Hi Lynn,
Epival is the same as valproic acid. Valproic acid is a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDAC inhibitor) and these kind of drugs seem to be good when you treat MDS.
The best of the HDAC inhibitors is MGCD0103 (yet - better drugs are coming) but MGCD0103 is not approved for any disease so other HDAC inhibitors are used.
The problem with Epival is that you can get tired but if you take the drug in the evening that could perhaps be a "good adverse effect".
Good luck with your treatment
!
Kind regards
Birgitta-A