Answers to frequently asked questions about Episenta®

(Prolonged release sodium valproate) for

patients prescribed this treatment

This information is not a substitute for your

Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). For full details about Episenta®,

please consult your PIL.

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Your doctor or nurse has prescribed Episenta® for you

This leaflet will give much of the information you need. You should also read the more detailed information in the pack of medicine. If you have any more questions, contact your Doctor, specialist Epilepsy Nurse or Pharmacist.

What is Episenta®?

Episenta® mini-tablets contain sodium valproate, which is widely used to help control seizures in people with epilepsy. It can be taken by both adults and children.

It consists of tiny white mini-tablets packed in a capsule or a sachet, depending on the dose. The mini-tablets are designed to pass through the body, slowly releasing the drug as they go.

How do I take Episenta®?

Your doctor or nurse will tell you your correct dose – check with them if you are unsure.

Capsules (150mg and 300mg) can be swallowed whole with a cold drink. If you prefer you can open the capsule by holding the transparent part at the bottom and removing the coloured half from the top and then sprinkle the mini-tablets into a cold drink or soft food such as yoghurt. Swallow immediately without chewing and make sure no mini-tablets are left behind.

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Sachets (500mg and 1000mg) can be opened by tearing or cutting off the top and you can then sprinkle the mini-tablets into a cold drink or soft food. Swallow immediately without chewing.

If the mini-tablets are sprinkled onto a carbonated drink then this has the advantage that the mini-tablets float, so they can be easier to swallow and easier to see when they are all gone.

Sprinkle the mini-tablets immediately before use – do not mix in advance. Do not put the mini-tablets into a baby’s bottle or down a feeding tube as this could cause a blockage. Also remember – the sodium valproate is contained in the Episenta® mini-tablets, and released as they pass through the body. It is normal to see the empty mini-tablets in the stools, and this does not mean that the medicine has not been absorbed properly.

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When should I take Episenta®?

For Episenta® to work properly it is important that you take it regularly as advised by your doctor or nurse. Episenta® can be taken once a day, or in two divided doses at a time that is convenient for you to remember. It is important to take it at about the same time every day. You may find a dose at bedtime to be most convenient.

It can be taken before, with, or after meals.

Do not stop taking Episenta® without talking to your doctor or nurse.

What if I forget a dose, or take too much?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 2 hours take the missed dose now and do not take the next one. Do not take a double dose.

If you take too much, or someone else takes your Episenta®, contact your GP or Accident and Emergency Department straight away.

How should I store Episenta®?

The Episenta® capsules can absorb water from the air if left out, so they should be stored in the original container with the lid shut tight. The lid contains a special drying agent to help keep the capsules in the best condition.

The sachets keep Episenta® in good condition protected from humidity whilst sealed and they have the advantage that they can easily be carried around with you in a pocket, handbag or wallet.

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Episenta® should be kept out of the sight and reach of children, should be stored below 30°C and should be used prior to the expiry date indicated on the pack.

Before you start to take Episenta®

You should talk to your doctor about any other medical conditions or allergies that you have and make sure that the doctor knows about any other medicines that you are taking, including herbal or over the counter medicines.

A full list of conditions to discuss with your doctor can be found in the pack insert. It is very important that women of child-bearing age, those who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or who are breastfeeding should discuss this with the doctor. Please read the pack insert for more information.

Side-effects

All medicines can produce side-effects, but not all people get them. Some can improve with time and they normally resolve if the medicine is stopped. The medication is usually started at a low dose to help prevent side-effects, and gradually increased if seizures continue. Possible effects are listed in the pack insert. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you are concerned, but do not stop taking your Episenta®.

Nausea, mild stomach ache or diarrhoea can occur frequently, especially when starting treatment. A temporary hair loss sometimes occurs and the hair may become curlier when it re-grows.

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Some side-effects occur rarely or very rarely but may be more serious, and you should tell your doctor immediately if you suddenly feel ill, especially in the first six months. These may include:

• Repeated vomiting, stomach pain, nausea, dislike of usual food, loss of appetite

• Extreme tiredness, drowsiness, weakness

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)

• Swelling of the feet, legs or eyelids, bruising, nosebleed

• Severe pain in the abdomen and back, with nausea and vomiting

• Blistering of the skin, mouth, eyes or genitals

• Worsening of your epilepsy

Anything else I need to know?

The Patient Information Leaflet which comes with the medicine contains more information. Please read it carefully as it contains important information.

Talk to your Epilepsy Nurse or Doctor about anything that concerns you, and remember, they are there to help you.

It can be very useful to keep a record of your seizures, particularly when you start a new drug – ask your nurse for a special diary.

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UK/EP/12/0028 Date of preparation: February 2013.

You can find out more about epilepsy from:

Epilepsy Action

• Helpline: 0808 800 5050

• www.epilepsy.org.uk

Epilepsy Society

• Helpline: 01494 601 400

• www.epilepsysociety.org.uk

Leaflet produced by Desitin Pharma Ltd. For further supplies of this leaflet please telephone 01483 246455 or email MedInfo@desitin.co.uk

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