MHRA to look into cases of unsafe epilepsy drug being given to pregnant women

Sodium valproate, associated with birth defects, reportedly being prescribed without proper warnings

• Sodium valproate: what are dangers of epilepsy drug for unborn babies?

Regulators will investigate cases where an epilepsy drug that can cause birth defects has been prescribed without proper warnings, in light of reports that pregnant women in the UK are continuing to be given it.

Sodium valproate is a drug used to treat epilepsy, and is also used in some people with bipolar disorder or migraines. However, it has been associated with a raised risk of birth defects and developmental problems if taken by pregnant women.