Depakote Question

[nextyearrx]

Hi all,

Is Divalproex ER (extended release) same as Divalproex DR (delayed release)?

My pharmacist said it is the same thing but I am still confused😳

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[VP_Pharm2004]

Hi all,

Is Divalproex ER (extended release) same as Divalproex DR (delayed release)?

My pharmacist said it is the same thing but I am still confused😳

Not interchangeable. The physician must write for Depakote ER if they want the ER formulation dispensed. If they just wrote Depakote or Depakote EC, then you dispense the DR form. Question the directions if something seems off..

 

[npage148]

Question the directions if something seems off..

and never let the directions give you any indication of what they want. I've seen both formulations dosed in all normal and bizarre manners

 

[amox]

http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.co...-page-delayed-release-vs-extended-release-rxs

This is a great explanation.

They contain different release profiles and therefore have a different bioavailability.

"Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that when Depakote ER is given in equal total daily doses, its bioavailability is approximately 10% less than that of the delayed-release tablets. Thus, an equivalent dose of either dosage form does not provide an equivalent pharmacokinetic profile. Product confusion may therefore result in significant clinical effects in patients. "

10% may not seem like much, however a decrease in 10% could in some patients cause exacerbations of seizures, bipolar, mania, etc.

Please provide this link to your pharmacist ASAP.

Additionally, it is okay to start on either medication. However a pharmacist cannot substitute one for another.

 

[Aznfarmerboi]

They are not interchangable.

 

[nextyearrx]

Not interchangeable. The physician must write for Depakote ER if they want the ER formulation dispensed. If they just wrote Depakote or Depakote EC, then you dispense the DR form. Question the directions if something seems off..

So if the Rx is written as Depakote or Depakote EC-- then you dispense Delayed Release Form??? Is there a Depakote (regular release) formulation only??

 

[BidingMyTime]

So if the Rx is written as Depakote or Depakote EC-- then you dispense Delayed Release Form??? Is there a Depakote (regular release) formulation only??

No. Depakote EC is generally considered the regular Depakote, as that was the only Depakote available for many years.

 

[zelman]

So if the Rx is written as Depakote or Depakote EC-- then you dispense Delayed Release Form??? Is there a Depakote (regular release) formulation only??

DepaKOTE is enteric COATed. The closest IR equivalent would be Depakene. For dosing convenience (and possibly to improve side effect profile) an extended-release version was developed.