Medicine pack check sheet

Source-linked reading points

• The mg figure is strength per tablet, not a daily total, plasma concentration or tablet count. A shared 500 mg label does not permit one-for-one self-substitution between DEPAKOTE delayed-release and DEPAKOTE ER extended-release tablets; any formulation or co-medication change requires clinical and valproate-level review.
• DEPAKOTE delayed-release tablets are unscored and the label says to swallow whole. Do not crush, chew or divide one to make ‘half’. A swallowing difficulty requires review of the exact prescription and dosage form, not an unreviewed switch to Sprinkle, ER or a liquid.
• The boxed warning includes potentially fatal hepatotoxicity, fetal risk and pancreatitis. Persistent or severe abdominal pain with nausea or vomiting, marked jaundice or unusual fatigue, or altered awareness needs timely medical assessment; the site does not wait for symptoms to resolve.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to somnolence and may have a higher unbound drug fraction. Excessive sleepiness, reduced food or fluid intake, dehydration, falls, gait or awareness changes require prompt professional review with the complete medicine list; do not stop or sharply reduce treatment yourself.