What is Epidiolex: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Epidiolex overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Epidiolex

Generic Names:

  • Epidiolex

Uses:

  • Treats seizures in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Anticonvulsant

Forms:

  • Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Epidiolex come in

  • Liquid

What are common Epidiolex doses?

  • Bottle 100ML of 100MG/ML

Common Epidiolex prescriptions

  • Epidiolex
    100ml of 100mg/ml bottle

  • Epidiolex
    60ml of 100mg/ml bottle

How to take Epidiolex

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the bottle in an upright position. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Use this medicine within 12 weeks of first opening the bottle. Throw away any unused medicine after 12 weeks.

  • Take this medicine the same way every day, either with or without food.

  • You may take this medicine using a feeding tube (including nasogastric or gastrotomy tubes) if needed. Do not use it with a tube made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Use a dry syringe each time you take this medicine.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the bottle in an upright position. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Use this medicine within 12 weeks of first opening the bottle. Throw away any unused medicine after 12 weeks.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Use a dry syringe each time you take this medicine.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Take this medicine the same way every day, either with or without food.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • You may take this medicine using a feeding tube (including nasogastric or gastrotomy tubes) if needed. Do not use it with a tube made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Epidiolex contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to cannabidiol or sesame seed oil.

Epidiolex warnings

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Liver problemsChanges in behavior or mood, including thoughts of suicide

  • This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, depression, or a history of alcohol or drug abuse.

Epidiolex interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how cannabidiol works. Tell your doctor if you are using bupropion, caffeine, clobazam, diazepam, diflunisal, efavirenz, everolimus, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, lamotrigine, lorazepam, morphine, phenytoin, propofol, rifampin, sirolimus, stiripentol, tacrolimus, theophylline, tizanidine, or valproate.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Epidiolex side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Depression, anxiety, irritability, hallucinations, trouble sleeping, unusual behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself or others

  • Confusion or unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Diarrhea

  • Drowsiness

  • Drowsiness