Valproic Acid Side Effects and Considerations
Serious Side Effects
- Fatal hepatotoxicity is a rare but serious adverse effect, particularly in children under 2 years of age, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics 1
- Thrombocytopenia is a significant concern, especially in patients with brain tumors on chemotherapy, as reported by the Neuro-Oncology society 2, 3
Population-Specific Concerns
- In patients with brain tumors receiving chemotherapy, valproic acid is associated with higher hematologic toxicities compared to other antiepileptic drugs, as noted by the Neuro-Oncology society 2, 3
- Levetiracetam is better tolerated than valproic acid in brain tumor patients, according to the Neuro-Oncology society 2, 4
- There is insufficient evidence to support prescribing valproic acid with the intent to prolong progression-free or overall survival in brain tumor patients, as reported by the Neuro-Oncology society 2
- Fatal hepatotoxicity risk is highest in children under 2 years, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics 1
- Behavioral disturbances, irritability, and sleep disturbances are common in children, as reported by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1, 5