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Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador
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| Drug Alert Notices | |
Warning Over Links Between Sodium Valproate and Birth Defects
The Committee on Safety of Medicines, the UK government body responsible for ensuring the safety of medication, has issued a warning about women of child-bearing age taking the anti-epileptic drug sodium valproate.
Figures from the UK Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register, issued in October 2002, showed that the risk of birth defects in children born to women taking sodium valproate was two to three times that of women taking other anti-epileptic drugs such as carbamazepine or lamotrigine.
The Committee has advised that:
"Women of childbearing age should not be prescribed sodium valproate without specialist neurological advice Women taking sodium valproate who are likely to become pregnant should receive specialist advice If taken during pregnancy sodium valproate should be prescribed as monotherapy at the lowest effective dose Folic acid supplements prior to pregnancy may reduce the likelihood of birth defects in infants born to women at high risk"
A spokesman for Epilepsy Action welcomed the action taken by the Committee:
"In our ongoing women's campaign, we have strongly encouraged women with epilepsy planning a pregnancy to seek pre-conception counselling, including a clear and understandable explanation of their anti-epileptic drug option during their pregnancy. Women with epilepsy shouldn't take sodium valproate without specialist advice and those already taking the drug should not stop without talking to their doctor first.
"While we realise that for some women sodium valproate is the most appropriate drug to control their condition, we do believe they should all be assessed by a specialist and their medication reviewed. It is important that women are able to make informed choices."
Epilepsy Action News, October 1, 2003
Disclaimer
The materials contained on the Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador website are to provide general information about epilepsy to the public. The information presented is not intended as medical or legal advice. Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador, its employees, board members, medical advisors, volunteers, agents and sponsors do not assume responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions or for the consequences from the use of the information obtained over this site or any links accessed through this site. Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador is not liable for any outcome or damages resulting from information in either a direct or indirect form. We recognize that each individual's experience of epilepsy is different. Consult your physician and/or neurologist with any questions you have.
People with epilepsy should never discontinue anti-epileptic medications or make changes in activities unless specifically advised to do so by an attending physician.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others and use this medication only for the condition prescribed.
