EMA probing developmental risks to children of fathers taking epilepsy drug

Karen Keely founder of OACS Ireland, (Organisation Anticonvulsant Syndromes Ireland) an advocacy group for families affected by sodium valproate prescribed during pregnancy. Picture: Moya Nolan

The European Medicines Agency is evaluating a study that could point to an increase in the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders among children whose fathers were treated with an epilepsy drug.

Patients in Ireland have been urged by health authorities and advocates not to stop taking valproate, sold in Ireland as Epilim, without consulting their doctors.