The NHS has issued urgent guidance for patients taking sodium valproate for epilepsy or bipolar disorder, particularly women who may become pregnant
The NHS has issued urgent guidance for patients taking certain medicines(Image: d3sign via Getty Images)
Specific patients have been advised to get in touch with their GP without delay if they are currently prescribed a widely-used medication. Those on sodium valproate have been cautioned they might need to reach out to their doctor or nurse “urgently”.
This prescribed drug is available under various brand names such as Dyzantil, Epilim, Episenta or Epival.
The treatment has been available for numerous decades and is utilised for managing epilepsy or bipolar disorder. NHS guidance explains: “This medicine is only available on prescription. If you’re under 55 years old, it will need to be prescribed by a specialist doctor.
“The doctor will also need a second opinion from another specialist to show that there is no other suitable treatment for you.”
Sodium valproate comes in various forms including capsules, tablets or as a liquid preparation for oral consumption. It’s also available as granules which can be mixed into food or beverages, reports the Mirror.
Contact your doctor urgently
Nevertheless, certain groups are advised against using this medication, especially expectant mothers. Guidelines on the NHS website caution: “Sodium valproate is not recommended in pregnancy, as it can cause birth defects and problems with your child’s learning and behaviour.
“If there’s a chance you could become pregnant while taking this medicine, your doctor will enrol you on Prevent, the valproate pregnancy prevention programme. If you think you might be pregnant and you’re taking sodium valproate, contact your doctor or nurse urgently.”
Should you be taking this medication for epilepsy or bipolar disorder and find yourself expecting, you must not cease the treatment without first consulting your GP. This is due to the fact that your condition’s symptoms could deteriorate if you discontinue the medication.
The guidance states: “Your doctor may continue to prescribe sodium valproate, but only if there’s no other suitable treatment for your epilepsy or bipolar disorder. For pregnant women with recurrent migraine your doctor should offer you an alternative treatment to sodium valproate.”
Have a conversation with your GP
Gentlemen taking this medication who are considering fatherhood are similarly urged to discuss the matter with their healthcare provider. The recommendation reads: “For men who could possibly have children, it’s important to discuss sodium valproate with your doctor.
“You and your partner should use contraception while you’re taking sodium valproate and for at least three months after stopping. For men who are planning to start a family within the next year, speak to a doctor about your treatment options. Do not stop taking sodium valproate without speaking to a doctor first.”
Effects on reproductive health
Sodium valproate usage can diminish fertility in both males and females. The medication has been documented to trigger infertility in men, though this condition may improve upon discontinuing the drug.
NHS guidelines clearly state: “Do not stop or change your medicine without speaking to your doctor, as it may make your condition worse.”
It’s also noted that the medication can alter a woman’s menstrual cycle.
The advice cautions: “In women sodium valproate can change your menstrual cycle, causing delayed or missed periods. Sodium valproate has also been reported to cause polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), though this happens rarely.
“Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about how sodium valproate may affect your fertility and pregnancy plans.”
(Image: d3sign via Getty Images)