Critical shortage of epilepsy drug, Divalproex, ends

Apotex, Canada's largest manufacturer of Divalproex Sodium, reportedlyrestarts shipments of the essential epilepsy drug after encountering problems with manufacturing 10 months ago.

The drug is used in the treatment of seizures and mood disorders.

The company reported on the Canadian Drug Shortage Database that the500-milligram formulationof the drug, known by its brand name as Apo-Divalproex, was on its way to wholesalers and could be available for usein early May.

Lower dose tablets will reportedly take more time to restock.

• Epilepsy drug shortage part of a growing problem, B.C. Pharmacy Association says

Apotex's problems with Apo-Divalproex, also known as Epival,had a ripple effect on other makers of the drug, causing a national shortage.

The drug is used to treat epileptic convulsions and off-label use includespsychiatric conditions suchas bipolar disorder.

So many people need it,it's on theWorld Health Organization's list of essential medicines, meaning it's meant to be "available within the context of functioning health systems at all times in adequate amounts, in the appropriate dosage forms."