The Department of Health and Social Care has issued a medicines supply notification for Sodium valproate (Epilim Chronosphere®) 50mg, 250mg, and 500mg modified-release granules sachets SF.
These products are out of stock with anticipated re-supply date of January 2027.
Actions for prescribers
Clinicians should not initiate new patients on Epilim Chronosphere® 50mg,100mg, 250mg, or 500mg modified release (MR) granules and reserve remaining supplies for patients where there are concerns around epilepsy control being destabilised by a change in product.
In stable patients with adequate epilepsy control who run out of supply, clinicians should:
- consider switching to Epilim® crushable tablets or Epilim® 200mg/5ml oral liquid to make up the required equivalent daily dosage (see supporting information)
- if the above formulation is not appropriate, consider whether the dosing regimen can be delivered using Episenta® modified release (MR) granules
- if the required dose cannot be achieved with the Episenta® MR granules, consider whether dosing can be made up using Episenta® prolonged-release (PR) capsules (see supporting information).
If the above options are not considered appropriate, advice should be sought from specialists on management options.
Where Epilim Chronosphere® MR granules are being prescribed off label in the management of bipolar disorder, the specialist who initiated treatment should be consulted for advice on selection of alternative sodium valproate preparation, to avoid abrupt discontinuation.
Where treatment is switched, clinicians should ensure that the patient is:
- not intolerant to any of the excipients
- counselled where there is a dose frequency change
- reassured that they are receiving the same treatment, albeit a different formulation, or from a different manufacturer, to maintain their treatment
- seek advice if they experience loss of seizure or symptom control and/or adverse effects after switching brand/formulation.
Refer to the Specialist Pharmacy Service Medicines Supply Tool MSN/2026/030 (registration and log in required) for the full considerations and background, alternative products, supporting information and details of the recommended actions for clinicians.
Script Switch® messages have been enabled to provide information to support primary care.
