According to a study published in the August 8, 2006 issue of Neurology, the epilepsy drug valproate has a higher risk for fetal death and birth defects than other commonly used epilepsy drugs.

Among other drugs (phenytoin, carbamazepine and lamotrigine) tested in the study, valproate was found to have the highest risk to the fetus with over 20 percent of the pregnancies exposed to valproate resulting in death or birth defects such as skull and limb deformities and brain, heart and lung problems.

"The evidence is compelling that valproate poses a higher risk of birth defects than other commonly used epilepsy drugs," said study author Kimford Meador, MD, of the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida and a fellow at the American Academy of Neurology.

"Unfortunately, many doctors and pregnant women aren't aware of the risks."

The study author, Dr. Meador is recommending doctors to talk with their patients about the risks associated with valproate when choosing an epilepsy drug for women of child-bearing age while patients already taking valproate should also be advised of the risk.

According to Meador:

"Although valproate will continue to be an important treatment option in women who aren't able to use other epilepsy drugs, we're advising valproate not be used as the drug of first choice for women of child bearing potential, and when used, its dosage should be limited if possible."

Pregnant women taking epilepsy drugs are being asked to join the North American Pregnancy Registry, which is seeking additional information on the risks associated with pregnant women taking valproate. Women can sign up for the North American Pregnancy Registry by calling toll-free (888)-233-2334.

Women outside of North America can ask their physician about enrolling in the EURAP Registry.

Source: American Academy of Neurology