Sodium valproate and pregnancy
Some medicines used to treat epilepsy can pose a risk to an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. Sodium valproate is one of these medicines. Women taking sodium valproate should not become pregnant, because the medicine may harm the unborn baby. It is vital that adequate contraception is used if taking sodium valproate to prevent pregnancy. Your doctor or nurse will provide advice on the best types of contraception.
Medicines for Children have published advice for parents and carers on how to safely give the medicine sodium valproate to children and young people in their care.
This information is available to read here in the advice leaflet “Sodium valproate for preventing seizures“.
We have also published additional advice on the importance of not becoming pregnant whilst taking sodium valproate, due to the risks posed to the unborn baby. In brief our information states:
- Sodium valproate may harm an unborn baby.
- If your daughter has sex, it is essential that she uses contraception to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.
- If your daughter is worried that she may be pregnant, it is important that she sees her doctor as soon as possible.
- Your daughter should keep taking her anti-epilepsy medication until she sees her doctor.
- The oral contraceptive pill can be used safely in women or girls who are taking sodium valproate.
- Do not suddenly stop giving any anti-epilepsy medication to your child, as they may have a seizure.
- If you are worried, talk to your doctor but carry on giving the medicine to your child as usual.
There are two additional advice leaflets on the risks of becoming pregnant whilst taking sodium valproate – one written for parents/carers, and one written for young women who are taking sodium valproate.