Valproate Winthrop®
| Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary |
The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
| 1. Why am I using Valproate Winthrop? |
Valproate Winthrop contains the active ingredient sodium valproate. Valproate Winthrop is used to treat epilepsy in adults and children.
For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using Valproate Winthrop? in the full CMI.
| 2. What should I know before I use Valproate Winthrop? |
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Valproate Winthrop or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use Valproate Winthrop? in the full CMI.
| 3. What if I am taking other medicines? |
Some medicines may interfere with Valproate Winthrop and affect how it works.
A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.
| 4. How do I use Valproate Winthrop? |
- Your doctor will tell you how much to take. This may depend on your age, your condition and whether or not you are taking any other medicines.
More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use Valproate Winthrop? in the full CMI.
| 5. What should I know while using Valproate Winthrop? |
| Things you should do |
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| Things you should not do |
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| Driving or using machines |
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| Drinking alcohol |
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| Looking after your medicine |
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For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using Valproate Winthrop? in the full CMI.
| 6. Are there any side effects? |
All medicines have some unwanted side effects. Mostly these are mild and short-lived. Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Valproate Winthrop.
Tell your doctor immediately or go to the Accident and Emergency department of your nearest hospital if you have any thoughts of harming yourself or committing suicide.
For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
Valproate Winthrop®
Active ingredient: sodium valproate
| Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) |
This leaflet provides important information about using Valproate Winthrop. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using Valproate Winthrop.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using Valproate Winthrop?
2. What should I know before I use Valproate Winthrop?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use Valproate Winthrop?
5. What should I know while using Valproate Winthrop?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details
| 1. Why am I using Valproate Winthrop? |
Valproate Winthrop contains the active ingredient sodium valproate. Valproate Winthrop belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants.
Valproate Winthrop is used to treat epilepsy in adults and children.
Epilepsy is a condition where you have repeated seizures (fits). There are many different types of seizures, ranging from mild to severe. These medicines are thought to work by controlling brain chemicals which send signals to nerves so that seizures do not happen.
Valproate Winthrop may also be used to control mania, a mental condition with episodes of overactivity, elation or irritability. Valproate Winthrop may be used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat your condition. Your doctor, however, may have prescribed Valproate Winthrop for another reason.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why it has been prescribed for you.
There is no evidence that Valproate Winthrop is addictive.
This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.
| 2. What should I know before I use Valproate Winthrop? |
Warnings
Do not use Valproate Winthrop if:
- you are allergic to sodium valproate, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine. - you have or have had any of the following medical conditions:
- liver disease (hepatic dysfunction) or severe hepatitis.
- a family history of hepatitis, especially when caused by medicines. Medicines used in the treatment of epilepsy, including Valproate Winthrop may have adverse effects on the liver and the kidneys
- a urea cycle disorder or a family history of urea cycle disorders.
- a family history of unexplained infant deaths.
- porphyria which is a rare blood disease of blood pigments.
- known ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency or a family history of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency.
- known or suspected of having a genetic problem causing a mitochondrial disorder.
- you are pregnant, unless your doctor has determined no alternative treatment works for you.
Check with your doctor if you:
- have any other medical conditions, especially the following:
- liver problems (hepatic insufficiency, hepatic damage)
- kidney problems
- urea cycle disorders
- ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency
- an inborn deficiency in carnitine (a very rare metabolic disease) that is untreated, also called carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) type II deficiency
- an inborn deficiency in carnitine and are taking carnitine
- have impaired dietary intake in carnitine, found in meat and dairy products, especially in children less than 10 years old
- systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (a disease affecting the skin, joints and kidneys)
- family history of a genetic problem causing mitochondrial disorder - take any medicines for any other condition
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you take Valproate Winthrop.
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
You must not use Valproate Winthrop if you are pregnant, unless your doctor has determined that no alternative treatment works for you.
If you are a girl or woman of childbearing age, make sure that you talk to your doctor about the risks associated with taking Valproate Winthrop during pregnancy.
You must not take Valproate Winthrop unless you use an effective method of birth control (contraception) at all times during your treatment with Valproate Winthrop. Do not stop taking Valproate Winthrop or your contraception until you have discussed this with your doctor. Your doctor will advise you further.
If you are a parent or carer, tell your doctor when your child using Valproate Winthrop experiences her first period.
Valproate Winthrop can be harmful to unborn children when taken by a woman during pregnancy. It can cause serious birth defects and can affect physical and mental development of the child as it grows after birth. Also, children born to mothers who take Valproate Winthrop throughout their pregnancy may be at risk of impaired cognitive development or withdrawal syndrome. However, do not stop taking Valproate Winthrop unless your doctor says so as there are risks to the mother and child from uncontrolled epilepsy or uncontrolled mania episodes.
Your doctor may want to adapt your treatment and/or prescribe dietary supplements of folate.
Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking it if you are pregnant including when valproate is used in combination with other medicines to treat epilepsy.
What do I need to consider about contraception?
Use an effective method of contraception and consult your doctor before planning pregnancy.
Valproate Winthrop can seriously harm an unborn child when taken during pregnancy. If you are a girl or woman of childbearing age, you must use at least one effective method of birth control (contraception) without interruption during your entire treatment with Valproate Winthrop. Your doctor should discuss with you the most appropriate method of contraception for you.
Valproate Winthrop should have little effect on the oral contraceptive pill, however, you should let your doctor know that you are taking it.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Medicines used in the treatment of epilepsy, including Valproate Winthrop, pass into breast milk. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking Valproate Winthrop if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
| 3. What if I am taking other medicines? |
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may interfere with Valproate Winthrop and affect how it works. These include:
- aspirin (and other salicylates)
- medicines used to prevent clots (anticoagulants) e.g. warfarin.
- other medicines used to treat epilepsy e.g. phenobarbital (phenobarbitone), methylphenobarbitone, primidone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, clonazepam, felbamate, lamotrigine, topiramate, diazepam, lorazepam, oxcarbamazepine, rifunamide and ethosuximide
- medicines used to treat depression e.g. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants
- benzodiazepines (medicines used as sedatives or to treat anxiety)
- oral contraceptives. Valproate Winthrop should have little effect on the oral contraceptive pill, however, you should let your doctor know that you are taking it.
- zidovudine or any other anti-viral medications
- cannabidiol (used to treat epilepsy and other conditions)
- neuroleptic agents including clozapine (a medicine used to treat schizophrenia)
- quetiapine or olanzapine (medicines used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia)
- mefloquine (a medicine used to treat malaria)
- propofol (a medicine used before and during general anaesthesia)
- nimodipine (a medicine used to help blood flow to the brain)
- cimetidine (used to treat stomach ulcers)
- erythromycin, rifampicin and carbapenem antibiotics such as Invanz and Merrem
- colestyramine (Questran Lite)
- acetazolamide (Diamox)
- metamizole (a medicine used to treat pain and fever)
- methotrexate (used to treat cancer and inflammatory diseases)
- some anti-infectives that contain pivalate (e.g. pivampicillin, adefovir dipivoxil).
These medicines and others may be affected by Valproate Winthrop, or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicine, or you may need to take different medicines. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if your child is taking any other medicines before you start giving them Valproate Winthrop, for example, aspirin or any other drugs used to treat epilepsy.
Children, especially young children, can be more sensitive to some of the side effects of Valproate Winthrop.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect Valproate Winthrop.
| 4. How do I use Valproate Winthrop? |
How much to take
- Your doctor will tell you how much to take. This may depend on your age, your condition and whether or not you are taking any other medicines.
- Your doctor may recommend that you start with a low dose of Valproate Winthrop and slowly increase the dose to the lowest amount needed to control your condition.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure of the correct dose for you.
- They will tell you exactly how much to take
- Follow the instructions provided and use Valproate Winthrop until your doctor tells you to stop.
- If you take the wrong dose, Valproate Winthrop may not work as well.
When to take Valproate Winthrop
- Valproate Winthrop should be taken at about the same time each day.
- Taking your tablets at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take the tablets.
- If you are not sure when to take it, ask your doctor. Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.
- Valproate Winthrop helps control your condition but does not cure it. Therefore you must take it every day.
How to take Valproate Winthrop
- Swallow the lilac tablets whole with a glass of water or other liquid.
- Do not crush or chew the tablets.
- The lilac tablets have a special coating to stop them dissolving until they have gone through the stomach and into the intestines. If you chew them the coating is destroyed.
If you forget to use Valproate Winthrop
Valproate Winthrop should be used regularly at the same time each day. If you miss your dose at the usual time, take your next dose as usual.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. This may increase the chance of you getting unwanted side effects.
- Always remember to take your prescribed dose otherwise you may find that either your seizures or manic symptoms may return.
- If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- If you have trouble remembering when to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.
If you use too much Valproate Winthrop
If you think that you have used too much Valproate Winthrop, you may need urgent medical attention.
You should immediately:
- phone the Poisons Information Centre
(by calling 13 11 26), or - contact your doctor, or
- go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
If you take too much Valproate Winthrop, you may experience:
- reduction in consciousness possibly leading into coma
- shortness of breath
- muscle weakness
- shrinking of the pupil in the eye
- too much acid in the body, causing fast breathing, confusion, tiredness, headache, yellowing of the skin (jaundice) and increased heart rate
- dizziness, lightheadedness
- collapse due to very low blood pressure
- convulsions
- severe headache, blurred vision, blind spot or vision loss
- tiredness, confusion, excessive thirst
- death
| 5. What should I know while using Valproate Winthrop? |
Things you should do
- If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor that you are taking Valproate Winthrop.
- If you plan to have surgery that needs a general anaesthetic, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
- Be sure to keep all of your doctors' appointments so that your progress can be checked.
- Your doctor will check your progress and may want to take some tests from time to time. This helps prevent unwanted side effects.
Call your doctor straight away if you:
- If you become pregnant while you are taking this medicine
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Valproate Winthrop.
All mentions of suicide or violence must be taken seriously. Tell your doctor or a mental health professional immediately if you have any suicidal thoughts or other mental/mood changes.
Things you should not do
- Do not stop using this medicine suddenly, or lower the dosage, without checking with your doctor.
- Do not take more than the recommended dose unless your doctor tells you to.
- Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
- Do not use this medicine to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Valproate Winthrop affects you.
Valproate Winthrop may cause drowsiness or light-headedness in some people, especially at the beginning of treatment. Make sure you know how you react to it before you drive a car, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are drowsy or light-headed.
Children should not ride a bike, climb trees or do anything else that could be dangerous if they are feeling drowsy or sleepy.
Valproate Winthrop may cause drowsiness, dizziness or sleepiness in some people and affect alertness.
Drinking alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
If you have more than 2 drinks per day, you may be putting yourself at risk of a seizure, or fit.
The effects of alcohol could be made worse while taking Valproate Winthrop.
Combining Valproate Winthrop and alcohol can make you more sleepy, dizzy or lightheaded. Your doctor may suggest you avoid alcohol while you are being treated with Valproate Winthrop.
Looking after your medicine
- Keep your tablets in the blister pack until it is time to take them.
- If you take the tablets out of the box they may not keep well. Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C.
Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.
Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:
- in the bathroom or near a sink, or
- in the car or on a windowsill.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack. If you take this medicine after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well.
Do not use it if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
| 6. Are there any side effects? |
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.
Less serious side effects
| Less serious side effects | What to do |
Gastrointestinal related:
| Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you. These are the more common side effects of Valproate Winthrop. Mostly these are mild and short-lived. |
Serious side effects
| Serious side effects | What to do |
Gastrointestinal related:
| Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects or if you have any thoughts of harming yourself or committing suicide. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. |
| Serious side effects | What to do |
Additional side effects in children
| Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects. Your child may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. |
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.
| 7. Product details |
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What Valproate Winthrop contains
| Active ingredient (main ingredient) | Valproate Winthrop EC200 - 200 mg sodium valproate Valproate Winthrop EC500 - 500 mg sodium valproate |
| Other ingredients (inactive ingredients) | Povidone Purified talc Magnesium stearate Calcium silicate Citric acid monohydrate Macrogol 6000 Hypromellose Polyvinyl acetate phthalate Hyprolose Deithyl phthalate Stearic acid Amaranth aluminium lake Indigo carmine aluminium lake Titanium dioxide |
| Potential allergens | None |
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What Valproate Winthrop looks like
Valproate Winthrop EC200 - Lilac, biconvex, enteric-coated tablets.
Valproate Winthrop EC500 - Lilac, biconvex, enteric-coated tablets
The tablets are available in boxes of 100 tablets.
(Valproate Winthrop EC200 - AUST R 125620)
(Valproate Winthrop EC500 - AUST R 125621).
Who distributes Valproate Winthrop
sanofi-aventis australia pty ltd
12-24 Talavera Road
Macquarie Park NSW 2113
Freecall: 1800 818 806
Email: medinfo.australia@sanofi.com
This leaflet was prepared in September 2022
valproate-winthrop-ccdsv31-34-35-cmiv17-01sep22
®Registered trademark
Published by MIMS November 2022