Valproate, women, and exceptional circumstances
BMJ 2018; 362 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k3625 (Published 28 August 2018) Cite this as: BMJ 2018;362:k3625- Heather Angus-Leppan, consultant neurologist1,
- Rohit Shankar, consultant in adult developmental neuropsychiatry2,
- Hannah Cock, professor of epilepsy and medical education3
- on behalf of Royal College of Psychiatrists Intellectual Disability Section, the United Kingdom Learning Disability Professional Senate, and 62 signatories
- 1Epilepsy Initiative Group, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- 2Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Bodmin, UK
- 3Atkinson Morley Regional Epilepsy Network, St George’s University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- heather.angus-leppan{at}nhs.net
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) now requires women of childbearing potential who take valproate to provide annual signed confirmation of adherence to the pregnancy prevention programme. The detail that for “for some women with epilepsy, it may not be possible to stop valproate, and they may have to continue treatment (with appropriate specialist care) in pregnancy”1 is crucial and from our experience seems to be sometimes overlooked.
There is international consensus that valproate is a major teratogen, that alternatives should be offered where possible and safe, and that all women for whom it is considered should undergo specialist review. There is also broad acceptance that the decisions should be individualised and that “there are likely to be some women who, even after informed consultation, choose to carry a pregnancy while taking valproate.”234 The MHRA recognises that some women with epilepsy cannot stop taking valproate before or during pregnancy without major risk to the person and the unborn child—frequent convulsions and convulsive status epilepticus are potentially dangerous to both.
In an open letter to the MHRA (box), we have outlined guidance for the exceptional circumstances in which a pregnancy prevention programme is not appropriate, although a risk acknowledgment form would still be required. These include emergency situations; those who make a fully informed decision and whose treating professionals agree that pregnancy prevention is not appropriate; and those with impaired capacity (such as some people with intellectual disability), where a bests interest process has been followed supporting the continuation of valproate. This guidance is endorsed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists Intellectual Disability Section, the United Kingdom Learning Disability Professional Senate, and 62 epilepsy clinicians working in tertiary, secondary, and community care across the country.
MHRA new regulations on valproate use: suggested guidance on exceptional circumstances
The MHRA has issued new regulations regarding the use of …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £173 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£38 / $45 / €42 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.