Sodium valproate

For many people sodium valproate is effective in controlling epileptic seizures and for some it may be the only medication that works. 

Sodium valproate guidelines

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have announced some important changes to the way that valproate is prescribed. These will affect both men and women under the age of 55 and girls of childbearing age. Find out more

There are various different forms of sodium valproate available, including Epilim, Depakote, Convulex, Episenta, Epival, Kentlim, Orlept, Sodium Valproate, Syonell, Valpal, Belvo and Dyzantil. It may also be called 'valproate' or 'valproic acid'.

You should never stop taking your epilepsy medication without consulting your doctor or neurologist. Suddenly stopping medication could result in seizures.

What are the risks around sodium valproate?

Sodium valproate is associated with risks for babies exposed to the drug during pregnancy. If a baby is exposed to the drug during pregnancy, there is a risk of it being born with physical disabilities and developmental issues. This applies whether valproate is taken alone or in combination with other medicines.

The risk of disabilities such as spina bifida is approximately 10 per cent while studies show that up to 30-40 per cent of babies exposed to the drug in the womb experience delays in their early development such as talking, and/or walking, have low intellectual abilities, poor language skills and memory problems.

Should you stop taking sodium valproate straight away?

You should never stop taking your epilepsy medication without first consulting your doctor. This also applies if you are pregnant. In some circumstances seizures can cause miscarriage, trauma related to falls and may harm your baby. Even if you are not pregnant, seizures can pose a risk to your well being. It is important to seek the advice of your doctor and look at changing slowly to a different medication.

What is the current guidance on sodium valproate?

The MHRA currently recommend that sodium valproate must no longer be prescribed to women and girls of childbearing age, unless they are on a pregnancy prevention programme (sometimes called PREVENT). This is because of the risk of birth defects and developmental disorders for an unborn baby. 

What does this mean for you?

This means that if your doctor decides, in collaboration with you and/or your parent or legal guardian, that sodium valproate is the only medication that will effectively control your seizures, they must also discuss the need to use effective contraception to prevent you from getting pregnant. Before you start to take sodium valproate, you will need to have pregnancy tests.

Depending on the type of contraception that you and your doctor consider to be best, regular pregnancy tests might be needed to make sure you are not pregnant.

Your epilepsy specialist or GP must also invite you for a review of your epilepsy and medication at least once a year. This is an important opportunity to review your treatment and discuss the risks around the medication. You and your doctor will both need to sign a form acknowledging that you have discussed and understand the risks. This confirms that appropriate advice has been given and understood.

Make an appointment to talk to your doctor or specialist and arrange to have a review if you haven't already been invited for one.

What should you do if you are not planning to start a family?

It is still important to have highly effective contraception in place to ensure that you do not become pregnant. Your specialist will explain the options for highly effective contraception. As above, you must have an annual review with your specialist. Depending on the type of contraception you use you may also need to take a regular pregnancy test and sign a risk acknowledgement form.

What should you do if you are planning to start a family?

Make an appointment to see your doctor as early as possible and discuss your treatment options. Never stop taking your sodium valproate or contraception but discuss with your doctor the safest options to ensure your safety and that of any future babies.

What should you do if you are pregnant?

Do not stop taking your medication but make an appointment to see your doctor immediately. You will be able to discuss together the best form of treatment to safeguard the well being of both you and your baby. In some circumstances you may not be able to switch to another medication and your doctor will provide you with more information. You will be closely monitored to ensure you have the best seizure control and to check how your baby is developing.

What should happen if you are prescribed sodium valproate?

• your doctor should talk to you about the risks to babies during pregnancy and the importance of using an effective contraception
• they should ensure you have seen a specialist in the last year
• they should offer you an updated patient information booklet for more information
• both you and your doctor should sign a risk acknowledgement form showing that you have been informed of and understand risks associated with valproate.

When you receive your medication, your pharmacist should:

• show you the warning on the packaging that contains your medication
• make sure you have the patient card and leaflet about sodium valproate
• check that you have seen your doctor to discuss risks and measures for women and girls.

Information produced: January 2024