit-risk balance must be carefully re-evaluated at regular intervals during treatment (at least annually).
Medicinal products containing oestrogen
Oestrogen-containing medicinal products, including oestrogen-containing hormonal contraceptives, may increase valproate clearance, which may result in decreased serum concentration of valproate and potentially decreased valproate efficacy (see sections 4.4 and 4.5).
If a woman is planning a pregnancy
If a woman is planning to become pregnant, a specialist experienced in the management of epilepsy, must reassess valproate therapy and consider alternative treatment options. Every effort should be made to switch to appropriate alternative treatment prior to conception, and before contraception is discontinued (see section 4.4). If switching is not possible, the patient should receive further advice on the risks posed by valproate to the unborn child to help her make an informed decision regarding family planning.
Folate supplementation before pregnancy and at the beginning of pregnancy may decrease the risk of neural tube defects common to all pregnancies. However, the available evidence does not suggest it prevents the birth defects or malformations due to valproate exposure.
Pregnant women
Valproate as treatment for epilepsy is contraindicated in pregnancy unless there is no suitable alternative treatment (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).
If a woman using valproate becomes pregnant, she must be referred to a specialist immediately to consider alternative treatment options. During pregnancy, maternal tonic-clonic seizures and status epilepticus with hypoxia may carry a particular risk of serious or even fatal consequences for the mother and the unborn child.
If, despite the known risks of valproate in pregnancy and after careful consideration of alternative treatment, in exceptional circumstances a pregnant woman must receive valproate for epilepsy:
• the lowest effective dose must be used
• the daily dose of valproate should be divided into several small doses to be taken throughout the day. The use of a prolonged-release formulation may be preferable to other treatment formulations in order to avoid high peak plasma concentrations (see section 4.2).
All patients with a valproate-exposed pregnancy and their partners should be referred to a specialist experienced in teratology for evaluation and advice regarding the exposed pregnancy:
• specialised prenatal monitoring should take place to detect the possible occurrence of neural tube defects or other malformations.
Before delivery:
Coagulation tests should be performed in the mother before delivery, including in particular a platelet count, fibrinogen levels and coagulation time (activated partial thromboplastin time: aPTT).
Risk in the neonate
• Cases of haemorrhagic syndrome have been reported very rarely in neonates whose mothers have taken valproate during pregnancy. This haemorrhagic syndrome is related to thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinogenemia and/or to a decrease in other coagulation factors. Afibrinogenemia has also been reported and may be fatal. However, this syndrome must be distinguished from the vitamin K factor deficiency induced by phenobarbital and enzymatic inducers. Normal haemostasis test results in the mother do not make it possible to rule out haemostasis abnormalities in the neonate. Therefore, platelet count, fibrinogen plasma level, coagulation tests and coagulation factors should be investigated in neonates at birth.
• Cases of hypoglycaemia have been reported in neonates whose mothers have taken valproate during the third trimester of their pregnancy.
• Cases of hypothyroidism have been reported in neonates whose mothers have taken valproate during pregnancy.
• Withdrawal syndrome (in particular, agitation, irritability, hyper-excitability, jitteriness, hyperkinesia, tonicity disorders, tremor, convulsions and feeding disorders) may occur in neonates whose mothers have taken valproate during the last trimester of their pregnancy.
Post-natal monitoring/monitoring of children
Close monitoring of neuro-developmental behaviour must be implemented in children exposed to valproate during pregnancy and suitable treatment initiated as early as possible if necessary.
Breast-feeding
Valproate is excreted in human milk with a concentration ranging from 1% to 10% of maternal serum levels. Haematological disorders have been observed in breast-fed newborns/infants of treated women (see section 4.8).
A decision must be made on whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from Depakine therapy, taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.
Fertility
Amenorrhoea, polycystic ovaries and increased testosterone levels have been reported in women treated with valproate (see section 4.8). In men, the administration of valproate may also impair fertility (reduced sperm motility in particular) (see section 4.8). In some cases, these fertility disorders are reversible after discontinuing treatment for at least 3 months. In a limited number of cases, it was reported that a significant reduction in dosage can improve fertility. However, in other cases, the reversibility of this male infertility is not known.

The attention of patients, particularly those who drive or use machines, must be drawn to the risk of drowsiness, especially in patients receiving anticonvulsant polytherapy or concomitant administration with other medicinal products that may increase drowsiness.

Classification of expected frequencies:
Very common (≥ 10%); common (≥ 1% to < 10%); uncommon (≥ 0.1% to < 1%); rare (≥ 0.01% to < 0.1%); very rare (< 0.01%); not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Congenital, familial and genetic disorders
• Congenital malformations and neuro-developmental disorders (see sections 4.4 and 4.6).
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
• Common: anaemia, thrombocytopenia.
Cases of dose-dependent thrombocytopenia have been reported, generally discovered systematically and without any clinical repercussions.
In patients with asymptomatic thrombocytopenia, if possible, given the platelet level and control of the disease, simply reducing the dose of this medicinal product usually leads to resolution of thrombocytopenia.
• Uncommon: leukopenia, pancytopenia.
• Rare: bone marrow aplasia or pure red cell aplasia, agranulocytosis, macrocytic anaemia, macrocytosis. Investigations
• Common: weight gain*.
• Rare: decrease in at least one coagulation factor, abnormal coagulation tests (such as prolonged prothrombin time, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, prolonged thrombin time, increased INR) (see sections 4.4 and 4.6), vitamin B8 (biotin) deficiency/biotinidase deficiency.
*as weight gain is a risk factor for polycystic ovary syndrome, patient weight must be carefully monitored (see section 4.4).
Nervous system disorders
• Very common: tremor
• Common: extrapyramidal disorders**, stupor*, sedation, seizures*, memory impairment, headache, nystagmus, nausea or dizziness.
• Uncommon: coma*, encephalopathy*, lethargy*, reversible parkinsonism**, ataxia, paraesthesia
• Rare: diplopia, cognitive disturbances of insidious and progressive onset (which may progress as far as complete dementia) and which are reversible a few weeks to a few months following treatment withdrawal**
*Cases of stupor and lethargy, sometimes leading to transient coma (encephalopathy), have been observed with valproate, regressing on treatment withdrawal or dose reduction. These cases mostly occurred during combined therapy (in particular with phenobarbital or topiramate) or after a sudden increase in valproate doses.
**These symptoms may be associated with imaging findings of cerebral atrophy.
Ear and labyrinth disorders
• Common: hearing loss.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
• Uncommon: pleural effusion.
Gastrointestinal disorders
• Very common: nausea.
• Common: vomiting, gingival disorders (mainly gingival hyperplasia), stomatitis, upper abdominal pain, diarrhoea that may occur in some patients at the start of treatment, but that generally resolves after a few days without discontinuation of treatment.
• Uncommon: pancreatitis with possibly fatal outcome requiring early treatment withdrawal (see section 4.4). Renal and urinary disorders
• Common: urinary incontinence.
• Uncommon: renal failure.
• Rare: enuresis, tubulointerstitial nephritis, reversible Fanconi syndrome.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
• Common: transient and/or dose-related hair loss, nail and nail bed disorders.
• Uncommon: angioedema, skin reactions, hair disorders (such as abnormal hair texture, hair colour changes, abnormal hair growth).
• Rare: Lyell syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, DRESS syndrome (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) or drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome.
Endocrine disorders
• Uncommon: inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion syndrome (IADHS), hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, virilism, acne, androgenetic alopecia and/or increase in androgen hormone levels).
• Rare: hypothyroidism (see section 4.6).
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
• Common: hyponatremia.
• Rare: hyperammonaemia* (see section 4.4), obesity.
*Isolated, moderate hyperammonaemia with no change in liver function tests may be observed, especially during polytherapy, and does not warrant treatment discontinuation.
However, cases of hyperammonaemia associated with neurological symptoms (which may progress to coma) have also been reported, and require additional investigations (see section 4.4).
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl. cysts and polyps)
• Rare: myelodysplastic syndrome.
Vascular disorders
• Common: haemorrhage (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).
• Uncommon: cutaneous vasculitis, mainly leukocytoclastic vasculitis.
General disorders and administration site conditions
• Uncommon: hypothermia, non-severe peripheral oedema.
Hepatobiliary disorders
• Common: liver disorders (see section 4.4).
Reproductive system and breast disorders
• Common: menstrual irregularities.
• Uncommon: amenorrhoea.
• Rare: male infertility (see section 4.6), polycystic ovaries.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
• Uncommon: decreased bone mineral density, osteopenia, osteoporosis and fractures in patients receiving long-term treatment with Depakine. The mechanism of action of Depakine on bone metabolism is not known.
• Rare: acute systemic lupus erythematosus (see section 4.4), rhabdomyolysis (see section 4.4).
*These effects are mainly observed in children.
Psychiatric disorders
• Common: confusional state, hallucinations, aggressiveness*, agitation*, attention disorders*.
• Rare: abnormal behaviour, psychomotor hyperactivity, learning disabilities*.
*These effects are mainly observed in children.
Paediatric population
The safety profile of valproate in the paediatric population is comparable to adults, but some ADRs are more severe or principally observed in the paediatric population. There is a particular risk of severe liver damage in infants and young children especially under the age of 3 years. Young children are also at particular risk of pancreatitis. These risks decrease with increasing age (see section 4.4). Psychiatric disorders such as aggression, agitation, disturbance in attention, abnormal behaviour, psychomotor hyperactivity and learning disorder are principally observed in the paediatric population.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
To report any side effect(s):
• Saudi Arabia:
- The National Pharmacovigilance and Drug Safety Centre (NPC)
• SFDA call center : 19999
• E-mail: npc.drug@sfda.gov.sa
• Website: https://ade.sfda.gov.sa/
• Sanofi- Pharmacovigilance: KSA_Pharmacovigilance@sanofi.com

The clinical signs of massive acute poisoning usually include a calm coma, which may be more or less deep, with muscle hypotonia, hyporeflexia, miosis, reduced respiratory autonomy, metabolic acidosis, hypotension and circulatory collapse/shock.
A few cases of intracranial hypertension related to cerebral oedema have been described.
Patient management in a hospital setting includes: gastric lavage if indicated, maintenance of effective diuresis, cardiorespiratory monitoring. In very serious cases, extra-renal purification may be performed if necessary.
The prognosis for such poisoning is generally favourable. However, a few deaths have been reported.
In the event of overdose, the sodium content in formulations containing valproate can lead to hypernatremia.
 

Pharmacotherapeutic group: ANTIEPILEPTICS, ATC code: N03AG01.
Valproate is pharmacologically active primarily on the central nervous system.
It has an anticonvulsant effect on a very wide range of seizures in animals and epilepsy in humans.
Experimental and clinical studies on valproate suggest two types of anticonvulsant effect.
The first is a direct pharmacological effect related to valproate concentrations in the plasma and the brain.
The second appears to be indirect and is probably related to the metabolites of valproate, which remain in the brain, or to changes in neurotransmitters or direct membrane effects. The most widely accepted hypothesis is that of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, which increase following valproate administration.
Valproate reduces the duration of intermediate stages of sleep, with a concomitant increase in slow sleep.

The various pharmacokinetic studies conducted on valproate have shown that:
• The bioavailability in the blood following oral administration is close to 100%.
• The volume of distribution is mainly limited to the blood and to rapid-exchange extracellular fluid. Valproate circulates in the CSF and in the brain.
• Placental transfer (see section 4.6):
Valproate crosses the placental barrier in animals and in humans:
o in animals, valproate crosses the placenta in a similar manner to humans,
o in humans, several publications have assessed the concentration of valproate in the umbilical cord of neonates at delivery. Valproate serum concentration in the umbilical cord, representing foetal valproate serum concentration, was similar to or slightly higher than in the mothers.
• The half-life is 15 to 17 hours.
• Therapeutic efficacy usually requires a minimum serum concentration of 40 to 50 mg/L, with a wide range from 40 to 100 mg/L. If higher plasma levels prove necessary, the expected benefits must be weighed against the risk of occurrence of adverse effects, particularly dose-dependent effects. However, levels remaining above 150 mg/L require a dose reduction.
• The steady-state plasma concentration is reached in 3 to 4 days.
• Valproate is highly protein-bound. Protein binding is dose-dependent and saturable.
• The major metabolic pathway of valproate is glucuronidation (approximately 40%), mainly via UGT1A6, UGT1A9 and UGT2B7.
• Valproate is excreted mainly in the urine, following metabolisation by glucuronidation and beta-oxidation.
• Valproate can be dialysed, but haemodialysis only affects the free fraction of blood valproate (approximately 10%).
Valproate does not induce enzymes involved in the metabolic system of cytochrome P 450. In contrast with most other antiepileptics, it therefore does not accelerate its own degradation or that of other substances, such as oestrogen-progestogens and antivitamin K anticoagulants.
Paediatric population
Above the age of 10 years, children and adolescents have valproate clearances similar to those reported in adults. In paediatric patients below the age of 10 years, the systemic clearance of valproate varies with age. In neonates and infants up to 2 months of age, valproate clearance is decreased when compared to adults and is lowest directly after birth. In a review of the scientific literature, valproate half-life in infants under two months showed considerable variability ranging from 1 to 67 hours.
In children aged 2-10 years, valproate clearance is 50% higher than in adults.

 

Valproate does not induce enzymes involved in the metabolic system of cytochrome P 450 in contrast with most other antiepileptics. It therefore does not accelerate its own degradation or that of other substances, such as estrogen-progestogens and oral anticoagulants.

Animal studies show that valproate exposure in utero results in physical and functional changes in the auditory systems of rats and mice.
In vitro, valproate was neither mutagenic in bacteria, nor in mouse lymphoma assays and did not induce DNA repair in primary rat hepatocyte cultures. In vivo, however, contradictory results were obtained at teratogenic doses depending on the route of administration After oral administration, the predominant route of administration in humans, valproate did not induce chromosomal aberrations in rat bone marrow or major lethal effects in mice. Intraperitoneal injection of valproate increased the number of DNA strand breaks and chromosomal aberrations in rodents. In addition, increased sister-chromatid exchanges in epileptic patients exposed to valproate as compared with untreated healthy subjects have been reported in published studies. However, conflicting results were obtained when comparing data in epileptic patients treated with valproate with those in untreated epileptic patients. The clinical relevance of these DNA/chromosome findings is unknown.
Non-clinical data from conventional carcinogenicity studies reveal no particular hazard for humans.
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Reproductive toxicity
Valproate induced teratogenic effects (malformations of multiple organ systems) in mice, rats and rabbits.
Behavioural abnormalities have been reported in first generation offspring of mice and rats after in utero exposure. Some behavioural changes have also been observed in the second generation and those were less pronounced in the third generation of mice following acute in utero exposure of the first generation to teratogenic valproate doses. The underlying mechanisms and the clinical relevance of these findings are not known.
In repeated dose toxicity studies, testicular degeneration/atrophy, abnormal spermatogenesis and a decrease in testes weight were reported in adult rats and dogs after oral administration starting at doses of 1 250 mg/kg/day and 150 mg/kg/day, respectively.
In juvenile rats, the decrease in testes weight was only observed at doses exceeding the maximum tolerated dose (from 240 mg/kg/day by intraperitoneal or intravenous route) and with no associated histopathological changes. No effects on the male reproductive organs were noted at tolerated doses (up to 90 mg/kg/day). Based on these data, juvenile animals were not considered to be more susceptible than adults to testicular disorders. Relevance of the testicular findings to paediatric population is unknown.
In a fertility study in rats, valproate administration at doses up to 350 mg/kg/day did not alter male reproductive performance. However, male infertility has been identified as adverse reactions in humans (see sections 4.6 and 4.8).

Methyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, sucrose, 70 per cent sorbitol solution, glycerol, artificial cherry flavour, concentrated hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, purified water.
Composition of the artificial cherry flavour: benzaldehyde, isoamyl alcohol, isoamyl butyrate, isoamyl acetate, cinnamic aldehyde, isoamyl propionate, ethyl butyrate, partially deterpenated orange oil.

Not applicable.

• Before opening: 2 years. • After opening: 1 month at a temperature not exceeding 25°C.

Before opening: Do not store above 25°C.
For storage conditions after first opening, see section 6.3.

150 mL (amber glass) bottles with an (LDPE/polystyrene) oral syringe.
150 mL (amber PVC) bottles with an (LDPE/polystyrene) oral syringe.

No special requirements.
To open the bottle, press down and turn the child-proof safety cap. The bottle must be closed after each use.
The use of the syringe for oral administration supplied in the box is strictly reserved for the administration of Depakine 57.64 mg/mL syrup.