What you should know about

Epilim® Crushable

Sodium Valproate BP

Please read this carefully before you start to take your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The name of your medicine is Epilim. It contains Sodium Valproate. This is one of a group of medicines called "anticonvulsant or antiepileptic agents" which are used to treat epilepsy.

Things to remember about Epilim

  1. Before taking your medicine read the back of this leaflet.
  2. Take your medicine as directed by your doctor. Read the instructions on the label carefully.
  3. Epilim can sometimes cause side effects. See "After taking your medicine" on the back of this leaflet.
  4. Do not stop taking your medicine suddenly. Ask your doctor first.
  5. Tell medical staff you are taking this medicine, for example, if you go into hospital or see a dentist or another doctor.
  6. If you are likely to become pregnant, tell your doctor.

 

You will find more about Epilim on the back of this leaflet.

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BEFORE TAKING YOUR MEDICINE

If you have liver disease DO NOT take Epilim without first talking to your doctor again.

If you can answer YES to any of the following questions tell your doctor. He may need to give you special instructions.

Are you pregnant or likely to become pregnant?

Are you diabetic?

Are you taking any other medicines to control your epilepsy?

Are you taking any medicine to reduce blood cloning (eg anticoagulant, aspirin)

Are you taking antidepressants?

TAKING YOUR MEDICINE

Take your medicine regularly, as directed by your doctor This is particularly important with anticonvulsants to make sure that you are getting the best control from your medication.

Look at the label on your medicine, it will tell you when to take it. If it does not, or you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Take your tablets with or after meals. You can crush them and mix them with food or drinks if you cannot swallow them whole.

If you forget to take a dose at the correct time take it as soon as you remember then go on as before.

If you accidentally take an overdose contact your nearest hospital casualty department or tell your doctor immediately.

Keep taking your medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop taking the tablets just because you feel better.

If you stop them your condition may get worse.

AFTER TAKING YOUR MEDICINE

Make sure you keep your regular check up appointments. They are very important as your dosage may need to be changed.

If you go into hospital or visit another doctor or a dentist tell them you are taking Epilim.

Epilim can affect the liver in a very small number of patients. You should tell your doctor IMMEDIATELY if you develop a sudden illness especially if it is within the first six months of treatment and particularly if it includes repeated vomiting, extreme tiredness, loss of appetite, jaundice or worsening of your epilepsy.

Epilim may sometimes cause minor stomach upsets, increased appetite or weight gain. You need only consult your doctor about these if symptoms become troublesome.

Occasionally Epilim can affect the hair. Any loss of hair is usually temporary but when it grows back it may be more curly than before.

Epilim can also have other effects. You should report any of the following symptoms to your doctor

Severe stomach pains

Abnormal bleeding or a tendency to bruise more easily

Shakiness or problems with balance

A rash or anything else which is unusual or unexpected

Epilim may affect your condition if you become pregnant and in these circumstances it is important to consult your doctor promptly.

STORING YOUR MEDICINE

Keep your tablets in a safe place where children cannot reach them; your tablets could harm them.

Keep your tablets in the protective foil until you are ready to take them. If you remove them from the foil too soon they will go soft and spoil.

If your doctor decides to stop the treatment, return any leftover tablets to the pharmacist. Only keep them if your doctor tells you to.

WHAT'S IN YOUR MEDICINE

Epilim 100mg crushable tablets are white and contain 100mg Sodium Valproate.

This leaflet provides a summary of the information available on your medicine. For further information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

THIS LEAFLET APPLIES TO EPILIM CRUSHABLE TABLETS ONLY

REMEMBER: This medicine is for YOU. Only a doctor can prescribe it for you. Never give it to someone else. It may harm them even if their symptoms are the same as yours.

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This leaflet has been produced in accordance with guidelines issued by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.

Made in England by:

Sanofi Winthrop Limited

Guildford Dublin

GU1 4YS Ireland