MPs question government’s failure to collect data on mesh and sodium valproate harms

MPs have called on the government to explain why it is not monitoring the potential transgenerational effects of sodium valproate, despite data suggesting people affected by exposure as an unborn baby could potentially pass on effects to their children.1

The Health and Social Care Committee report looked at what progress has been made in the two years since the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety (IMMDS) review into patients harmed by pregnancy test drug Primodos, epilepsy drug sodium valproate, and pelvic mesh was published.2

It found that only three of the nine main recommendations set out in Julia Cumberlege’s review have been accepted, with three still under review, and three—including a redress agency and schemes to meet the cost of providing additional care and support to those harmed—officially rejected.

The review had …