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New report on anti-seizure medicines in pregnancy published by Public Health Scotland

  • Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
  • Type: News Item
  • Published: 8th October 2024

The new report highlights risks and the importance of safer prescribing to protect mothers and babies.

A new report has been released by Public Health Scotland (PHS), focusing on the use of anti-seizure medicines (ASMs) among women of reproductive age in Scotland, including those who were pregnant.

PHS has been working with stakeholders to develop information and intelligence to provide a better understanding of the use, benefits and risks of medicines taken in pregnancy across Scotland, as part of the response to the Baroness Julia Cumberlege Review Report- “First Do No Harm”.  

ALLIANCE Director for Strategic Partnerships, External Affairs and Outreach, Dr Irene Oldfather participated on the Teratogenic Medicines Advisory Group, which informed the report.

The report has a focus on two of these medicines: valproate and topiramate, as informed by MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) and CHM (Commission on Human Medicines) requirements.

The report covers the period from April 2018 to March 2024 and provides crucial insights into the prescribing of valproate and topiramate, both known to carry risks when taken during pregnancy.

The report highlights:

Valproate:

Prescribed to 6,008 women, with 78 pregnancies exposed to the drug. The number of prescriptions has seen a 45% decline since 2018 due to its association with congenital and neurodevelopmental conditions.

Topiramate:  

The figures for topiramate were much higher as it was used by 16,187 women, with 281 pregnancies exposed. The drug is linked to congenital malformations and low birth weight, leading to continued monitoring.

This work emphasises the importance of careful prescribing and monitoring of ASMs in pregnancy to reduce risks to both mothers and babies.

Regarding the release of the report, Dr. Irene Oldfather said:

“Nothing is more important than ensuring patient safety. It’s been great to to work with esteemed colleagues from across Scotland to address the risks associated with anti-seizure medicines in pregnancy. Together, we are making meaningful strides to improve prescribing practices and safeguard the health of both mothers and their babies.”

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