Surrey Heartlands

Joint Formulary & PAD

Sodium valproate (with childbearing potential) - Epilepsy

You are here : Home > Formulary Search > Sodium valproate (with childbearing potential) - Epilepsy

I agree that in using this database I understand that this platform only provides guidance on local prescribing policy and that all prescribing decisions are ultimately the responsibility of the clinician.

Status 1

Amber
Formulations :
  • Crushable tablets
  • Gastro-resistant tablets
  • Modified release tablets
  • Oral solution
  • Tablets
Formulary Status :
Primary Care
ASPH
RSFT
SASH
SABP
Associated Icons :
BNF SPC
Restrictions / Comments :
 

Status 2

Amber
Formulations :
  • Capsules (slow release)
  • Granules (slow release)
Formulary Status :
Primary Care
ASPH
RSFT
SASH
SABP
Associated Icons :
BNF SPC
Restrictions / Comments :
 

Status 3

Red
Formulations :
  • Injection
Formulary Status :
Primary Care
ASPH
RSFT
SASH
SABP
Associated Icons :
BNF SPC
Restrictions / Comments :

Documentation

Guidelines (Local)
Safer prescribing aide memoire for Sodium valproate in women (with childbearing potential) - Sep 2024
Guidelines (National)
Generic anti-epileptic drugs -Use in epilepsy - updated January 2014
Shared Care
Valproate - Shared Care agreement - August 24
Webpage
Pregnancy testing and contraception for pregnancy prevention in patients taking medicines of teratogenic potential - MHRA guidance 2024
Webpage
Valproate easy-read and multi-language patient information leaflets
Webpage
Link to MHRA Pregnancy Prevention programme
Webpage
Link to MHRA advice on switching
Information
Epilepsy in pregnancy - Royal College ObGyn Guidelines Jun16.pdf

PAD Profile

ChemicalSubstance :
Sodium valproate (with childbearing potential)
Indication :
Epilepsy
Group Name :
Keywords :
valproic acid
Brand Names Include :
Epilim, Epilim Chrono, Chronosphere, Episenta, Epival CR, Dyzantil
Important Information :
Pregnancy Prevention Programme required. See MHRA advice
Latest Additions Date From :
Latest Additions Date To :
Guidelines :
Supporting Documents :
8
Traffic Light Entries :
3

Other Indications

Below are listed other indications that Sodium valproate (with childbearing potential) is used to treat.

Other Drugs

Below are listed other drugs that are used to treat Epilepsy.

Committee Recommendations (5)

12 Mar 25 - Surrey Heartlands Medicines Safety Committee (MSC)

An easy read leaflet has been produced in 30 different languages and is aimed at women and people who could become pregnant who are taking valproate. It is downloadable and printable. Valproate - Welcome

12 Mar 25 - Surrey Heartlands Medicines Safety Committee (MSC)

Three infographics have been produced to clarify in which situations review by two specialists may be required for patients who are prescribed valproate:
•    for female patients under 55 years old
•    for male patients under 55 years old
•    for male and female patients 55 years and older

11 Sep 24 - Surrey Heartlands Medicines Safety Committee (MSC)

The Medicine Safety Committee has updated the "Safer Prescribing aide-memoire" for primary care which provides guidance on safe prescribing of sodium valproate (for women of child bearing age) in line with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recomendations. 
It includes a summary of how to manage these patients within primary care, links to clinical resources and searches/ templates available on clinical systems  (EMIS Web and SystmOne)

14 Aug 24 - Surrey Heartlands Medicines Safety Committee (MSC)

The Medicines Safety Committee recommend the MHRA 'Guidance on contraceptive methods and frequency of pregnancy testing to reduce inadvertent exposures during pregnancy in a woman taking a medicine of teratogenic potential' which can be found in the link below.

aide-memoire_table-2024.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)

07 Aug 24 - Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care System Area Prescribing Committee (APC)

The Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care System Area Prescribing Committee have agreed an updated AMBER shared care document for valproate for people of childbearing potential aged under 55 with:

Licensed uses:

  • Epilepsy
  • Treatment of mania in bipolar disorder
  • Continuation of treatment after a manic episode

Off label uses (refer to primary care responsibilities in shared care document for advice)

  • Mood stabiliser in mood disorders and primary psychotic disorders, under the direction of a consultant psychiatrist
  • Prevention of atypical antipsychotic-induced seizures
  • Management of compulsive and aggressive behaviour