Reference guide
Depakine Chronosphere: supply disruptions and what France has
In early 2026 the media reported a shortage of Depakine Chronosphere in Russia. This page gathers the manufacturer’s dated statements, what the medicine is and what the French BDPM database lists. This is a reference, not a recommendation: only a neurologist prescribes or changes an antiepileptic.
Published 2 November 2026.
What is known about the shortage
On 3 February 2026 GxP News, citing Kommersant, reported a shortage of Depakine Chronosphere. Sanofi confirmed that the medicine was available in Russia in limited quantities because of temporary production capacity constraints, said it had notified Roszdravnadzor and was working to restore supply. According to RNC Pharma, 707,000 packs entered circulation in January–November 2025, 3.6 times fewer than a year earlier.
The manufacturer gave no date for restoring supply. LekInfo does not track stock in Russian pharmacies.
What Depakine Chronosphere is
Depakine is Sanofi’s valproic acid antiepileptic, also used in bipolar disorder. Chronosphere is prolonged-release granules of sodium valproate and valproic acid in sachets of several strengths. This form is often prescribed for children.
What France has
BDPM lists no medicine named Depakine Chronosphere. Prolonged-release granules of sodium valproate and valproic acid in sachets by the same manufacturer are registered in France as Micropakine L.P.: 100, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg.
France also has Depakine Chrono 500 mg (prolonged-release tablets), Depakine 200 and 500 mg (gastro-resistant tablets), a syrup and an oral solution.
The granules face disruptions in France too: according to BDPM on 1 November 2026, the Micropakine L.P. 500 mg page carries an ANSM supply-tension notice, and the 250 and 1000 mg pages a notice that supply has resumed after an interruption. Each package page shows the current status.
How valproate prescribing is restricted in France
Because of the risk to the child when taken during pregnancy, valproate prescribing in France is restricted. According to BDPM, the initial prescription is made by neurologists or paediatricians; for girls and women who can become pregnant it is renewed every year. The doctor and the patient sign an information form every year, and the pharmacy dispenses only after checking it. For adolescent boys and men who can father children the initial prescription is also made by a specialist.
A manager clarifies during the consultation which documents your case needs.
What to do if Depakine Chronosphere is missing
Steps that help avoid interrupting treatment.
- Do not stop or change an antiepileptic on your own: a neurologist decides.
- Check other pharmacies; ask the pharmacy to place a subsidised prescription on deferred service.
- Discuss the options with a neurologist: another strength, another valproate form or another medicine. Prolonged-release and immediate-release forms are not automatically interchangeable.
- Check the State Register of Medicines (GRLS) for the valproic acid medicines registered in Russia.
- If no suitable option exists in Russia, a LekInfo manager checks the BDPM details and French dispensing conditions free of charge.
What France has
Micropakine L.P.
sodium valproate + valproic acid, prolonged-release granules
The same manufacturer (Sanofi), the same form. Initial prescription by a neurologist or paediatrician, List II.
Sachets of 100, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg. Some strengths carry ANSM supply notices in France — see the package page.
Depakine Chrono 500 mg
sodium valproate + valproic acid, prolonged-release tablets
Another form of the same range. Initial prescription by a neurologist or paediatrician, List II.
Scored tablets, 30 per pack. Only a neurologist switches a patient from granules to tablets.
Depakine
sodium valproate
Immediate-release forms. Initial prescription by a neurologist or paediatrician, List II.
Gastro-resistant tablets of 200 and 500 mg, a syrup and an oral solution.
See also
Questions and answers
Why is Depakine Chronosphere missing?
In February 2026 Sanofi attributed the limited availability in Russia to temporary production capacity constraints. According to RNC Pharma, 3.6 times fewer packs entered circulation in 2025 than a year earlier.
When will Depakine Chronosphere be back?
The manufacturer has given no date. LekInfo does not track supplies to Russia.
Is Depakine Chronosphere sold in France?
BDPM lists no medicine under that name. Granules with the same active ingredients by the same manufacturer are registered in France as Micropakine L.P. in strengths from 100 to 1000 mg.
Can Depakine Chrono tablets replace the granules?
Only if a neurologist decides so. The forms differ, and the doctor recalculates the regimen.
What does valproate prescribing in France require?
A neurologist or paediatrician makes the initial prescription; for girls and women who can become pregnant it is renewed every year together with a signed information form. The pharmacy checks the form before dispensing.
How do I get a consultation about Micropakine L.P.?
Send a manager a request with the medicine and the strength from your prescription. They check the BDPM details and French dispensing conditions free of charge and explain the possible ways to obtain it.
This is reference information, not medical advice, advertising or an offer to sell. Only a neurologist prescribes or changes an antiepileptic. Sources: Kommersant and Sanofi (GxP News, 3 February 2026), BDPM (ANSM).