Supply disruption for Convulex® (valproic acid) capsules – all strengths

Supply disruption alert - all strengths of Convulex® (valproic acid) capsules are expected to be out of stock until April 2020 due to a change in pack size

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a Supply Disruption Alert stating that all strengths of Convulex® (valproic acid) capsules are expected to be out of stock until April 2020 due to a change in pack size (switching from 100 to 30 capsules).

The following strengths are affected:

Pharmacists and pharmacy teams should be aware of the following:

• Convulex® is licensed for the treatment of generalised, partial or other epilepsy in children and adults
  • It is the only valproic acid product licensed for the above conditions

The DHSC has issued key actions for healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, to consider for patients requiring ongoing treatment:

• Pharmacists and prescribers should work together closely to achieve a suitable alternative treatment plan for patients
  • This may include switching patients to an alternative antiepiletic drug other than valproic acid or sodium valproate with specialist input
  • switching patients to an unlicensed special of Convulex® (valproic acid) capsules
  • switching patients to a sodium valproate or valproic acid preparation used ‘off-label’
    • sodium valproate preparations and alternative valproic acid tablets such as Depakote® and Belvo® have a one to one dose relationship with Convulex® capsules, therefore no dose adjustment is necessary
  • Ensure patients are aware that there is a small risk of breakthrough seizures when switching between valproic acid and sodium valproate preparations
  • Ensure all female patients are enrolled in the Pregnancy Prevention Programme (PPP)

Always remember to highlight the risk of valproate containing products during pregnancy in females of child-bearing age – the NPA patient safety webpage has links to further information, leaflets and resources.

For further information on this or any other query, please contact the NPA Pharmacy Services team on 01727 891 800 or email pharmacyservices@npa.co.uk.

Produced by the NPA Pharmacy Services team December 2019.