December 2020 - We have endorsed updated guidance on valproate use in women and girls of childbearing years
Babies born to mothers who take valproate medicines (Epilim and Depakote) during pregnancy have a 30-40% risk of developmental disability and a 10% risk of birth defects.
Despite to prescribers in January 2015 and February 2016 on the magnitude of this risk and the actions to take, there is evidence that .
Patient Safety Alerts were issued in 2017 asking all organisations to systematically identify women and girls taking valproate. A European review is considering whether further regulatory action is necessary and is due to complete in Spring 2018.
Our resources
Our resource page on sodium valproate use in women and girls of childbearing years links to joint RCPCH and British Paediatric Neurology Association (BPNA) guidance.
Our provides three age-appropriate patient information leaflets on sodium valproate. These cover how to give the medicine and also the risk of harm to a developing baby during pregnancy. These information leaflets are available to share with patients, or with younger patients’ parents or carers.