Mum seeks epilepsy drug inquiry

The use of a common antiepileptic drug during pregnancy is under the microscope with advocates calling for a Government inquiry looking at the dangers to unborn babies.

Denise Astill, founder of Foetal Anticonvulsant Syndrome New Zealand (FACSNZ), had been trying to get to the bottom of what sodium valproate does to pregnant women and their children.

‘‘When you’ve got two of your own children affected and you’re living and breathing this 24-7 with no reprieve, you want to make sure no-one else has to go through what you’ve been through.’’

Astill said, since 1966, the Ministry of Health had known antiepileptic medicines could cause congenital defects, with research showing that up to four in 10 babies exposed to the drug in the womb could have disabilities.

However, it wasn’t until 2005 that Medsafe – the country’s prescription drug regulator – officially recommended sodium valproate not be used during pregnancy.

Earlier this year, Astill presented the Government’s health select committee with a petition, demanding answers as to why parents were not warned earlier of the dangers the drug posed to unborn babies.

During a committee meeting yesterday, the petition was considered with Medsafe and Ministry of Health representatives on hand to talk through the specifics with MPs and petition supporters.

‘‘This medicine should not be used in pregnancy unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks for that specific patient,’’ Medsafe acting group manager Chris James said.

National health spokesman Michael Woodhouse questioned the benefit-risk argument, calling on more information and data to be provided by James and his team before inquiry.

‘‘I’m not sure we’re in the space where we can be satisfied that the risks are adequately managed by health practitioners.’’ launching a full

Astill was heartened by the committee’s consideration of her petition and its ‘‘thoughtful’’ questions.

‘‘We really want the inquiry so we can get this all started . . . one of the big things that we would love is an apology.’’

Astill said ultimately she wanted the Ministry of Health to monitor the use and side effects of sodium valproate during pregnancy more closely.

‘‘All anti-epileptic medicines carry a risk for an unborn baby, it’s just that sodium valproate carries the most risk . . . we’re not saying come off your medication but it’s about mums giving informed consent and having all the information they need.’’

‘‘You want to make sure no-one else has to go through what you’ve been through.’’ Denise Astill, founder of Foetal Anticonvulsant Syndrome New Zealand