Arlene Foster and DUP support Epilepsy Society sodium valproate campaign
Arlene Foster, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party and First Minister of Northern Ireland has pledged her support for Epilepsy Society's campaign to ensure mandatory reviews for all women and girls of childbearing who take sodium valproate.
Jeremy Hunt responds to Epilepsy Society on sodium valproate
On 21 September 2017, Epilepsy Society's chief executive, Clare Pelham, wrote to health secretary Jeremy Hunt asking him to introduce mandatory annual reviews for any girl or woman of childbearing age who is taking the epilepsy drug sodium valproate.
Sodium valproate public hearing - summary report
Following last month's public hearing into the epilepsy drug sodium valproate, the European Medicines Agency(EMA) has now published a full summary report.
Women still not aware of epilepsy medicine risk in pregnancy
Almost 1 in 5 (18%) women currently taking the epilepsy medication sodium valproate do not know it can harm the development and physical health of their unborn child should they become pregnant
more than a quarter (28%) of women taking the epilepsy drug have not been given information about risks for their unborn child
more than two thirds (68%) of women taking the epilepsy drug have not received specially produced valproate materials released in February 2016
Charities call on government to make annual reviews mandatory for women taking the drug
Children affected by sodium valproate
The BBC is planning to run several news broadcasts about the European Medicines Agency (EMA) public hearing into sodium valproate taking place in London on 26 September 2017.
Epilepsy Society's medical director says don't panic over current shortages of epilepsy drugs
No need to panic over current shortages of some epilepsy medications
Swiching between different types of levtiracetam should not be a problem
Switching to a different type of clobazam should be done in consultation with a doctor
Latest update on supply problems