What Is Epilim IV Used For?

Epilim IV contains sodium valproate and belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants. It is used when oral medication cannot be taken by mouth.

Primary Uses

Epilim IV is used for treating epilepsy in adults and children, and mania in adults. Epilepsy is a condition where you have repeated seizures (fits) with many different types ranging from mild to severe. It may also be used to control mania, a mental condition with episodes of overactivity, elation or irritability. Epilim IV should not be used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age for treating mania.

How It Works

These medicines are thought to work by controlling brain chemicals which send signals to nerves so that seizures do not happen. Epilim IV may be used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat your condition.

How to Take Epilim IV

Epilim IV will be given to you as an infusion or injection into the veins under medical supervision, usually in a hospital setting.

Dosage Instructions

Adults: If you are currently taking oral Epilim and changing to Epilim IV, the total daily dose remains the same. This may be given as several separate injections throughout the day or as one continuous 24-hour infusion. If you are not currently taking any form of sodium valproate, your doctor will decide your dose based on your condition and factors like your weight. Children: The dose is usually 20 to 30mg for each kg of body weight every day. If epilepsy is not controlled, the dose may be increased up to 40mg per kg daily with blood tests to monitor levels.

What If You Miss a Dose?

Since Epilim IV is given under medical supervision in a hospital setting, missed doses are managed by your healthcare team.

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• drowsiness
• light-headedness
• dizziness
• sleepiness
• increased appetite
• weight gain

Important Warnings

There are several important warnings and conditions where Epilim IV should not be used or requires special caution.

Who Should Not Take Epilim IV

You should not receive Epilim IV if you are allergic to sodium valproate or any ingredients; have liver disease or severe hepatitis; have a family history of severe hepatitis caused by medicines; have a urea cycle disorder or family history of such disorders; have a family history of unexplained infant deaths; have hepatic porphyria; have known ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency; have a genetic problem causing mitochondrial disorder; have inborn deficiency in carnitine that is untreated; are pregnant (for mania treatment) or pregnant without doctor determining no alternative works (for epilepsy).

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, impaired kidney function, urea cycle disorders, ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, inborn deficiency in carnitine, impaired dietary intake in carnitine (especially children under 10), systemic lupus erythematosus, family history of genetic mitochondrial disorders, weight gain concerns, or take other medicines.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Epilim IV can seriously harm an unborn child when taken during pregnancy. It can cause serious birth defects requiring medical treatment and affect physical and mental development. Around 11 babies in every 100 will have birth defects compared to 2-3 in the general population. Up to 30-40% of children may have developmental problems. If you are a woman of childbearing age, you must use effective contraception during treatment. For fathers, there may be risks to children if valproate is taken in the 3 months prior to conception. The medicine passes into breast milk, so discuss risks and benefits with your doctor if breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with Epilim IV and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.

• aspirin and other salicylates
• anticoagulants like warfarin
• other epilepsy medicines (phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, etc.)
• depression medicines (MAOIs, SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants)
• benzodiazepines
• estrogen containing products or oral contraceptives
• zidovudine or other anti-viral medications
• cannabidiol
• antipsychotic medicines including clozapine, quetiapine, olanzapine
• mefloquine
• propofol
• nimodipine
• cimetidine
• antibiotics (erythromycin, rifampicin, carbapenems)
• rufinamide
• colestyramine
• acetazolamide
• protease inhibitors
• metamizole
• methotrexate
• anti-infectives containing pivalate

Alcohol & Driving

Epilim IV may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery and can interact with alcohol.

Alcohol

Avoid alcohol while being treated with Epilim IV. Combining Epilim IV and alcohol can make you more sleepy, dizzy or lightheaded.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Epilim IV may cause drowsiness, light-headedness, dizziness or sleepiness. Make sure you know how you react to it before you drive a car, operate machinery or do any activity that requires alertness. Children should not ride a bike, climb trees or do anything else that could be dangerous if they are feeling drowsy or sleepy.

Storage

If you need to store Epilim IV before taking it to hospital, make sure it is stored in a dry place where the temperature does not exceed 30°C.

Overdose Information

Your doctor will decide what dose of Epilim IV you need, and this will be given under close supervision, usually in a hospital setting, so the risk of overdose is low. If an overdose occurs, symptoms may include reduction in consciousness possibly leading to coma, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, shrinking pupils, too much acid in the body causing fast breathing and confusion, dizziness, collapse due to very low blood pressure, seizures, severe headache, blurred vision, tiredness, confusion, excessive thirst, and in severe cases, death. Your doctor will decide on the necessary treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions