Families to consider terms of inquiry into controversial epilepsy drug

Theresa Byrne and her daughter, Ellie, at their home near Roundwood, Co Wicklow. Picture: Moya Nolan

Families affected by the prescribing of sodium valproate to pregnant women are deciding if they will accept terms proposed for an inquiry, following a frank meeting with Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.

This will relate to the use of a prescription drug, Epilim, that contains sodium valproate, and which is commonly-prescribed for people with epilepsy. It can harm a foetus, when taken by pregnant women.