New sodium valproate information hub launched

03/12/2024

As part of the collaborative effort of the Sodium Valproate Task Force established by Welsh Government, we are pleased to announce that a hub of information focusing on ‘Sodium valproate use by women and girls’ is now available:

• Sodium valproate use by women and girls – Information hub (English)
• Defnydd o sodiwm falproad gan fenywod a marched (Cymraeg)

In response to updates from the MHRA regarding the safe use of sodium valproate in women and girls, this hub compiles a range of useful information on the following:

• The risks associated with taking valproate.
• How the Sodium Valproate Task Force is recommending the safety of valproate prescribing can be improved.
• Current data on the numbers of women and girls prescribed valproate in Wales.
• Resources to support healthcare professionals to prescribe valproate safely.
• The importance of shared decision making when discussing any changes in prescribing with a patient.
• Resources that are currently available for patients to help them understand the risks of taking valproate.
• A new, bilingual patient decision support leaflet developed by Cardiff Metropolitan University that can be used by women and girls with epilepsy and their clinicians to support shared decision-making about valproate use.
• How healthcare professionals can now complete a digital version of the annual risk acknowledgement form for female patients (ARAF), so it can be accessed through the Welsh Clinical Portal.
• Sodium valproate use in men.

AWTTC invites you to explore the hub, make use of the information provided, and if you have feedback or questions please get in touch with awttc@wales.nhs.uk.