What is sodium valproate?

What is Sodium Valproate?

Sodium valproate is a medication still used today to treat conditions such as epilepsy, bipolar disorder and migraines. It is administered by direct slow intravenous injection or by infusion and can take a few weeks to have an effect.

The original intended use, as an epilepsy medication, had largely successful results. In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) estimated that around 20,000 females and 50,000 males were taking valproate for epilepsy in 2021, and many of the adult men on valproate are not under specialist care, as they are seizure free.

Pregnancy and sodium valproate

While sodium valproate was an effective treatment for many people, the effects of the medication on pregnant women and the babies they were carrying, were unknown.

Commonly known by brand names including Epilim, Episenta and Depakote, the drug has the potential to cause Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder if taken by pregnant women. Sodium valproate can cause low folic acid levels and folic acid is necessary for a baby's growth and development in the womb. Women who have low folic acid levels in early pregnancy are much more likely to have a baby with a birth defect of the spine.

If a baby is exposed to Sodium Valproate while in utero, they could be born with physical abnormalities such as:

• cleft lip and palate,
• facial and skull malformations,
• heart defects,
• kidney and urinary tract problems,
• limb defects,
• skeletal malformations.

The drug was introduced to the market in 1974, with guidance for doctors which included a warning about the possible risk of birth defects. Further to this, data on the risks of valproate use during pregnancy was published in academic literature in the 1980s. This research showed a pattern of major and minor congenital anomalies, facial dysmorphic features, and neurodevelopmental difficulties, including cognitive and social impairments had been reported in some children exposed to sodium valproate during pregnancy.

Despite all of this, many pregnant women were not warned by their medical professionals about the potential impact this medication would have on their unborn child.

We are here to help

It is estimated around 20,000 babies have been born with disabilities due to their mothers taking prescribed sodium valproate while pregnant. If you were prescribed Sodium Valproate before and during pregnancy and you believe your child was negatively affected, you may be able to make a claim.

Our medical negligence experts are on hand to support you through your claim and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.