Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Divalproex Sodium as follows:
- Divalproex carries significant risk of lowering the platelet count and result in episodes of easy and unexplained bleeding. Divalproex must be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals with history of thrombocytopenia, as divalproex carries the risk of aggravating the symptoms of this blood disorder. Individuals with thrombocytopenia can present with easy bruising and small purple patches on the skin due to reduced clotting ability of blood and episodes of poorly controlled bleeding into the skin.
- Divalproex use carries significant risk of causing acute inflammation of pancreas, which can be very dangerous. Divalproex could be avoided in individuals with history of pancreatitis, to prevent an incident of recurrence. Individuals with acute pancreatitis can present with acute upper abdominal pain and tenderness that can aggravate after eating, nausea and vomiting, abdominal fullness and distension, and bloating.
- Divalproex use in expectant mothers could harm the unborn baby and result in birth defects. So, divalproex use should be avoided during pregnancy and in women planning to get pregnant. Women in the child bearing age group, taking divalproex on a regular basis, must employ effective contraceptive measures in order to avoid getting pregnant.
