Divalproex and Kinrix

• Generic Name: divalproex sodium
• Dosage Forms: tablet, film coated, extended release
• Other Brand Names: Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles, Depakote, Depakene, Depacon

Divalproex sodium affects chemicals in the body that may be involved in causing seizures.

Divalproex sodium is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. Divalproex sodium is sometimes used together with other seizure medications.

Divalproex sodium is also used to treat manic episodes related to bipolar disorder (manic depression), and to prevent migraine headaches.

Divalproex sodium may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: diphtheria toxoid / pertussis, acellular / poliovirus vaccine, inactivated / tetanus toxoid
• Dosage Forms: injection, suspension
• Other Brand Names: Kinrix, Quadracel

Kinrix is a diphtheria, pertussis acellular, tetanus, and polio vaccine. Diphtheria, pertussis acellular, polio, and tetanus are serious diseases caused by bacteria or virus.

Diphtheria causes a thick coating in the nose, throat, and airway. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, or death.

Pertussis (whooping cough) causes coughing so severe that it interferes with eating, drinking, or breathing. These spells can last for weeks and can lead to pneumonia, seizures (convulsions), brain damage, and death.

Polio affects the central nervous system and spinal cord. It can cause muscle weakness and paralysis. Polio is a life threatening condition because it can paralyze the muscles that help you breathe.

Tetanus (lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the victim cannot open the mouth or swallow. Tetanus leads to death in about 1 out of 10 cases.

Diphtheria, pertussis, and polio are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through a cut or wound.

Kinrix is used to help prevent these diseases in children who are ages 4 through 6 years (before the 7th birthday) who have received prior vaccination with a DTaP and IPV series.

Kinrix works by exposing your child to a small dose of the virus, bacteria or a protein from the bacteria, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Like any vaccine, Kinrix vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.