Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Valproic Acid as follows:
- Continue taking Valproic Acid as ordered, even if you experience seizure control and improvement with symptoms of mania. Abrupt discontinuation on Valproic Acid intake can result in recurrence of seizure episodes. If Valproic Acid is being taken for managing symptoms of mania, abrupt discontinuation of medication intake can contribute to exacerbation of mania and bipolar symptoms. Discontinuing the medication should only be on your physician’s recommendation and must be done slow and gradual, using tapering doses.
- Valproic Acid use can result in developmental abnormalities in the fetus and congenital malformations and so, is contraindicated during pregnancy. Couples in reproductive age-group should employ appropriate contraceptive measures, to avoid getting pregnant, while one is taking Valproic Acid. If a woman using Valproic Acid becomes pregnant, report it to your physician immediately, so that, the medication could be discontinued on your physician’s recommendation and an alternative medication could be considered.
- Valproic Acid use can result in reduced platelet synthesis and thrombocytopenia. Low platelet count contributes to poor clotting in these individuals and can lead to episodes of easy bleeding into the skin with erythematous patches and bruises. Patients can also present with episodes of bleeding from gums and nose, along with findings of frank blood in the urine and stool. Report any such findings to your physician and other health care personnel and seek their recommendation.
