Is Epilim safe during pregnancy?
The use of Sodium valproate (Epilim) is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk to the unborn baby (fetus). Congenital malformations have been estimated to affect between 6.7%1 and 12.4%2 of children exposed to Epilim in the womb.
What birth defects does sodium valproate cause?
Birth defects seen in children whose mothers took valproate during pregnancy include: Spina bifida (where the bones of the spine do not develop properly) Facial and skull malformations (including cleft lip and palate, where the upper lip or facial bones are split)
What are the risk associated with valproate treatment in pregnancy?
The use of VPA as a single drug (monotherapy) in the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with significantly increased risks of major and minor malformations, including a 20-fold increase in neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida, cleft lip and palate, cardiovascular abnormalities, genitourinary defects …
What medication can cause birth defects in pregnancy?
Each of the following drugs or drug groups may cause birth defects in a developing fetus:
- ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors.
- angiotensin II antagonist.
- isotretinoin (an acne drug)
- alcohol.
- cocaine.
- high doses of vitamin A.
- lithium.
- male hormones.
Can epilim cause miscarriage?
Can taking sodium valproate in pregnancy cause miscarriage? One small study has shown that women who took daily sodium valproate doses of 750mg or more were about three times more likely to have a miscarriage than women not receiving epilepsy treatments during pregnancy.
What seizure meds are safe in pregnancy?
Of the new anti-seizure medications, lamotrigine and levetiracetam are the most widely used due to their known safety during pregnancy. Clearance of lamotrigine and levetiracetam doubles during pregnancy compared to before pregnancy.
Can you get pregnant on sodium valproate?
Sodium valproate is not recommended if there’s a chance you could become pregnant. If you’re taking sodium valproate and want to start a family, it’s important to talk your doctor as soon as possible. This is because taking sodium valproate while pregnant can harm your baby.
Which drug may cause fetal facial malformations?
The use of aminopterin during pregnancy can lead to brain abnormalities such as anencephaly, where all or part of the brain is missing, or hydrocephalus, which is a build-up of fluid in the brain. This drug can also cause facial abnormalities such as cleft lip and cleft palate.
How many babies are born with birth defects due to drugs?
Less than 2 to 3% of all birth defects result from drugs that are taken to treat a disorder or symptom. Sometimes drugs are essential for the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus. In such cases, a woman should talk with her doctor or other health care practitioner about the risks and benefits of taking the drug.
What are the safest antidepressants in the first trimester of pregnancy?
SSRIs are generally considered an option during pregnancy, including citalopram (Celexa) and sertraline (Zoloft). Potential complications include maternal weight changes and premature birth. Most studies show that SSRIs aren’t associated with birth defects.
Which seizure medication has the lowest risk of birth defects?
American Epilepsy Foundation President Daniel Lowenstein, MD, tells WebMD the good news from the Pennell study is the very low rate of problems seen with the newer seizure medication Lamictal.
Can seizure medication cause birth defects?
Birth defects — including cleft palate, neural tube defects, skeletal abnormalities, and congenital heart and urinary tract defects — are a few potential side effects associated with anti-seizure medications. The risk seems to increase with higher doses and if you take more than one anti-seizure medication.
Is it safe to take Epilim during pregnancy?
Epilim can be harmful to unborn children when taken by a woman during pregnancy. It can cause serious birth defects and can affect the way in which the child develops as it grows. If you take valproate during pregnancy you have a higher risk than other women of having a child with birth defects.
What kind of birth defects can Epilim cause?
For many years there has been evidence the medicine could cause birth defects such as spina bifida, cleft palate or malformed limbs and organs. Despite that, it’s been prescribed to hundreds, if not thousands, of pregnant women.
What are the most common side effects of Epilim?
Approximately 57 percent of Epilim users report tremors, making this the most common side effect of the drug. Headaches, drowsiness and nausea are also common, occurring in at least 30 percent of users.
Are there any side effects of taking Epilim with valproate?
There are some medications that produce unwanted side effects when used in conjunction with Epilim. Because sodium valproate often causes drowsiness, you should not combine Epilim with other drugs that make you sleepy like narcotics, sedatives and anti-anxiety medications 2.