Posted by Cam W. on February 8, 2000, at 7:12:58
In reply to Re: depakene, posted by Scott L. Schofield on February 7, 2000, at 22:53:13
> > > I would like to know about side effects that ppl have experienced substituting depakene (generic valproic acid) for depakote. Ken
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> > Ken - Here in Canada we have had generic drugs for almost 20 years and have had to switch to using them exclusively (where available) for about the last ten years. By law, the pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) of a generic drug must be within 5% of the brand name. Testing is done in this regard. Sometimes the generics have different binding agents and fillers than the name brands and I have seen some allergy problems occur, but this is unusual. I have not heard anyone complain when we switched them from Depakene to Apo-Valproate or Novo-Valproate, but some people may have had a reaction to one of the different inert agents used in this product. I just have not personally heard of anyone having a problem. If you are really concerned about a switch, have your blood levels taken before you stop Depakene and then have them taken a week, two weeks and a month after starting the generic, just to make sure your blood levels are the same. Good luck - Cam W. >>> Good stuff... thanks.
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> One advantage of Depakote (sodium valproate) over Depakene (valproic acid) is that it may be less irritating to the stomach. Is this the reason you want to switch?
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> - ScottKen - Actually Depakote (Epival in Canada) is 2 valproic acid molecules bound together in a complex. Depakote is not Depakene, as they are considered different formulas of valproic acid (Depakene - valproic acid & Depakote - divalproex). In Canada, we have the brand name and generic versions of both of these products. As Scott said, Depakote is much easier than Depakene on your stomach and is why we use it (at least in our clinic) almost exclusively. The one advantage that Depakene has over Depakote is cost, especially if you have no insurance. Sorry about my confusion on your american brand names (again). - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:20658
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