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Valproate Use in Male Patients
Valproate
According to our records, you are receiving a medication called Valproate.
You may know Valproate as another name, this can include: Sodium Valproate, Valproic Acid, Epilim, Depakote amongst others. It is generally used for epilepsy control or as a mood stabiliser.
This notice is to inform you of a change to the safety guidance for this medication. A recent study identified a possible increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children born to men treated with valproate in the 3 months prior to conception, compared to those born to men treated with other types of medication.
Further information on this study can be found on the UK government website
Subsequent updated advice for patients
- it is recommended that you, and any female sexual partner, should both use effective birth control (condoms and another form of female contraception) as a precaution while you are taking valproate and for at least 3 months after stopping valproate
- allow at least 3 months to pass after stopping valproate before trying to father a child
- you should not donate sperm whilst taking valproate and for 3 months after stopping
- if you are considering starting a family, contact you GP surgery in advance to discuss
- if a female partner reports they are pregnant, seek prenatal counselling via the midwife or GP
- do not stop taking valproate unless you are advised to do so by a healthcare professional
You have been directed to this page automatically as, according to our records, you are male with the potential to father a child and are receiving a medication called Valproate.
We have tried, where possible, to exclude this correspondence to men who cannot father a child. We apologise if this has been sent to you if this is the case. Furthermore, we are obliged to inform men of all ages and have taken the decision to include boys from 10 years old.
Care Quality Commission
Rating: Good
Northdown and Dashwood Surgery
158-160 Grange Road
Ramsgate
Kent
CT11 9PR
Telephone: 01843 266322
Armed Forces veteranfriendly accredited
GP practice