Introduction About DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION

DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION contains Sodium Valproate which belongs to the group of medicines called Antiepileptic drugs. It is used in adults alone or with other medicines to manage patients with complex partial seizures that occur either alone or in association with other types of seizures.

A seizure results from an excessive discharge of specific nerve cells and is characterised by changes in electrical activity (detected by an electroencephalogram (EEG)). Complex partial seizures involve a specific area of the brain, and the patient’s consciousness is altered.

Before taking DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION, inform your doctor if you have liver or pancreatic problems, a urea cycle disorder, brain atrophy, or high ammonia levels. Patients taking this medicine should be monitored for signs of suicidal ideation and behaviour and advised to seek medical advice if any such signs occur.

DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless considered necessary. DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION should be used with caution by breastfeeding women. There is no data on the use of DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION in children, so consult your doctor before taking it. The most common side effects of taking DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION are nausea, drowsiness, and dizziness. Consult your doctor if any of your symptoms get worse or persist.

Uses Of DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION

• Manage adult patients with complex partial seizures that occur either alone or in association with other types of seizures

How DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION Works

DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION works by acting on GABA (γ aminobutyric acid) levels in the CNS, whose inhibitory activity is impaired in seizures. It may also exert antiepileptic effects by reducing the high-frequency firing (excessive discharge) of nerve cells.

How to use DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION

Take DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION as advised by your physician. Shake well before use. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION for you based upon your age, body weight and disease condition. Do not stop taking DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION unless your doctor advises you to stop.

Side Effects Of DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION

How To Manage Side Effects

Bloating

Eat smaller and more frequent meals. Eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. If flatulence does not improve, contact your doctor.

Dizziness Or Drowsiness

Lie down until the dizziness is resolved, then get up slowly. Do not hurry and move slowly and carefully. Get adequate rest. Drink plenty of water and other fluids. Avoid coffee, cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. If the dizziness does not get better, consult your doctor.

Nausea And Vomiting

Take DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION with, or just after, meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy foods. If you still feel nauseous, contact your doctor.

Skin rash Or Itching

Avoid taking hot showers because hot water can irritate your skin more. Do not scratch the affected area. Use protective clothing when going outdoors. Regularly moisturise your skin. Consult your doctor if your skin rash gets worse.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Monitoring required

DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless clearly necessary. DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION should not be given to a woman of childbearing capability unless necessary. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Breastfeeding

Use with Caution

DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION should be used with caution in breastfeeding women as it is passed in the breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel drowsy after taking DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION.

Kidney

Consult your doctor

Your doctor will prescribe the right dose of DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION depending on your age, body weight and health condition. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Liver

Contraindicated

DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION is not recommended in patients with liver disease or significant liver dysfunction. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not take DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION if you are allergic to Sodium Valproate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

Use In Pediatrics

Consult your doctor

There is no data on the use of DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION in children. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION should be used with caution in elderly patients as they may experience sleepiness. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• aspirin (used for pain and inflammation)
• medicines used to manage fits (Ex. phenobarbital, primidone, lamotrigine, phenytoin, carbamazepine, topiramate, felbamate, clonazepam, ethosuximide)
• medicines used to manage bacterial infections (Ex. ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem, rifampicin)
• medicines used to calm emotional and mental health disorders (Ex. diazepam, chlorpromazine, lorazepam)
• tolbutamide (used to manage diabetes)
• warfarin (used for blood thinning)
• zidovudine (used to manage HIV)
• medicines used in depression (Ex. amitriptyline, nortriptyline)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose are sleepiness and heart block.

Synopsis

More Information

• Keep DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION out of reach of children
• Store below 30°C

FAQs About DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION

Q: Can DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION be taken during pregnancy?

A: DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless clearly necessary. DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION should not be given to a woman of childbearing capability unless necessary. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to get pregnant, consult your doctor before taking it. Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION management.

Q: Can DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION make me feel suicidal?

A: Yes. DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION is associated with suicidal behaviour or ideation. Patients taking DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION should be monitored for signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviours and advised to seek medical advice if any such signs occur.

Q: Can DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION cause weight gain?

A: Yes. Long-term use of DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION may make you put on weight. Discuss with your doctor how this will affect you.

Q: Can I take other medicines with DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION?

A: Before taking DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION, inform your doctor if you are taking, have taken, or might take any other medicine, including prescription, over-the-counter or herbal medicine, as these might cause serious side effects by interacting with each other.

Q: Can DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION cause erectile dysfunction?

A: According to some studies, men on DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION therapy show irregularities in androgens blood levels, sperm motility, and erectile dysfunction. Consult your physician if you have trouble getting an erection or related symptoms.

Q: Can DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION cause autism?

A: Autism and related disorders are more often diagnosed in children exposed to DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for advice.

Q: Can DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION be given to children?

A: There is no data on the use of DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION in children. Your doctor will determine the correct dose or select a suitable alternative management for your child.

Q: What if I forget to take a dose of DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION?

A: If you forget to take a dose of DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION, take it as soon as you remember. However, omit the missed dose if it's almost time for the next one. Do not take the medicine twice to make up for the missed dose.

Q: Can I stop taking DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION on my own?

A: Do not stop taking DIVAA 500MG ORAL SOLUTION unless your doctor advises you to stop. Continue taking the medicine unless you experience any unwanted effects, a worsening of your condition, or any new symptoms. Contact your doctor in such a case.

References

1. Barbara G. Wells, Joseph T. DiPiro, Terry L. Shwinghammer, Cecily V. DiPiro. Epilepsy. Pharmacotherapy Handbook. Ninth edition. Page-518, 530.

2. Rahman M, Nguyen H. Valproic Acid. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. StatPearls [Internet]. July 2022. [Accessed on 10th August 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559112/#:~:text=Go%20to%3A-,Mechanism%20of%20Action,channels%2C%20and%20inhibiting%20histone%20deacetylase.

3. Romoli, M., Mazzocchetti, P., D'Alonzo, R., Siliquini, S., Rinaldi, V. E., Verrotti, A., Calabresi, P., & Costa, C. Valproic Acid and Epilepsy: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Evidences. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. PubMed Central. October 2019. [Accessed on 10th August 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7052829/

4. Windlas Biotech Private Limited. Valproic acid. [Revised in November 2018] [Accessed on 10th August 2022] https://www.intaspharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/DIVAA.pdf

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• MRI