Question 1

How can I lower the cost of my valproate sodium

Accepted Answer

You can lower cost of your valproate sodium using one of the 4 following drug savings programs: Rx Advantage Card for valproate sodium, Canadian Prescription Savings for valproate sodium, valproate sodium Drug Coupons, valproate sodium Patient Assistance Programs

Question 2

What dosages is valproate sodium available in?

Accepted Answer

valproate sodium is available as a 250 mg oral capsule and a 250 mg/5 ml oral solution.

Question 3

What is valproate sodium used for?

Accepted Answer

valproate sodium is an antiepileptic and is used to treat focal impaired awareness seizure and absence seizures.

Question 4

How does valproate sodium work?

Accepted Answer

valproate sodium is an antiepileptic. The exact way it works to control seizures isn’t well understood. But it’s thought that valproate sodium signals your brain to make more of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA helps to lower the bursts of activity in your brain, which can help to prevent seizure episodes.

Question 5

How do I take valproate sodium?

Accepted Answer

valproate sodium is typically taken by mouth and your dose will be determined based on your weight. The typical starting dose ranges from 10 mg/kg to 15 mg/kg by mouth per day. Your physician will raise your dose weekly as needed to better control the seizures. The maximum daily dose is 60 mg/kg.

Question 6

Is it safe for me to take valproate sodium?

Accepted Answer

valproate sodium is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not take this medication if you have hepatic disease or significant hepatic dysfunction, a known hypersensitivity to the drug, or have urea cycle disorders.

Question 7

valproate sodium Common Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of valproate sodium include:  Tremor Nausea Headache Excess sleepiness Vomiting Feeling weak Dizziness Hair loss Diarrhea Stomach pain

Question 8

valproate sodium Serious Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Serious side effects are rare with valproate sodium. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.  Allergic reaction: trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling (on your face, lips, mouth, or throat), peeling skin, rash, hives.

Question 9

Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on valproate sodium

Accepted Answer

The following medications may interact with valproate sodium:  Hepatic enzyme-inducing drugs (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone, rifampin) can increase valproate sodium clearance while enzyme inhibitors (e.g., felbamate) can decrease valproate sodium clearance Aspirin, carbapenem antibiotics – Monitoring of valproate sodium concentrations is recommended Co-administration of valproate sodium can affect the pharmacokinetics of other drugs (e.g. diazepam, ethosuximide, lamotrigine, phenytoin) by inhibiting their metabolism or protein binding displacement. Dosage adjustment of amitryptyline/nortryptyline, warfarin, and zidovudine may be necessary if used concomitantly with valproate sodium Topiramate – Hyperammonemia and encephalopathy

Question 10

Who makes valproate sodium?

Accepted Answer

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

Question 11

Is valproate sodium safe in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

valproate sodium can cause congenital malformations including neural tube defects and decreased IQ. Only use valproate sodium to treat pregnant women with epilepsy if other medications are unacceptable.

Question 12

What is the brand name for valproate sodium?

Accepted Answer

DEPAKENE

Question 13

How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my valproate sodium prescription?

Accepted Answer

After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your valproate sodium prescription

Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.

Question 14

How do the NowPatient valproate sodium savings programs work?

Accepted Answer

After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.

Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.

Question 15

Are the NowPatient valproate sodium savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.

	Rx Advantage Card* for valproate sodium	Canadian Prescription Savings* for valproate sodium	valproate sodium Drug Coupon*	valproate sodium Patient Assistance Program*
Insured (federal, state or government)	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured (Commercial or Private)	Available	Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Uninsured	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company

*This is not insurance.

Question 16

Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of valproate sodium?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below

	Rx Advantage Card* for valproate sodium	Canadian Prescription Savings* for valproate sodium	valproate sodium Drug Coupon*	valproate sodium Patient Assistance Program*
Brand	Yes	Yes	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Generic	Yes	Yes	No	No

*This is not insurance.

Question 17

If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the valproate sodium savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?

Accepted Answer

If you are insured with Medicare and the valproate sodium drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.

If you are denied Medicaid for valproate sodium, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Question 18

I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the valproate sodium prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, valproate sodium is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed valproate sodium for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.

Question 19

I am commercially or privately insured and none of the valproate sodium prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.

If you cannot afford your copay contribution, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.

Question 20

If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the valproate sodium prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay contributions?

Accepted Answer

If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:

1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for valproate sodium

If you are having trouble paying for your valproate sodium medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for valproate sodium you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:

Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
valproate sodium is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers valproate sodium
If valproate sodium is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications

You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.

2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for valproate sodium

If you are having trouble paying for your valproate sodium medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for valproate sodium you will need to meet the following criteria:

You live in and are being treated in the United States
You are insured and your plan covers valproate sodium
If valproate sodium is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications

You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.

3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for valproate sodium

Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your valproate sodium treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for valproate sodium you will need to meet the following criteria:

You must be currently insured and have coverage for valproate sodium
You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.

You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.