Epilepsy: Pregnancy

(asked on 22nd March 2021) - View Source

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the publication of the Commission on Human Medicines' report, Epilepsy Medicines in Pregnancy on 7 January 2021, what plans he has to ensure greater awareness among health professionals of the risk of physical and neurodevelopmental harm associated with the use of many anti-epileptic drugs taken in pregnancy.


Answered by
Nadine Dorries Portrait
Nadine Dorries
This question was answered on 30th March 2021

The conclusions of the Commission on Human Medicines’ safety review were communicated publicly to support decisions around the best treatment options for girls and women. These communications were issued via the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Drug Safety Update bulletin, an accompanying public assessment report and a patient safety leaflet. A news release and social media accompanied the publication alongside email alerts that targeted relevant healthcare professionals, prescribing publications and professional organisations. The MHRA is working with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Association of British Neurologists to update relevant clinical guidance to reflect the findings of the review. The impact of this review and the uptake of January communications will be monitored and consideration will be given to the need for further communication with healthcare professionals.

Reticulating Splines