Sodium valproate and valproic acid

The risk of harm to your baby is particularly high with the valproate medicines sodium valproate and valproic acid. Click here to visit the NHS website to find out more on sodium valproate (opens in new tab) and click here for more information on valproic acid (opens in new tab).

If you're taking a valproate medicine and are planning to get pregnant or find out that you are pregnant, do not stop taking your medicine. See a GP or neurologist immediately to discuss your increased risk and whether this is still the best treatment for you. 

People living with epilepsy who are able to get pregnant must not be given a valproate medicine unless they have enrolled in a pregnancy prevention programme. This is designed to make sure they understand: 

• the risks of taking valproate medicines in pregnancy;
• the need to use effective contraception to prevent pregnancy.

As part of a pregnancy prevention programme, you'll need to: 

• see your consultant at least once a year to discuss your treatment; 
• discuss the risks of your medicine and the importance of avoiding pregnancy;
• sign a form stating you understand the risks to your unborn baby if you take a valproate medicine, and agree to use effective contraception throughout your treatment. 

Your doctor may refer you to contraception services. 

Your doctor will give you an information leaflet to explain more about the risks and how to avoid them. Keep this information in case you need to refer to it again. 

Click here to read more from the Epilepsy Society about sodium valproate (opens in new tab). 

Click here to read more from GOV.UK on valproate use by women and girls (opens in new tab).