STAVZOR is valproic acid (also called valproate) medication. Valproate is one of the most trusted and effective medications used to treat the manic episodes of bipolar disorder.

In fact, valproate (the active ingredient in STAVZOR) is recommended as a first-line therapy by the American Psychiatric Association.

Yes, STAVZOR is approved by the FDA.

STAVZOR is up to 40% smaller than other valproate medications. STAVZOR is a form of valproate that comes in a small, easy-to-swallow form, a soft gel capsule that patients prefer.

In addition, the unique enteric formulation of STAVZOR delivers the drug to the small intestine, not the stomach. The formulation is designed to reduce reflux and gastric irritation.

Only you and your doctor — working together — can determine if STAVZOR is right for you.

You should not take STAVZOR if:

• You are allergic to valproic acid
• You have a condition called urea cycle disorder, a genetic disorder that may cause too much ammonia to build up in your body
• You have liver disease

Let your doctor know if you have been diagnosed with any of these conditions or have a family history of urea cycle disorders.

Women who can become pregnant need to know that valproic acid has been associated with birth defects, in particular with spina bifida. Spina bifida is a condition in which the baby's spinal canal fails to close.

• If you are planning to become pregnant, you should discuss the risks of birth defects, as well as other treatment options, with your doctor.

• If you do become pregnant while taking STAVZOR, contact your doctor immediately.

• Learn more safety information about pregnancy and STAVZOR.

To help make sure that your treatment is as effective as possible, take STAVZOR exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Don't change the amount or the times that you take it without first talking with your doctor.

When your supply of STAVZOR starts to run low, order a refill from your pharmacy. That way, you'll be able to obtain your next prescription in a timely manner –– and avoid an interruption in your therapy.

Here's what to do if you miss a dose:

• If you forget to take your daily dose of medicine at your scheduled time, take it as soon as you remember.
• If it's almost time for you to take your next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time.
• If you have any questions about when to take a missed dose, please call your doctor.
• Never take a double dose. If you've taken more than the prescribed dose of your medication, call 911 or the national poison control center to connect you to your local center: 1-800-222-1222.
• Note for family members or caregivers: if the person has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Skipping doses prevents STAVZOR from working the way it's supposed to work. Never stop taking STAVZOR suddenly without the advice of your doctor. Stopping your medication suddenly can cause physical problems. Always speak with your doctor first before skipping or stopping your medication, even if you start feeling better.

It's important to talk with your doctor about the serious side effects discussed individually below. The most common side effects reported in clinical trials for mania with valproate were nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and dizziness. These aren't all the side effects that may occur.

Liver problems
Some people have experienced serious liver problems while taking valproic acid. Your doctor should check your liver function before you start taking STAVZOR and at frequent intervals after. If you feel ill, develop weakness, tiredness, facial swelling, loss of appetite or vomiting –– call your doctor immediately.

Birth defects
Women who could become pregnant should talk with their doctor. Valproic acid has been associated with birth defects in fetuses. If you become pregnant while taking STAVZOR, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor can advise you of the risks as well as other treatment options.

Learn more safety information about pregnancy and STAVZOR

Pancreatitis
Some people taking valproate have experienced a serious, life-threatening illness called pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. Call your doctor immediately if you experience stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or loss of appetite, as these can be symptoms of pancreatitis.

Other serious side effects
Elevated ammonia levels have been reported in some patients receiving valproate. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience abnormal drowsiness and vomiting or changes in mental status.

Some people taking STAVZOR experience low blood platelet counts. Platelets are cells in the blood that assist in clotting. Your doctor should order blood tests to check your platelets while you are taking STAVZOR.

You may experience drowsiness when you start taking STAVZOR. You should not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you know how STAVZOR will affect you.

A fever associated with other symptoms such as rash or enlargement of the lymph nodes should be reported to your physician immediately. These symptoms may indicate that you're having a hypersensitivity reaction to your medication.

Always remember your pharmacist can place an order for STAVZOR. All you have to do is ask! Your pharmacist should also be able to fill your STAVZOR prescription in approximately 24 hours.

In addition, samples of STAVZOR also may be available from your doctor.

No. There is no generic substitute for STAVZOR. That's why you will need to tell your pharmacist you want STAVZOR soft gel capsules.

The STAVZOR soft gel capsule should look like this:

Check your prescription when you receive it to ensure it's the medication your doctor prescribed for you.

Noven Therapeutics is providing help with filling your STAVZOR prescription. The STAVZOR Easy Save Pharmacy Card will help you save up to $50 on every STAVZOR prescription. (Certain restrictions apply.)

• Ask your doctor for your STAVZOR Easy Save Pharmacy Card
• SIgn up to receive the STAVZOR Easy Save Pharmacy Card

The best way to know if your medication is working is to see your doctor regularly. Your doctor will be able to tell how well you are responding simply by talking with you. You also will recognize improvements in your symptoms as you describe your feelings.

It's important to understand that bipolar disorder is a long-term illness. Staying on treatment, even when you're feeling well, can help keep it under control and reduce your chances of having reocurrent, worsening episodes.

Taking your bipolar disorder medication every day is the best way to treat your symptoms and keep them from coming back. Your doctor will work with you to find out how long you should keep taking STAVZOR. Be sure to take your medication for as long as your doctor recommends.

As with many medications, some medicines may interact with STAVZOR. Tell your doctor about all other prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, or natural supplements you are taking.

Call your doctor if you:

• Have unusual symptoms or side effects that are bothering you or won't go away

• Have trouble taking your medications exactly as your doctor has instructed

• Have any questions or concerns about your medications or condition

• Start taking any new medication, including vitamins and herbal or other natural remedies

• Become pregnant or want to

• Develop symptoms of the serious side effects mentioned above.

If you feel you are in an emergency situation, call 911.

Store STAVZOR at room temperature, approximately 77°F (from 59°F to 86°F). Don't forget to keep STAVZOR and all medicines out of the reach of children.

Please remember that your prescription of STAVZOR for manic episodes of bipolar disorder is yours alone. Don't use it for any other condition or give it to anybody else unless directed by your doctor.

Visit other pages within our website or ask your doctor about STAVZOR!