Epidiolex: Uses, indications and precautions when using

This is an automatically translated article.

Seizures caused by certain medical conditions such as Lennox Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, multiple sclerosis... are a relatively special condition. At that time, patients are often assigned to use Cannabidiol for treatment. One of the trade names of this active ingredient is Epidiolex. So what does Epidiolex do?

1. What effect does Epidiolex have?

Epidiolex is used to treat seizures caused by certain conditions such as Lennox Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex - TSC. To date, the mechanism of Epidiolex's anticonvulsant action is unknown. The main active ingredient of Epidiolex is Cannabidiol, which belongs to the cannabinoids class of drugs.

2. Instructions for using Epidiolex

Patients should carefully read the instructions for use and the necessary information provided by the pharmacist before you start taking Epidiolex. Accordingly, Epidiolex is used by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 times per day. The patient can take the medication with or without food, it is important to choose a fixed route of administration for each dose.
The dose of Epidiolex is prescribed based on the patient's medical condition, weight, response to treatment and other medications that the patient is taking. So be sure to talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you are using (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products).
To limit the risk of side effects, the doctor may instruct the patient to start Epidiolex at a low dose and increase it gradually according to the patient's response. Also, if you stop taking Epidiolex, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually before stopping completely.
Patients need to take Epidiolex regularly and continuously to achieve the highest effectiveness. Tell your doctor right away if your condition does not improve or even gets worse after taking Epidiolex.

3. Side effects of the drug Epidiolex

Common side effects of Epidiolex include: sleep disturbances (drowsiness or trouble sleeping), fatigue, lack of energy, decreased appetite, weight loss or diarrhea... If any effect If it persists or gets worse, the patient should promptly inform their doctor or pharmacist.
Some serious but uncommon side effects of Epidiolex require medical attention, including signs of liver damage (such as nausea, vomiting that won't stop, loss of appetite, stomach or abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/ skin, dark urine).
Some patients use anticonvulsants for any medical condition (eg, seizures, bipolar disorder, pain) that can lead to depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or problems other mental/mood.
Notify doctor if patient suddenly shows signs of unusual mood, thoughts or behavior (such as irritability, signs of depression, suicidal ideation/attempts, thoughts about suicide) harm yourself).

4. Precautions when using Epidiolex

Before taking Epidiolex, patients should inform their doctor if they have ever been allergic to cannabidiol or have a history of any other allergic conditions. Talk to your doctor about your medical history before using Epidiolex, especially paying attention to the following conditions:
Liver problems; Mental illness/mood (such as anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts); A personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as substance abuse or drug/alcohol addiction). Epidiolex can make you drowsy, so do not use alcohol, marijuana or any other product that can make you sleepy with Epidiolex. In addition, do not drive, operate machinery or do work requiring alertness when the patient is not safe.
Epidiolex may contain sugar, aspartame or alcohol. Therefore, caution should be exercised if in patients with diabetes, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires restriction/avoidance of these substances in the diet.
During pregnancy, Epidiolex should only be used when absolutely necessary. However, an untreated seizure is a serious condition that can harm both a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, so don't stop taking Epidiolex unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the benefits and risks of taking Epidiolex during pregnancy.
It is not known with certainty that Epidiolex passes into breast milk so consult your doctor before giving it to a nursing mother.

5. Epidiolex drug interactions

Drug interactions can change the way Epidiolex works or increase your risk of serious side effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking Epidiolex with other products that can cause drowsiness, such as opioid pain relievers or cough suppressants (codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, sleeping pills, anxiolytics. (alprazolam, lorazepam), muscle relaxants (carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), antihistamines (cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all medicines taken together with Epidiolex (such as allergy or cough and cold products) as they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness.
Epidiolex may affect some test results (such as cannabis testing). Tests (such as liver function) should be done before starting the drug and while taking Epidiolex.
If a dose of Epidiolex is missed, take it as soon as the patient remembers. If it is almost time for your next dose of Epidiolex, skip the missed dose and take it as usual. Do not double the dose of Epidiolex.
Store Epidiolex in the original container at room temperature away from light and moisture, close the cap tightly and keep it in an upright position. Do not keep Epidiolex medicine in the refrigerator or freezer, do not contain medicine in the bathroom. Keep all medicines including Epidiolex out of the reach of children and pets. Use Epidiolex within 12 weeks of opening the bottle.
Do not flush Epidiolex down the toilet or down the drain, dispose of the product appropriately when it has expired or is no longer needed. Epidiolex is used to treat seizures caused by certain conditions such as Lennox Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex - TSC. In order for the drug to work best, the patient needs to take the drug according to the prescription, when there are abnormal signs, the patient needs to go to the medical center for examination and treatment.

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Reference source: webmd.com