How to take Epidyolex

GW Pharmaceuticals

December 20, 2020.

3 min

31 sec watch

This short video is designed to take patients through 10 steps on how to take Epidyolex and what’s in the box. Epidyolex should only be taken as prescribed.

Before taking Epidyolex

Epidyolex should not be taken if a patient is allergic to cannabidiol or any of the other ingredients of this medicine, including: refined sesame oil, alcohol, sucralose (E955) and strawberry flavour (including benzyl alcohol).

For patients with pre-existing liver problems, blood tests may be required to check liver function before taking Epidyolex, as treatment may worsen these conditions.

Taking with food and drink

Taking Epidyolex with food can increase absorption of Epidyolex and should therefore be taken consistently with respect to food (for example, with a meal or within a certain time-span of a meal). Patients should try to take Epidyolex at about the same times each day to result in a consistent effect. Epidyolex is compatible with the ketogenic diet.

With other medicines

Epidyolex can interact with some other medicines, which can affect the way it works. Patients should inform their doctor if taking any of the following:

Other antiepileptic medicines, such as clobazam, valproate, phenytoin, midazolam, stiripentol and carbamazepine
Medicines used to treat the symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn, such as omeprazole
St. John’s Wort (hypericum) - a herbal medicine used to treat mild anxiety
Medicines to treat bacterial infections, such as rifampin, clarithromycin and erythromycin

This list is not exhaustive, and so it’s recommended to refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for all medicines that should be discussed if taking Epidyolex.

Allergy information

Epidyolex should not be taken if allergic to cannabidiol or any of the other ingredients of this medicine. Epidyolex contains refined sesame oil, which may rarely cause severe allergic reactions.

For further information, patients can refer to the Patient Information Leaflet included in the Epidyolex box.

Video Transcript
Epidyolex should always be taken as prescribed. Supplied in the box is a:
- 100 ml bottle of Epidyolex
- 2 x 1 ml oral syringes
- 2 x 5 ml oral syringes 2 x bottle adaptors
- Patient Information Leaflet
Always wash your hands before use.

Step 1: Open the bag containing the correct oral syringe to measure your dose and choose the correct oral syringe. For doses of more than 1 ml (100 mg) use the larger 5ml syringe.

Step 2: Remove the child resistant cap on the bottle by pushing the cap down whilst turning the cap anti-clockwise.

Step 3: Push the bottle adaptor firmly into the neck of the bottle, making sure it’s fully inserted. The adaptor could come off and cause choking if it is not fully inserted.

Step 4: Insert the tip of the correct oral syringe fully into the bottle adaptor, and with the oral syringe in place, turn the bottle upside down.

Step 5: Slowly pull back the plunger of the syringe, so the volume (number of ml) of solution needed is drawn into the syringe. Line up the end of the plunger with the volume marking required. If there is an air bubble in the syringe, push the liquid back into to the bottle whilst keeping the bottle upside down, and repeat Step 5 until the bubble has gone.

Step 6: Turn the bottle the right side up, and carefully remove the oral syringe from the adaptor.

Step 7: Place the tip of the oral syringe inside the cheek, and gently push the plunger to release the medicine. Do not push the plunger forcefully or direct the medicine to the back of the mouth or throat. If the dose is more than 5 ml, repeat Steps 4 to 7 to give the remaining dose using the 5 ml oral syringe.

Step 8: Screw the child resistant cap back on the bottle tightly, by turning the cap clockwise. You do not need to remove the bottle adaptor, as the cap will fit over it.

Step 9: To clean the syringe after use, fill a cup with warm soapy water and draw water in and out of the syringe using the plunger.

Step 10: Remove the plunger from the barrel of the syringe and rinse both parts under tap water. Do not place the oral syringe in a dishwasher. Shake off any water from both parts and allow them to dry in the air until next use. Make sure the oral syringe is completely dry before the next use, or it could make the solution appear cloudy if water gets in the bottle.

If the solution in the bottle has turned cloudy, this doesn’t change how well it works. Continue to use the medicine as normal.

Try to store everything together to avoid losing syringes or the Patient Information Leaflet.