Mothers treated with Epilim calling for inquiry
Mothers who used anti-convulsant medication that caused disabilities in their children are calling for an inquiry.
29 April 2018
Sodium valproate - also known as Epilim - is used to treat epilepsy and other neurological conditions.
Studies in the 1980s confirmed it could cause birth defects, however Medsafe didn't officially advise pregnant women not to use the drug until 2005.
Mother Trish Pringle's two-year-old daughter Danae has multiple health issues due to exposure to Epilim in the womb.
She says her daughter has been in and out of hospital with pneumonia and breathing issues, and she says there needs to be tighter regulation around the medication.
The UK has in the past week moved to further restrict the drug, requiring doctors to ensure women are fully aware of the risks.
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