Depakote News and Research

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Six ways physicians can help optimize reproductive health in women with epilepsy

Worldwide, more than 15 million women of childbearing age have epilepsy. Each year about 600,000 of them become pregnant.

20 Nov 2019

Upsher-Smith announces FDA approval of sNDA for Qudexy XR extended-release capsules

Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc. announced that it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for Qudexy XR (topiramate) extended-release capsules for use as initial monotherapy in patients two years of age and older who are experiencing partial-onset seizures (POS) or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

2 Jun 2015

Upsher-Smith presents favorable data from PREVAIL OLE study of Qudexy XR capsules

Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc. presented data from a 52-week, open-label extension study (PREVAIL OLE) showing that Qudexy XR (topiramate) extended-release capsules offered a long-term adjunctive treatment option with a favorable tolerability profile for a high proportion of patients with refractory partial-onset seizures (POS).

21 Apr 2015

Neurologists appear unaware of serious safety risks associated with anti-epilepsy drugs

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers shows that a fifth of U.S. neurologists appear unaware of serious drug safety risks associated with various anti-epilepsy drugs, potentially jeopardizing the health of patients who could be just as effectively treated with safer alternative medications.

16 Aug 2013

Medicaid fraud settlement becomes part of Virginia gubernatorial campaign

Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli says he is taking on the IRS over a Medicaid fraud settlement payment from which the state is owed $125 million.

7 Jun 2013

First Edition: June 6, 2013

Today's headlines include a report about a new poll showing public uneasiness is increasing in regard to the health law. At the same time, the White House is stepping up its efforts encourage people to enroll in the health coverage the will be available as a result of the overhaul.

6 Jun 2013

FDA: Migraine prevention medicines taken during pregnancy can impact children’s IQ

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting health care providers and patients that medications including and related to valproate sodium can cause decreased IQ scores in children whose mothers took the medication during pregnancy.

7 May 2013

Roundup: States raise employee insurance contributions to save money; Minn. seeking $80M more for exchange; Selling insurance in malls

Financially strapped state and local governments are saving billions of dollars on health insurance by cutting back on free coverage for employees and raising worker contributions, a USA Today analysis finds. Government workers still enjoy more generous health benefits than privately employed workers but the advantage has narrowed from $1,523 in 2007 to $891 in 2012, adjusted for inflation, federal data show.

25 Oct 2012

Court approves Abbott settlement for wrongly marketing Depakote

The pharmaceutical company will pay $1.5 billion for marketing the drug for non-approved uses.

4 Oct 2012

First Edition: October 3, 2012

Kaiser Health News staff writer Jordan Rau reports: "Medicare's new readmission penalties for hospitals just got a bit tougher. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has discovered errors in its initial calculations in August. As a result, 1,422 hospitals with comparatively high readmission rates will lose slightly more money than they were expecting, according to a Kaiser Health News analysis of the revised penalties. Fifty-five hospitals will lose less than were previously told."

3 Oct 2012

New evidence reveals possibility of mood-enhancing effects associated with some flavors

New evidence reveals the possibility of mood-enhancing effects associated with some flavors, stemming at least in part from natural ingredients bearing a striking chemical similarity to valproic acid, a widely used prescription mood-stabilizing drug, scientists reported here today. This effect joins those previously reported for chocolate, teas and some other known comfort foods.

20 Aug 2012

First Edition: May 8, 2012

Today's headlines include highlights of how congressional action surrounding the budget and the student loan program could impact health policy.

8 May 2012

Abbott to resolve all outstanding issues related to Depakote

Abbott has reached a settlement with U.S. federal and 49 state authorities, plus the District of Columbia, to resolve all outstanding issues regarding a previously disclosed investigation of past sales and marketing practices relating to its neurologic medication Depakote.

8 May 2012