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Epilepsy drug raises risk of birth defects, but women were not told, survey finds

Sodium valproate carries a 10 per cent chance of causing physical abnormalities in children born to mothers who take it - PA
Sodium valproate carries a 10 per cent chance of causing physical abnormalities in children born to mothers who take it - PA

Women on a powerful epilepsy drug have not been warned about the dangers of taking in during pregnancy, a survey has found. 

The drug, sodium valproate, carries a 10 per cent chance of causing physical abnormalities in children born to mothers who take it.

Babies exposed to it also have a 40 per cent risk of developmental problems, including autism, low IQ and learning disabilities.

The medicine is prescribed in the UK under brand names including Epilim, Episenta and Epival, and effectively controls seizures in epilepsy sufferers.

About 20,000 children have been harmed by valproate medications since the 1970s and a toolkit was introduced in February last year after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) told watchdogs to improve patient information.

But a survey of 2,000 female epilepsy sufferers conducted over the past month revealed 68 per cent of the 475 polled currently taking the drug had not received any materials from the toolkit - which includes printed warnings in GP surgeries.

It is vital that women with epilepsy get the right information about their care and treatment to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Philip Lee, chief executive at Epilepsy Action

The survey, commissioned by Epilepsy Action, Epilepsy Society and Young Epilepsy, also found one in six of those taking sodium valproate did not know of the risks, while 21 per cent had not had a discussion initiated by a healthcare professional about the issue.

The charities want the Government to change the way repeat prescriptions of the drug are issued for women of childbearing age, saying they should not be routinely renewed for more than a year without a face-to-face consultation - which should include information about the potential dangers.

Philip Lee, chief executive at Epilepsy Action, said: "It is vital that women with epilepsy get the right information about their care and treatment to ensure a healthy pregnancy and minimise the risks associated with sodium valproate.

"Yet these figures suggest that information is not filtering down to women and that conversations about the potential risks are not always happening. 

"Discussions with a health professional about these risks should be a mandatory part of care for all women with epilepsy so they can make informed choices, ideally before they conceive."

The charities advise women taking sodium valproate not to change medicines or dosage without speaking to their doctor.

ABOUT | What is epilepsy?
ABOUT | What is epilepsy?