![Four in ten of most commonly-used epilepsy medications increase baby’s risk of ‘having physical birth defect if taken while pregnant’](https://chadlaw.dnsupdate.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/iStock-504309660-1-740x388.jpg)
19
Jan 2021
Four in ten of most commonly-used epilepsy medications increase baby’s risk of ‘having physical birth defect if taken while pregnant’
A government review has found that four in ten of the most widely used epilepsy medications increase the risk of a baby suffering from a physical birth defect when born if taken while a woman is pregnant.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency analysed ten of the most commonly distributed medicines and found that topiramate (brand name Topamax); carbamazepine (Tegretol); phenytoin (Epanutin) and phenobarbital were all potentially dangerous.
The agency which monitors the safety of health devices and medicines, found that some of the medicines increase the risk of children having learning difficulties as they get older.
The decision to look at whether the medicine was safe came about after anti-epilepsy medication sodium valproate (brand name Epilim) was discovered to increase the risk of developmental problems and birth defects in babies if consumed whilst pregnant.
Louise Cousins, a spokesperson for charity Epilepsy Action, said “Past mistakes must not be repeated. We know that the consequences of women not knowing information such as this can be devastating. No woman or girl should be taking an anti-epileptic medication without them, or their family, being aware of the risks.”
Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.
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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Freephone : 0800 304 7382
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