An updated Patient Information Leaflet has been published for women and girls that are taking Sodium Valproate (Epilim).
The Patient Information Leaflet has been updated to incorporate further research which has taken place on the potential impacts of the drug if prescribed in pregnancy. If a child is exposed to Sodium Valproate in utero, this can cause serious developmental disorders in 30-40% of cases; while in 10% of cases it can cause congenital malformations for the child.
Approximately 1,600 women are currently taking the drug in Ireland. If you are one of them, please take the time to read the updated materials. Should you have any concerns, please discuss this with your healthcare professionals or get in touch with your local Epilepsy Ireland Community Resource Officer.
The new Patient Information Leaflet can be found here and is also available for download at the end of this article.
There have already been too many families impacted by valproate in the past. As we continue our campaign for an Independent Inquiry on this matter alongside our colleagues in OACS Ireland, it is vital that no more families are affected in the future.
A key aspect to this is ensuring that all those on the drug are in receipt of the full information about the potential impacts.
Finally - please do not stop taking Sodium Valproate (Epilim) without discussing this with your healthcare professional first.
Further Resources:
Information on Sodium Valproate