A new booklet has been published for women and girls who are taking valproate medicines. Babies born to women taking valproate during pregnancy are at an increased risk of birth defects and developmental disorders.
The booklet can be downloaded here:
http://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/RMM.421.pdf
Guidance says valproate should not be prescribed for women and girls of childbearing age unless it is the only treatment option. In such cases, effective contraception should be used and women taking valproate must have regular reviews of their treatment.
Anyone with questions or concerns about the risks associated with valproate and pregnancy should speak to their doctor.
It is important no-one should stop taking valproate without discussing it first with their doctor.
