Staying on my STAVZOR therapy
Taking your STAVZOR medication as your doctor instructs is the best way to help keep your bipolar disorder symptoms under control. Staying on your treatment, even when you feel well, can help keep bipolar disorder under control — and reduce the chance of you having reocurrent, worsening episodes.
Never change the amounts or times you take STAVZOR without consulting your doctor.
Help for staying on therapy
STAVZOR has a unique formulation that can help you start — and stay — on your therapy.
Easy-to-swallow capsules
Did you know — the size of pills causes up to 84% of people to hesitate taking medications? STAVZOR smaller size, soft gel capsules make medication easier to swallow.
- STAVZOR is up to 40% smaller than other valproate medications.
- STAVZOR is a form of the valproic acid that comes in a small, easy-to-swallow soft gel capsule that patients prefer.
Formulated to be gentler on the stomach
In addition, STAVZOR is formulated to reduce reflux and gastric irritation. The unique advanced enteric formulation delivers the drug to your small intestine, not your stomach.
Missed doses
What should you do if you miss a dose? Here's what to know:
- If you forget to take your medication at your scheduled time, take it as soon as you remember.
- If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed. Take your next dose at the regular time.
- If you aren't sure what to do about a missed dose, call your physician.
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 poison center: 1-800-222-1222.
Save money on your STAVZOR prescription
Noven Therapeutics, the marketer of STAVZOR, 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.)
How can I obtain my prescription quickly if STAVZOR isn't available at my pharmacy?
It's easy to quickly obtain STAVZOR — all you have to do is ask. Your pharmacist can place an order for STAVZOR, and your prescription will be filled in approximately 24 hours.
In addition, STAVZOR samples also may be available from your doctor.
Can my pharmacist substitute a generic drug for STAVZOR?
No. There is no generic substitution for STAVZOR. That's why you will need to tell your pharmacist you want STAVZOR valproic acid delayed release capsule.
The STAVZOR soft gell capsules should look like this:
Check your prescription when you receive it to ensure it's the medication your doctor prescribed for you.
Important Safety Information You Should Know about STAVZOR
Liver problems Your doctor should check your liver function before you start taking STAVZOR and at frequent intervals while you're on therapy. If you feel generally ill (malaise), weak, and tired, if your face is swollen and you lose your appetite, and start vomiting, call your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: Birth defectsWomen who can become pregnant need to know that valproic acid has been associated with birth defects, in particular with spina bifida, 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, along with other possible treatment options, with your doctor. If you do become pregnant while taking STAVZOR, call your doctor immediately.
Read more important safety information about pregnancy.
PancreatitisSome people taking valproate have experienced a serious, life-threatening illness called pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas). If you experience stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or loss of appetite, call your doctor immediately.
Common side effects reported in studies with valproate were nausea, drowsiness, vomiting, and dizziness. These are not all the side effects that may occur. You will find a complete list of side effects in the full Prescribing Information.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Recent Information about Antiepileptic Medications including STAVZOR® (valproic acid) Delayed Release Capsules for any use
For Patients and Caregivers
All antiepileptic medicines, used for any condition, may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some patients. Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Keep all follow-up visits with the healthcare provider as scheduled. Call the healthcare provider between visits as needed, especially if you have concerns about symptoms.
Watch for and call the healthcare provider right away to report if you or your family member see the appearance or worsening of symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the appearance of suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts about self-harm. Behaviors of concern should be reported immediately to the healthcare provider.
For Healthcare Professionals
All antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including STAVZOR, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Anyone considering prescribing Stavzor or any other AED must balance their risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior with the risk of untreated illness.
Patients, their caregivers, and families should be informed that AEDs increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior and should be advised of the need to be alert for the emergence or worsening of the signs and symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts, behavior or thoughts about self-harm. Behaviors of concern should be reported immediately to healthcare providers.
For medical inquiries specific to Stavzor, please call 1-800-455-8070
