Families affected by Epilim want inquiry to tell them when risks were first known

OACS Ireland co-founder Karen Keely and her sons Harry, Lorcan, and Lee, were among the families adversely affected by Epilim at the Department of Health yesterday for the announcement that Bríd O’Flaherty will chair the inquiry into the sodium valproate epilepsy drug. Picture: Colin Keegan

Families who gathered to mark the announcement of a chairwoman for the State’s inquiry into sodium valproate epilepsy medication say they want to learn when risks to children were first known.

The medication, sold in Ireland as Epilim, is an effective treatment for epilepsy. However, it is now known that, when taken during pregnancy it can cause birth defects, neurodevelopmental disorders, and autism in children exposed in the womb.