New data report shows significant drop in valproate prescriptions
The latest Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) published this month by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) shows a significant drop in valproate being newly prescribed to females and males between January 2018 and June 2024.
Valproate safety measures were introduced in 2018 for woman and in men since 2024 when the potential harms were identified by the MHRA. Please note that it is important that anyone currently taking valproate should continue to take their medication as prescribed, as not doing so can be life-threatening.
Key data
- Between January-March 2018 and April-June 2024, the proportion of females aged 16-44 newly prescribed valproate fell by 77% and the overall proportion prescribed valproate declined by 56%
- Since the MHRA’s National Patient Safety Alert in November 2023, which introduced measures related to valproate prescribing in females under age 55, new prescribing in females aged 16-44 has fallen by 17% and overall prescribing has fallen by 7%
- The proportion of females, aged 16 to 44 years, newly prescribed valproate as a first line treatment (i.e. as the first medication being used to treat their condition) has decreased from 15% prior to end of April 2018 to 3% from May 2018 to 16 September 2024 in epilepsy
- 29% of female patients, aged 16-44, who were prescribed valproate as a first line treatment for epilepsy prior to end of April 2018 switched to either lamotrigine or levetiracetam without subsequently switching back to valproate.
Males being prescribed valproate
- Between January-March 2018 and April-June 2024, the proportion of males aged 16- 44 newly prescribed valproate fell by 78% and the overall proportion prescribed valproate declined by 14%
- Specifically, there was a 63% decrease in new valproate prescribing in males since the introduction of new measures in November 2023 related to new prescribing of valproate in male patients under age 55 years of age.
- The proportion of males, aged 16 to 44 years, newly prescribed valproate as a first line treatment (i.e. as the first medication being used to treat their condition) has decreased from 29% prior to end of January 2024 to 4% from February 2024 to 16 September 2024 in epilepsy
- 19% of male patients, aged 16-44, who were prescribed valproate as a first line treatment for epilepsy prior to end of January 2024 switched to either lamotrigine or levetiracetam without subsequently switching back to valproate.
Nicola Swanborough, Head of External Affairs at Epilepsy Society said: “While we welcome the reduction in the number of women and men who are being prescribed valproate, the statistics only tell part of the story. It is vital that there is an enhanced care pathway for anyone who is switched from valproate to an alternative medication and that their progress is carefully monitored. Equally, those who might previously have been prescribed valproate as a first line of treatment should be similarly monitored.
“For some, valproate may be the only medication that will control their seizures. It is important that a person is fully aware of the risks and benefits of different treatment options, both for themselves and any future children, so that they can make an informed decision with their doctor.
“We will be asking the MHRA to report more fully on the long-term outcomes for both women and men who are switched from valproate or started on a different medication rather than valproate.”