Can you use valproate while pregnant?
Can you use valproate while pregnant?
Valproate products are assigned to Pregnancy Category D. FDA released an Information for Healthcare Professionals communication in December 2009 on the risk of neural tube birth defects following exposure to valproate products during pregnancy.
Why valproate is contraindicated in pregnant mother?
The use of Sodium valproate (Epilim) is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk to the unborn baby (fetus). Congenital malformations have been estimated to affect between 6.7%1 and 12.4%2 of children exposed to Epilim in the womb. The rate of malformations in the general population is 2-3%.
What are the risk associated with valproate treatment in pregnancy?
The use of VPA as a single drug (monotherapy) in the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with significantly increased risks of major and minor malformations, including a 20-fold increase in neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida, cleft lip and palate, cardiovascular abnormalities, genitourinary defects …
Can valproic acid cause birth defects?
The researchers found that six birth defects were more common among children of women who took valproic acid during first trimester than children of women who did not take antiseizure drugs: Spina bifida. Atrial septal defect (a hole in the heart)
What happens if you stop taking valproic acid?
If you suddenly stop taking valproic acid, you may experience a severe, long-lasting and possibly life-threatening seizure. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
Can you just stop taking sodium valproate?
Do not stop taking sodium valproate suddenly, unless your doctor tells you to. You’re unlikely to get any extra symptoms when you stop taking this medicine. However, if you’re taking sodium valproate for epilepsy, it’s possible that you’ll get seizures again once you stop taking it.
How long does it take for sodium valproate to work?
Sodium valproate may take several days to show an initial effect and in some cases may take from two to six weeks for maximum effect. Treatment is started with low doses and may be increased over a couple of weeks according to your child’s response.
What are the long term side effects of valproic acid?
Long-term side effects
- weakness, sluggishness, swelling of the face, loss of appetite, vomiting, or yellowish eyes or skin, especially in a child under 2 years of age (possible liver failure)
- pain in the abdomen, upset stomach, vomiting, or loss of appetite (possible disease of the pancreas)
Are there any restrictions on taking valproate during pregnancy?
The new measures include a ban on the use of such medicines for migraine or bipolar disorder during pregnancy, and a ban on treating epilepsy during pregnancy unless there is no other effective treatment available.
What kind of seizures can you have with valproate?
Epilepsy is a condition characterised by abnormal excessive synchronous neuronal activity in the brain causing seizures [24], and is associated with a variety of neurobiological, psychological, social and cognitive consequences.
Is it safe to take valproate for migraines?
Valproate-containing medicines have been approved nationally in the EU to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder and in some countries for prevention of migraine.
Is it safe to get pregnant on epilepsy medicine?
Keep taking your epilepsy medicine and keep using contraception until you have spoken to your doctor. They can arrange for you to see an epilepsy specialist for advice about planning your pregnancy. If the specialist advises you to change your medicine, they should do this a long time before you become pregnant.