The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has found that babies fathered by men taking the epilepsy drug valproate are at increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and learning difficulties. This adds to the already known risks for pregnant women taking the drug, which has been associated with major birth defects and led to tighter restrictions on its prescription for women under the age of 55.
A recent study from Scandinavia highlighted that around 5 percent of children born to fathers on sodium valproate developed neurodevelopmental issues, compared to 3 percent whose fathers were on alternative medicines. The risks are even more severe if the mother takes the drug during pregnancy, with up to 40 percent of babies being affected and over 10 percent suffering major birth defects. Men taking valproate are also advised to avoid sperm donation or conception for at least three months after discontinuing the medication.
The warning highlights the continued scrutiny of valproate’s effects on unborn children, with more than 20,000 people in the UK estimated to have been born with health issues due to the drug since the 1970s.
To read about research suggesting that vitamin D may help reduce the frequency of seizures in epilepsy patients, see this news story on our website.
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September 13, 2024UK Drug Regulator Warns Men on Common Prescription Drug Put Unborn Babies at Risk
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Men taking the epilepsy drug valproate have been urged to use contraception by UK health officials due to the risk of birth defects.
[Source: the-sun.com]
[Image source: Adobe Stock]
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The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has found that babies fathered by men taking the epilepsy drug valproate are at increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and learning difficulties. This adds to the already known risks for pregnant women taking the drug, which has been associated with major birth defects and led to tighter restrictions on its prescription for women under the age of 55.
A recent study from Scandinavia highlighted that around 5 percent of children born to fathers on sodium valproate developed neurodevelopmental issues, compared to 3 percent whose fathers were on alternative medicines. The risks are even more severe if the mother takes the drug during pregnancy, with up to 40 percent of babies being affected and over 10 percent suffering major birth defects. Men taking valproate are also advised to avoid sperm donation or conception for at least three months after discontinuing the medication.
The warning highlights the continued scrutiny of valproate’s effects on unborn children, with more than 20,000 people in the UK estimated to have been born with health issues due to the drug since the 1970s.
To read about research suggesting that vitamin D may help reduce the frequency of seizures in epilepsy patients, see this news story on our website.
Dr. Rath Health Foundation
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