Valproate Sodium (Depacon) Again Linked to Birth Defects, FDA Warns
Babies exposed to valproate sodium and related products during pregnancy are more likely to develop neural tube defects, craniofacial defects, cardiovascular malformations, and other types of major birth defects, the Food and Drug Administration said.
The FDA has sent a warning letter to neurological and obstetrical healthcare professionals to warn them of the apparent connection between the use of the drugs and birth defects. The agency is telling physicians that they should tell women of childbearing age about the potential risks and explore alternative therapies, particularly if valproate is being used to treat migraines and other conditions which are not generally life-threatening.
The risks of birth defects triggered by valproate treatments are particularly high during the first trimester, when some women may not yet know they are pregnant, the FDA warned.
Valproate sodium, which is marketed under the brand name Depacon, is used to prevent pregnant women from suffering seizures brought on by epilepsy and other disorders. The drug, which also is sold in related forms under the brand names Depakote, Depakote CP, Depakote ER, Depakene, and Stavzor, has been linked to birth defects before.
In April, a new study found toddlers born to mothers who took valproate to treat epilepsy during pregnancy had lower IQs than children of women who took other anti-seizure drugs.
Other recent studies linked valproate use to seizures.
Related posts:
- Valproate Sodium and related products (valproic acid and divalproex sodium): Risk of Birth Defects Audience: Neurological and Obstetrical healthcare professionals The FDA notified health...
- Some Antibiotics Given During Pregnancy Tied to Birth Defects Drugs commonly given to pregnant women to treat urinary infections...
- Antidepressant Paxil Linked to Heart-Related Birth Defects Women who take the popular antidepressant Paxil during pregnancy are...
- Pregnant Women Should Avoid Epilepsy Drug Valproate, Experts Say The anti-seizure drug Valproate should not be taken by epileptic...
- Moms Who Take Epilepsy Drug Valproate (Depakote) Have Children With Lower IQs, New Study Says Toddlers born to mothers who took valproate – also called...
So Valproate sodium is used to treat pregnant women with epilepsy. There is some evidence to suggest that a good treatment for epilepsy is to take a magnesium supplement.
Sadly, Depakote is also used to treat anxiety and depression. Who knows how many ‘off label’ prescriptions are out there to pregnant women for depression!