Red Tape Challenge should be matched by medicines supply chain review
As Health Secretary Wes Streeting launched his Red Tape Challenge to free up more GP time for patients, the Epilepsy Society issued a sharp reminder that resolving medication shortages would also reduce the burden on GP surgeries.
Public Health Scotland issues report on the use of anti-seizure medicines during pregnancy
Epilepsy Society has been campaigning for many years to raise awareness of the risks many epilepsy drugs pose to babies during pregnancy. Public Health Scotland (PHS) has released a new report focusing on the use of anti-seizure medicines (ASMs) among women of reproductive age in Scotland, including those who were pregnant.
Write to your MP about medication shortages
Join our campaign to end medication shortages by asking your MP to write to Health Minister Karin Smyth. Our templated letter is easy to use and will also find your constituency MP according to your postcode. Image ©House of Commons
Lord Darzi review of the NHS
People with epilepsy will recognise many of the points raised by Professor Lord Darzi in his report on the state of the NHS in England.
Heatwaves may increase likelihood of seizures in people with epilepsy
New research has shown that abnormal excitability of the brain in people with epilepsy can worsen during heatwaves. This is some of the first evidence to demonstrate the vulnerability of people with epilepsy to the higher temperatures of climate change.
Men taking valproate and their partners advised to use effective contraception
Men taking valproate and their partners are being advised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to use effective contraception because new data suggests a potential small increased risk of harm to children if valproate is used by a father at conception.